Los Angeles, CA – In a significant recognition of automotive leadership, José Muñoz, President of Hyundai Motor Group, has been named MotorTrend's 2025 Person of the Year. This prestigious accolade places José Muñoz at the pinnacle of the automotive industry, surpassing influential figures such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Muñoz's selection is a testament to his exceptional leadership and strategic vision, which have propelled Hyundai's North American division to unprecedented sales success. Since joining Hyundai in 2019 as Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President of North and South America, Munoz has been instrumental in driving the company's steady growth.
"José Muñoz's impact on Hyundai has been nothing short of transformative," said a representative from MotorTrend. "His ability to navigate a complex and rapidly evolving automotive landscape, while delivering record-breaking sales, is truly remarkable."
Under Muñoz's leadership, Hyundai's North American sales surged to 801,200 units in 2023 and further increased to 836,802 units in 2024. These impressive figures underscore his effectiveness in executing Hyundai's strategic initiatives, which include a strong focus on SUVs, electric vehicles (EVs), and enhancing dealer relations.
Muñoz's career before Hyundai includes high level positions at Nissan, where he also had a very successful track record. His experience has proved to be a valuable asset to Hyundai.
Hyundai's continued success is further highlighted by its strong showing in MotorTrend's 2025 Power List. Following Muñoz at the top are Elon Musk, Donald Trump, General Motors Chairman Mary Barra, and Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe. This marks the third time a Hyundai Motor Group executive has received this honor, following Peter Schreyer in 2020 and Euisun Chung in 2023, demonstrating the company's growing influence in the global automotive sector.
MotorTrend, a leading American automotive magazine founded in 1949, publishes over one million copies monthly, both in print and online. Its annual Power List, which ranks the 50 most influential figures in the automotive industry, is highly regarded.
"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition," said José Muñoz. "This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire Hyundai team. We remain committed to delivering innovative and high-quality vehicles that exceed our customers' expectations."
Looking ahead, Hyundai aims to further solidify its position in the market by continuing to invest in EVs and sustainable mobility solutions. As the automotive industry undergoes a rapid transformation, Muñoz's leadership will be crucial in guiding Hyundai towards continued success.
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