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New Delhi: Hyundai Motor India has a new man behind the wheel, and for the first time ever, it’s an Indian. Tarun Garg, currently the company’s Whole-time Director, will take over as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer from January 1, 2026. He will replace Unsoo Kim, who will return to South Korea after completing his term on December 31 to take up a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Co.
The decision marks a historic moment for Hyundai in India, as Garg becomes the first Indian to lead the Korean automaker’s operations in the country. The leadership change also comes at a time when Hyundai Motor India is preparing to pump ₹38,250 crore ($4.5 billion) into expanding capacity, upgrading products, and strengthening its R&D base by 2030.
Garg’s journey in the auto world has been anything but ordinary. He began his career as a management trainee at Maruti Suzuki, where he cut his teeth in logistics and sales planning before climbing up through the ranks. Years later, he joined Hyundai India and went on to lead some of its key strategies in marketing, sales, and product planning.
He has been credited with introducing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in nine Hyundai models—an important move in a country that’s still catching up on safety tech. Under his leadership, Hyundai also streamlined its sales network, improved profit margins, and reduced dealer incentives to maintain price discipline.
The 48-year-old executive holds a mechanical engineering degree from Delhi Technological University and an MBA from IIM Lucknow. People who’ve worked with him describe him as “calm but sharp,” someone who blends data-driven decision-making with an instinctive feel for the Indian market.
Till December 31, Garg will serve as Hyundai India’s MD and CEO-designate, working closely with outgoing MD Unsoo Kim to ensure a smooth transition. Hyundai’s board approved his appointment during its October 14 meeting, but it still awaits shareholder approval before becoming official.
The company, in its filing, acknowledged Kim’s leadership and contribution, particularly in strengthening Hyundai’s position as India’s second-largest carmaker. The Korean executive’s tenure saw the launch of new SUVs, strong export performance, and the continued dominance of models like the Creta and Venue in their segments.
The leadership change arrives as Hyundai ramps up its India investment plans. The automaker is preparing for an aggressive expansion that includes electric vehicles, R&D projects, and new product platforms. Out of the planned ₹38,250 crore, nearly 60% will go toward research and development, with the rest focused on capacity upgrades and product modernisation.
Between 2026 and 2030, Hyundai India aims for double-digit EBITDA margins (11–14%) and a 7% compound annual growth rate in domestic sales. The company currently produces over 8 lakh vehicles annually from its Chennai and Sriperumbudur plants and recently expanded operations to Maharashtra through its acquisition of the Talegaon facility.
