Chennai: Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has reaffirmed its commitment to Tamil Nadu’s electric mobility ambitions by positioning the state as its primary electric vehicle manufacturing hub in India and unveiling plans to support workforce development for future automotive technologies.
The announcement follows a meeting between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and senior Hyundai executives, including Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tarun Garg and Chief Manufacturing Officer Gopalakrishnan C.S., at the Secretariat in Chennai, The New Indian Express reported.
As part of its expansion plans, Hyundai will introduce two new vehicle models from its Chennai manufacturing facility this year, including the company’s first dedicated mass-market electric vehicle. The move highlights Tamil Nadu’s growing importance in Hyundai’s strategy for India’s transition toward cleaner transportation.
In collaboration with the Tamil Nadu government, Hyundai will also launch a large-scale skill development programme focused on emerging technologies. The initiative will train students and job seekers in electric mobility, hydrogen-powered transportation, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence-driven manufacturing and smart factory technologies. Operations under the programme are expected to begin in December 2027.
The state government will facilitate partnerships with industrial training institutes, polytechnics, engineering colleges and skill development centres across Tamil Nadu. In addition to technical training, the programme will include workplace communication and language skills to improve employment opportunities in both domestic and international markets.
Highlighting the company’s contribution to exports, Hyundai Managing Director and CEO Tarun Garg said more than 3.9 million vehicles manufactured in Tamil Nadu have been shipped to over 150 countries worldwide.
He described the achievement as a reflection of Hyundai’s vision of producing vehicles in Tamil Nadu for global markets and noted that the state’s manufacturing ecosystem continues to play a key role in strengthening India’s position in the international automotive industry.
Hyundai has also expanded its electric vehicle ecosystem within the state. The company has established Tamil Nadu’s first battery sub-assembly facility for EV powertrains and is increasing local production of critical components, including power electronics, to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the domestic supply chain.
The automaker plans to further increase localisation across both electric and conventional vehicle manufacturing operations. Hyundai aims to raise localisation levels from the current 82 per cent to 90 per cent over the next five to six years.
As part of this effort, the company intends to increase procurement from suppliers based in Tamil Nadu by approximately Rs 4,000 crore during the same period. The initiative is expected to create nearly 2,000 additional jobs while strengthening the state’s supplier network and enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
To support the growing adoption of electric vehicles, Hyundai is also investing in charging infrastructure. The company has already installed 39 DC fast-charging stations with 78 charging points across Tamil Nadu, covering major cities and transport routes. Further expansion of the charging network is planned over the next two to three years alongside the introduction of more affordable EV models.
Reiterating its long-term commitment to the state, Hyundai confirmed plans to invest more than Rs 26,000 crore in Tamil Nadu between 2023 and 2032 as part of its broader Rs 45,000-crore investment programme. The investment will support manufacturing expansion, innovation, sustainability initiatives and job creation, further strengthening Tamil Nadu’s position as one of India’s leading automotive and electric mobility centres.
