Hyundai Automotive South Africa hosted a prestigious Gala Dinner at Gallagher Estate to celebrate the company’s remarkable journey of growth, innovation, and customer excellence in the South African automotive landscape.
The event, attended by Hyundai’s global and local leaderships, former executives, government representatives and key corporate customers, reflected on how an unknown automotive brand back in 2000 became one of the most progressive brands in 2025.
Representing Hyundai Motor Company, Bryan Park, Vice President of Hyundai Middle East and Africa commended Hyundai Automotive South Africa for its resilience and performance in an automotive world that is evolving rapidly.
“Over these 25 years, our shared trust and collaboration have built the foundation for Hyundai’s strong and enduring presence in this market. We are not just business partners, we are growth partners. Together, we navigate change and adopt a customer-first mindset.”
Alan Ross, Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s first CEO delivered an inspiring retrospective on the company’s early years. He recalled how Hyundai entered a very competitive market, challenged established brands and steadily earned the confidence of South Africans.
“We started small, but we dreamed big,” Ross shared. “What we achieved was not just about selling cars but about building a brand that South Africans could believe in.”
His successor, Niall Lynch could not attend in person but in a pre-recorded message said he was honoured to have been part of the Hyundai’s success and congratulated every staff member for their continued dedication. Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, who served as Hyundai Automotive South Africa CEO from 2023 to 2025 was also honoured for his leadership in driving consistent sales.
Ockert Janse van Rensburg, CEO of Motus Holdings reflected on Hyundai’s growth trajectory and the vital role of employees in achieving long-term success. “Performance is at the heart of Hyundai’s success and part of this philosophy is about hunger to continuously improving. Our biggest success is through continuous investments in our employees.”
In his keynote address, current CEO Stanley Anderson reflected on Hyundai’s consistent market growth and its customer-first approach. “Our success is not the result of one moment or one person but a result of teamwork, trust and the belief that we can always do better,” said Anderson. “From humble beginnings to becoming one of South Africa’s leading automotive brands, Hyundai’s story is one of resilience, innovation and shared purpose.”
Over the 25 years of operating in South Africa, Hyundai has achieved several milestones including the launch of the game-changing Hyundai GETZ, the sponsorship of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Hyundai ELANTRA winning the SA Car of the Year as well as being the first automotive company in South Africa to introduce the seven-year/200,000km warranty.
As Hyundai Automotive South Africa looks to the future, Anderson reaffirmed the company’s vision to continue delivering excellence across every touchpoint, from product innovation, excellent aftersales experience as well as community development.
Dream Killer
Robert Hersov: Founder and Chairman – Invest Africa: Robert Hersov founded Invest Africa three years ago, after spotting an opportunity to create a platform for the growing number of individuals becoming involved in pan-African investments.Invest Africa is a network of decision makers at top global organisations, fund managers, private investors, family offices, entrepreneurs, and policy makers – all with a common interest in Africa. Hersov has launched operations in London, New York, Johannesburg, Geneva, Zurich and Dubai and has amassed hundreds of high level members.