Hyundai Motor Group Joins Forces with the APEC Summit, a Global Diplomatic Showcase
- Hyundai Motor Group
- 2025.11.07
- 분량11min
- 조회수 2,707Views
Hyundai Motor Group is providing official vehicles for the 2025 APEC Leaders’ Meeting, a global event drawing the world’s attention. This marks another milestone in the Group’s enduring role as a trusted partner in international diplomacy.
- HMG’s Official Debut on the Global Diplomatic Stage – ASEM Seoul 2000
- Elevating Korea’s Automotive Prestige – APEC Busan 2005
- Showcasing Eco-Friendly Technology and Sustainability – G20 Seoul 2010
- Chosen Two Years in a Row – Hyundai Motor Group at the G20 Leaders’ Summit
- Expanding Presence Across the Global Diplomatic Arena
- Promoting Korean Automobiles Across the African Continent
- Carrying Korea’s Automotive Excellence to the 2025 APEC Leaders’ Meeting
- Hyundai Motor Group – Korea’s Automotive Diplomat on the Global Stage
After two decades, the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Leaders’ Meeting returns to Korea. Taking place in Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1, the 2025 APEC Leaders’ Meeting (APEC 2025 Korea) will draw global attention as a key diplomatic event. As the need for stronger international collaboration grows, leaders and representatives from 21 member economies will gather to discuss pressing issues in trade, diplomacy, and sustainable global growth.
Hyundai Motor Group is supporting the APEC Leaders’ Meeting and the Joint Ministerial Meeting on Foreign Affairs and Trade, key gatherings on this year’s global diplomatic calendar. To ensure the comfort of leaders and delegates and contribute to the success of the event, the Group is providing Genesis G90 and G80, along with Hyundai’s Universe Hydrogen Electric Bus and Universe Mobile Office.
The official vehicle fleet provided by HMG for this event consists of 192 units in total. The lineup includes 113 Genesis G90 sedans for heads of state and their spouses, 74 G80 sedans for ministerial delegates, three Hyundai Universe Hydrogen Electric Buses, and two Universe Mobile Offices.
HMG’s role at this year’s APEC meeting continues a long tradition. As Korea’s foremost automotive brand, the Group has provided vehicles for world leaders and distinguished guests at major international diplomatic events held both in Korea and abroad since the early 2000s.
HMG has supported a number of major diplomatic events in recent years by providing official and operational vehicles, including the 2024 Korea–Africa Summit (Seoul), the 2023 G20 New Delhi Summit (India), the 43rd ASEAN Summit (Jakarta), the 56th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (Incheon), and the 2022 G20 Bali Summit (Indonesia).
Supplying official vehicles for high-profile global summits carries special significance. For luxury marques such as Genesis, it serves as a symbol of trust and prestige—reflecting the confidence placed in the brand to provide safety, comfort, and distinguished dignity for the world’s leaders.
Official vehicles also serve as symbols of national prestige, particularly at gatherings that bring together leaders from around the world. Through years of service at major international events, HMG has elevated the reputation of Korea’s automotive industry and technological excellence. The Group’s journey since 2000 reflects its continued commitment to showcasing Korean automobiles on the global stage.
HMG’s Official Debut on the Global Diplomatic Stage – ASEM Seoul 2000
HMG’s active participation in global diplomacy as an official vehicle provider began with the Asia-Europe Meeting Seoul 2000 (ASEM Seoul 2000), held on October 20–21 at the COEX Convention Center within the Korea World Trade Center. Established in 1996, ASEM serves as a forum to promote cooperation between Asia and Europe in fields such as culture, economy, politics, diplomacy, education, and the environment. The third summit was held in Seoul as part of its biennial rotation between the two regions.
ASEM’s membership at the time included ten Asian countries, fifteen European countries, and the European Union. The Seoul summit brought together heads of state and distinguished delegates from both continents, placing Korea at the center of global attention in October 2000. As the nation’s first major diplomatic event of the new millennium, HMG provided a total of 294 vehicles—including 131 passenger cars and 163 vans and trucks—with Hyundai Equus Limousines among them, used by leaders from thirteen countries.
The Hyundai Equus Limousine, in particular, made a strong impression on the international stage, ensuring the smooth transport of world leaders. Featuring Korea’s first-ever V8 engine and representing the pinnacle of national automotive engineering, it stood as a symbol of technological pride. In addition, Equus, Grandeur XG, and Dynasty models provided for first ladies and ministers helped establish HMG’s premium image worldwide.
