"Moving Forward" - Interview with Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech s.r.o.

Interview for the TOP Responsible Company 2024 bulletin

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech s.r.o. - Partner of TOP Responsible Company 2024

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech is among the companies that have long been committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability. What priorities or challenges do you consider essential in the context of responsible and sustainable business, given the nature of your company? Hyundai is a major global company in the automotive industry. In the main category of TOP Responsible Large Company 2024, Hyundai ranked among the top ten companies and received the title of TOP Responsible Large Company – advanced.

Corporate social responsibility is an integral part of our DNA. As a global player, we recognize the challenges ahead and understand that local stability is key to sustainable business.
Our main areas of interest naturally include monitoring and reducing our carbon footprint, maintaining a responsible and stable supply chain, and fostering a circular economy. We actively communicate with stakeholders and integrate sustainability principles into all our processes and corporate culture. Our employees and regional development are also our priorities. We believe that responsible and sustainable business is the key to the future of the automotive industry.

A major challenge of our time will not only be the "green transition" but also the competitiveness of the Czech Republic and the entire EU. Innovation will undoubtedly be a key factor. Your company is a trendsetter in innovative solutions. What are your plans or priorities in the field of innovation?

Our innovation plans focus on automation and digitalization of production, particularly on the development of electromobility. To maintain competitiveness, it is crucial for all manufacturing companies, not just in the automotive sector, to have a stable and flexible supply chain. That is why we converted our Transmission Plant into a Battery Plant, as localizing components for the development of electromobility is key for us. Our employees work with modern technologies and are the driving force behind all innovations. Therefore, we systematically educate and develop them. For example, this year, we conducted a large-scale training campaign focused on the effective use of Microsoft 365 tools. We also support young talents through internships across production and administration.

The social dimension cannot be overlooked in responsible and sustainable business. The transition to a "green economy," new technologies, and digitalization require sufficient inclusion and social sustainability. How are you preparing for this?

Corporate social responsibility is very important to us, and we actively develop it. Initially, we drew inspiration from our Korean parent company, which also places great emphasis on social responsibility. Currently, we have our own CSR strategy that fully reflects the needs of our region and surrounding communities. In response to these communities and emerging trends, we are expanding existing programs and partnerships while launching new initiatives, such as a grant program supporting the development of electromobility and traffic safety. We believe that social sustainability should be a common goal for all, which is why we organized a roundtable this year for responsible companies and non-profits in our region on the topic of CSR. Not only innovation but also collaboration is key to a successful and fair transition to a more sustainable future.

Sustainability and responsibility are increasingly being discussed in connection with major innovations such as artificial intelligence, continued robotization, and more. Do you think a responsible and sustainable approach should also be applied here?

Absolutely. Artificial intelligence, robotization, and other technologies must be developed and used wisely. The key is to ensure that these innovations adhere to ethical principles, remain transparent, and minimize negative impacts on society and the environment. A crucial topic in this regard is cybersecurity, which we actively address by organizing training and related activities. At the same time, we focus on the sustainable integration of these technologies into our processes.

What do you see as the benefits of competitions like TOP Responsible Company for you and other businesses?

TOP Responsible Company is a great opportunity for inspiration and sharing best practices among businesses. For us, it is a way to receive valuable feedback, be part of a community of responsible companies, and have the chance to meet and exchange experiences. The competition also motivates other companies to engage more in these topics, contributing to an overall shift towards responsible business practices in the Czech Republic.

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech s.r.o.