Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Mong-koo called for heads of overseas corporations to prioritize enhancing internal stability amid the unfavorable global market conditions.

His remarks come during a meeting of overseas corporations’ presidents from countries such as the U.S., China and India with the Hyundai-Kia staff at their headquarters in Seoul.

Chung was quoted by a Hyundai executive as saying that “Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors have posted great performances. The global automotive industry could be undermined. Hyundai and Kia cannot be an exception.”

The chairman said it was important for staff not to settle for the present performances to cope with the uncertainties.

His remarks are in line with the group’s road map to catch up with European and Japanese carmakers by offering cars with advanced quality.

“Beyond the products which simply satisfy consumers, it is time for us to touch their heart by providing them with best level-quality products,” he has continued to stress this year.

“Should we be satisfied with the present performances, I believe there will be no further development,” he said.

Chung also said he is certain that the group’s current capability far surpasses its performances over the past decade.

He also stressed to put more efforts in providing satisfactory after-sales services to customers.

For the sustainable growth, company executives said, Hyundai-Kia’s overseas operations are considering pushing for productivity rather than establishing additional factories.

Hyundai Motor Group vice chairman Chung Eui-sun, Chung’s son, has also said Hyundai’s biggest challenge is to secure competitiveness in terms of quality in order to improve the brand image.

As seen from earlier examples (at Toyota Motor), quality issues should be prevented from occurring in the first place,” he said.

By Kim Yon-se (kys@heraldcorp.com)