Elevating Korea’s Automotive Prestige – APEC Busan 2005
Held in Busan on November 18–19, 2005, the APEC Leaders’ Meeting served as a defining moment that showcased the advanced quality and growing global competitiveness of Korean automobiles. Throughout the event, leaders from all 21 APEC member economies, senior ministers, and private-sector delegates experienced HMG’s key models as official vehicles. As one of the largest international diplomatic gatherings ever hosted in Korea, the Busan APEC Summit saw HMG provide a total of 429 vehicles, reaffirming its full commitment as the nation’s leading automaker.
This marked the largest fleet of official vehicles HMG had ever provided for an international conference at the time. A total of 42 Hyundai Equus Limousines were prepared for the leaders of the 21 APEC member economies, including U.S. President George W. Bush, Chinese President Hu Jintao, and the leaders of Canada, Japan, and Australia. Supporting them were Equus, Grandeur, and Sonata sedans for minister-level officials, along with a fleet of SUVs and commercial vehicles that ensured smooth and efficient operations for accompanying staff.
HMG’s involvement in the 2005 APEC Leaders’ Meeting went beyond scale—it was symbolic. By expanding the number of flagship Equus sedans to 74, the Group was able to showcase Korea’s advanced automotive technology and strengthen its premium brand presence. Images of APEC leaders traveling in HMG vehicles were broadcast around the world, further elevating the global stature of Korea’s automotive industry.
Showcasing Eco-Friendly Technology and Sustainability – G20 Seoul 2010
In the 2010s, Korea once again hosted a milestone in global diplomacy—the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which brought together the heads of the world’s most powerful economies. The 2010 G20 Seoul Summit was held at COEX in Seoul from November 11 to 12, 2010. It garnered particular attention as the first G20 summit ever hosted by a non-English-speaking Asian nation, following the G7 members—the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada—as the only previous hosts.
Under such global scrutiny, every aspect of the 2010 G20 Seoul Summit drew worldwide attention—including the official vehicles used by the leaders throughout the two-day event. Despite strong bids from imported brands such as BMW, Audi, and Chrysler, the second-generation Hyundai Equus Limousine was ultimately chosen as the official state vehicle, embodying the pride and excellence of Korea’s automotive industry.
During the 2010 G20 Seoul Summit, HMG provided a total of 172 official vehicles, including the Hyundai Equus Limousine, Grand Starex, Kia Mohave, and Grand Carnival, which were used for protocol duties and security operations. The Group also deployed a maintenance support team of more than 70 skilled technicians, dedicating its full expertise to ensuring the seamless operation and success of this global event.
Another highlight of the summit was the inclusion of a substantial number of eco-friendly vehicles. The lineup featured 10 Hyundai BlueOn electric vehicles, 14 Kia Mohave hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, 4 electric buses, 3 hydrogen fuel cell buses, and 1 Aero Town bus—a total of 32 eco-friendly models that operated on-site throughout the event. This reflected HMG’s evolution into a global mobility brand driven by eco-friendly innovation and a commitment to sustainability.
Chosen Two Years in a Row – Hyundai Motor Group at the G20 Leaders’ Summit
More than a decade after the 2010 G20 Seoul Summit, HMG’s role as an official vehicle provider continued to stand out on the global stage. At the 2022 G20 Bali Summit, held in Indonesia on November 15–16, the Genesis Electrified G80 was selected as the official vehicle for world leaders. The Group supplied a total of 393 vehicles, including 87 Electrified G80 sedans, 44 long-wheelbase versions developed exclusively for the event, and 262 Hyundai IONIQ 5 models.
HMG’s selection over leading global automakers to supply official vehicles for an overseas G20 Summit carries profound significance. Held under the theme “Recover Together, Recover Stronger,” the 2022 G20 Bali Summit focused on building a sustainable future and restoring normalcy in the post-pandemic era. The inclusion of Genesis and Hyundai’s latest electrified models as official vehicles underscored HMG’s world-class leadership in sustainable and eco-friendly mobility.
HMG extended its distinguished role to the 2023 G20 New Delhi Summit, where the Genesis G90 and G80 were selected as official vehicles for the second consecutive year. Notably, Genesis was chosen despite not being sold in the Indian market, underscoring the global recognition of HMG’s prestige and brand image on the international stage.
This consecutive selection for the G20 Summit served as a clear testament to the remarkable progress of Korea’s automotive industry. The selection of HMG’s premium and eco-friendly models as official vehicles for world leaders demonstrated how Korea’s most refined and sustainable automobiles have become recognized and trusted worldwide.
Expanding Presence Across the Global Diplomatic Arena
Beyond the G20 Leaders’ Summit, HMG has supported a wide range of global diplomatic and economic events by providing official vehicles to ensure their success. One notable example was the 56th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), held from May 2 to 5, 2023, at Songdo Convensia in Incheon. Established in 1966, the ADB is an international financial institution that promotes economic development and cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region, with 68 member countries including Korea, the United States, China, and Japan.
