Hyundai Motor India Appointed Tarun Garg as First Indian Managing Director & CEO

Hyundai Motor India ushers in a new era with Tarun Garg as its first Indian MD & CEO, driving ambitious growth amid record Creta sales and massive investments.

By Utsav Chaudhary

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Jan 01, 2026 10:48 am IST

Tarun Garg Appointed First Indian MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has appointed Tarun Garg as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026, marking a landmark moment after 29 years of operations in the country. Garg becomes the first Indian national to lead the company, succeeding Unsoo Kim, who returns to Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea for a strategic role. This transition underscores Hyundai's confidence in local talent amid India's rising global automotive importance.

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With over 32 years in the industry, Garg brings proven expertise from steering HMIL to record sales for three consecutive years, peak profitability, and India's largest IPO in 2024. His vision emphasizes sustainable growth, EVs, exports, and customer delight, aligning with a Rs 45,000 crore investment roadmap by FY2030. As automotive journalism standards demand, this piece draws from verified announcements and performance data for insightful analysis.

Professional Background

Tarun Garg joined HMIL in 2019 as Director of Sales and Marketing after 25 years at Maruti Suzuki, where he rose to Executive Director of Marketing, Logistics, Parts & Accessories.

At Hyundai, he advanced to full-time Director and COO in 2023, overseeing sales, service, product strategy, and financials.

Under his guidance, HMIL achieved three years of record sales, the highest EBITDA margins, and SUV dominance via digitalization and customer focus. Notably, the Creta SUV hit 2 lakh annual sales in CY2025, averaging 550 units daily and leading cumulative SUV sales from 2020 to 2025.

Hyundai 2026 Strategy

HMIL posted strong 2025 figures, with November sales at 66,840 units, a 9.1% YoY rise, including 50,340 domestic and 16,500 exports. Despite monthly dips from September's 70,347 units, exports grew 26.9% YoY, fueled by models like the new Venue with 32,000 bookings.

The 2024 IPO, India's biggest, bolstered expansion, while Q3 2025 saw 137,059 retail units and electrified sales surging 1370%. These gains position Hyundai second in passenger vehicles, trailing only Maruti Suzuki.

Strategic Vision Ahead

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Speaking about the news, Mr. Garg said, “India’s automotive industry is at an exciting inflection point, driven by innovation, sustainability, and evolving customer aspirations. It is an extraordinary honor to lead Hyundai Motor India at a defining moment in our three-decade-long journey.”

Garg targets 15% market share by FY2030, launching 26 products, including seven new nameplates, EVs, hybrids, MPVs, and off-road SUVs. The Rs 45,000 crore plan allocates 60% to R&D and products, aiming for Rs 1 lakh crore revenue and a 30% export contribution, making India Hyundai's second-largest region globally.

Market Outlook

This Indian-led era signals Hyundai's long-term India bet, amid EV shifts and GST reforms boosting pricing. Garg's people-first approach earns him ACKO Drive's 2026 Person of the Year and promises agility in a transformative market. As President José Muñoz noted, Garg's "progressive vision" drove prior successes, setting HMIL up for sustainable leadership.

Conclusion

As Tarun Garg steers Hyundai Motor India into its next chapter, the brand eyes unprecedented growth through EVs, exports, and innovation. This historic Indian leadership promises to redefine mobility in a dynamic market.