40 Years in Australia.

Explore Hyundai Models — 40 Years in Australia.
40 years
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Do Big Things. Since 1986.

For 40 years, Hyundai has been part of life on Australian roads. From our beginnings in 1986 to today, we’ve continued to evolve, bringing new ideas, technology and innovation to every generation.

Along the way, millions of Australians have been part of our story, and we’re proud to have grown alongside them.

Do Big Things. With Hyundai.

Then and Now.

Two cars. Forty years apart. One story of progress. A look at where we started, where we are today, and how far we’ve come.

1986. Where the story began.

In August 1986, the Hyundai Excel arrived at a single dealership in Perth, marking the beginning of Hyundai’s journey in Australia. One of the people there from the very start was local car dealer John Hughes.

Reflecting on Hyundai’s first year in Australia, John said: “We only sold eight cars in our first month in 1986, but by the end of the year, 1,756 Hyundai vehicles had been sold. I’ve enjoyed a wonderful ride with the Hyundai brand, and it gives me great pride every time I see one of my valued customers driving a brand-new Hyundai off our showroom floor.”

Front view of the 1986 Hyundai Excel, a compact hatchback that marked Hyundai’s early success, showcased indoors with its classic design and iconic styling.

40 years. More than 2.2 million vehicles.

From the Excel that started it all to today’s hybrid, electric and high-performance range, Hyundai has transformed across four decades of design, technology and innovation. Forty years on, more than 2.2 million Hyundai vehicles have been sold across Australia, becoming part of first cars, daily commutes, family road trips and countless milestones along the way.

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Hyundai IONIQ range showcased on an outback road at sunset, featuring the IONIQ 5 N, IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 with dynamic styling and electric performance.

Progress, powered by Hybrid.

Built on decades of innovation, Hyundai continues to push Hybrid technology forward. Combining petrol and electric power, our Hybrid range brings together impressive efficiency, responsive performance and a smooth, seamless driving experience. Today, that progress can be seen across our award-winning Hybrid range, designed to make every journey smarter and more efficient. It’s another step in Hyundai’s ongoing journey to find better ways to move.

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Dark grey Hyundai TUCSON SUV parked in a scenic countryside setting, with people walking nearby. Showcases the vehicle’s bold exterior design, spacious family-friendly appeal, and premium SUV styling.

From early EVs to an electric future.

More than three decades ago, the Sonata EV marked an early step in Hyundai’s electric journey. Since then, electric technology has continued to evolve, shaping a new generation of vehicles built around innovative design, performance and everyday usability. Now, Hyundai offers an extensive electric range with more choice for different lifestyles and ways of driving, marking another chapter in our 40-year story in Australia.

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40 Years in motion.

From the Excel that arrived in 1986 to the Hyundai vehicles of today, take a look back at some of the moments that have shaped our journey in Australia.

Then. Now. Next.

Forty years is more than a milestone. It’s millions of journeys, countless memories and generations of Australians who have made Hyundai part of their lives.

From first cars and school runs to road trips, daily commutes and new adventures, we’re proud to have shared so many moments on Australian roads. None of it would have been possible without the customers who chose us, the dealers who represented us, the employees who helped us grow and the partners who shared our vision.

Thank you for being part of our story, for growing with us and for helping us reach this milestone.

We’ve come a long way since 1986. And there’s still so much more ahead.

Here’s to the next chapter, and to continuing to Do Big Things together.