Midrand, 13 November 2025
Hyundai Automotive South Africa marked a momentous milestone in its history with a prestigious Gala Dinner at Gallagher Estate, celebrating 25 years of growth, innovation and customer excellence. The event brought together Hyundai’s global and local leadership, former executives, government representatives and key corporate partners — all united in recognising how an unfamiliar brand in 2000 became one of South Africa’s most trusted and progressive automotive names by 2025.
Representing Hyundai Motor Company, Bryan Park, Vice President of Hyundai Middle East and Africa, commended Hyundai Automotive South Africa for its enduring performance and resilience in an industry that continues to transform at an unprecedented pace.
“Over these 25 years, our shared trust and collaboration have built the foundation for Hyundai’s strong and enduring presence in this market,” said Park. “We are not just business partners — we are growth partners. Together, we navigate change and adopt a customer-first mindset.”
Reflecting on Hyundai’s formative years, Alan Ross, the company’s first CEO in South Africa, delivered an inspiring address that recalled the brand’s humble beginnings and its bold vision to challenge the status quo.
“We started small, but we dreamed big,” Ross shared. “What we achieved was not just about selling cars but about building a brand that South Africans could believe in.”
Although unable to attend in person, Niall Lynch, who succeeded Ross as CEO, shared a heartfelt pre-recorded message expressing pride in Hyundai’s sustained success and gratitude to every employee for their continued dedication. The evening also paid tribute to Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, CEO from 2023 to 2025, who was recognised for his leadership in maintaining strong sales performance and advancing Hyundai’s reputation for reliability and customer service.
Ockert Janse van Rensburg, CEO of Motus Holdings, reflected on the company’s impressive growth trajectory, crediting Hyundai’s people-first philosophy as a driving force behind its success.
“Performance is at the heart of Hyundai’s success, and part of this philosophy is about the hunger to continuously improve,” he said. “Our biggest success is through continuous investments in our employees.”
In his keynote address, Stanley Anderson, current CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, celebrated the brand’s remarkable journey and its unwavering commitment to customers.
“Our success is not the result of one moment or one person but a result of teamwork, trust and the belief that we can always do better,” said Anderson. “From humble beginnings to becoming one of South Africa’s leading automotive brands, Hyundai’s story is one of resilience, innovation and shared purpose.”
Over its 25-year journey, Hyundai Automotive South Africa has reached several defining milestones — from the launch of the game-changing Hyundai Getz, to proudly sponsoring the 2010 FIFA World Cup, celebrating the Hyundai Elantra being named South African Car of the Year, and pioneering the industry with the introduction of the seven-year/200,000km warranty.
As Hyundai looks toward the future, Anderson reaffirmed the company’s vision of continued excellence across every facet of the business — from product innovation and customer satisfaction to aftersales care and community development.
“We have achieved much, but our journey of progress never stops. The next chapter for Hyundai South Africa will continue to be guided by innovation, integrity and an unrelenting focus on our customers.”
The evening at Gallagher Estate served as both a celebration of Hyundai’s proud legacy and a powerful statement of intent — a brand that continues to move South Africa forward, one milestone at a time.