The 56th Annual Meeting of the ADB brought together more than 5,000 participants in Songdo, Incheon—including finance ministers from member nations, central bank governors, financial executives, representatives of international organizations and NGOs, and members of the press. HMG supported the event with 54 electrified models, including the Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kia EV6. Throughout the meeting, thousands of attendees experienced HMG’s latest dedicated EVs, demonstrating the excellence and sustainability of Korean mobility innovation to a global audience.
On May 29–30, 2023, the Korea–Pacific Islands Summit was held in Seoul and Busan. As the first-ever summit between Korea and the Pacific island nations, it served as an opportunity to expand cooperation and strengthen partnerships on the global stage. Leaders from all 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)—including 14 Pacific island countries, two French territories, Australia, and New Zealand—attended the event, along with the PIF Secretary-General. To support the summit, HMG provided 46 Genesis G90 sedans as official vehicles, showcasing the prestige and craftsmanship of Korean automobiles across the Pacific region.
At the 43rd ASEAN Summit, held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from September 5–7, 2023, HMG once again played a vital role as an official vehicle provider. Bringing together leaders from ten key Southeast Asian nations, the event was supported by a fleet of 346 Hyundai electric vehicles—including 272 IONIQ 5 models for protocol and operational use, and 74 IONIQ 6 sedans designated for the spouses of national delegates.
Notably, the IONIQ 5 units independently purchased by the Indonesian Presidential Security Service led the motorcade of world leaders, capturing global attention. Their presence at the ASEAN Summit highlighted Hyundai’s role as a key player in ushering Indonesia into a new era of eco-friendly, electrified mobility.
Promoting Korean Automobiles Across the African Continent
Held at KINTEX in Goyang on June 4–5, 2024, the Korea–Africa Summit 2024 marked a historic first meeting between Korea and African nations. More than 10,000 participants—including delegations from over 50 African countries and international organizations, as well as representatives from major corporations—visited Korea for the event. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Korea and Africa across various sectors such as industry, trade, and natural resources, while deepening partnerships on the global stage.
For delegates from African nations visiting Korea, HMG provided a total of 119 Genesis models as official vehicles, including 77 G90s and 42 G80s. The initiative not only elevated the convenience and prestige of the summit but also left a lasting impression in regions where awareness of Korean automobiles remains limited. It served as an opportunity for Genesis to showcase its sophistication and competitiveness, introducing Korea’s premier luxury brand to one of the world’s most promising emerging markets.
Carrying Korea’s Automotive Excellence to the 2025 APEC Leaders’ Meeting
HMG’s long-standing presence on the global diplomatic stage—supporting major international events with official vehicles since 2000—reaches a new height at the 2025 APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju on October 31. As mentioned earlier, this year’s summit carries exceptional significance. With tensions rising among major powers, global attention is focused on Gyeongju, where many anticipate the potential for meaningful change.
HMG is providing a large fleet of 192 official vehicles to ensure that leaders, government representatives, and key business figures from the 21 APEC member economies can travel comfortably between major venues and stay focused on the discussions at hand.
This also aligns with this year’s official theme, “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.” Notably, Hyundai Motor Group’s Universe Hydrogen Electric Bus, equipped with the Group’s most advanced fuel cell technology, plays a key role in demonstrating the sustainability of Korea’s automotive industry.
Hyundai Motor Group – Korea’s Automotive Diplomat on the Global Stage
HMG’s decades-long involvement in supplying official vehicles for high-profile diplomatic events carries significance that extends well beyond marketing. Over the years, these efforts have come to embody the technological excellence, quality, and sustainability of Korea’s automotive industry on the global stage. They also demonstrate the Group’s proven capability to ensure the safety of world leaders through world-class innovation and advanced safety standards.
Global summits such as the G20 and APEC serve as stages that capture the attention of world leaders and international media. The selection of HMG vehicles as official cars underscores global confidence in their quality and reliability, enhancing not only the brand’s premium image but also the global stature of Korea’s automotive industry.
Today, only a handful of automakers worldwide hold the distinction of supplying official vehicles for heads of state at major diplomatic events. HMG’s continued service over the past two decades exemplifies its stature and influence as a true leader in the global mobility industry.
Recently, HMG’s lineup of eco-friendly models—including electric and hydrogen electric vehicles—has taken the global stage, naturally promoting Korea’s leadership in sustainable mobility. The sight of world leaders personally experiencing and appreciating HMG vehicles has further strengthened trust in K-automobiles, laying the foundation for broader global expansion and collaboration. The world’s attention now turns to Gyeongju, where the 2025 APEC Leaders’ Meeting on October 31 is expected to carry this legacy forward.
