Tarun Garg has taken charge as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), becoming the first Indian national to lead the company since its founding 29 years ago. HMIL said the appointment, effective 1 January 2026, positions the business for its next phase of growth in a market that is rapidly shifting towards electrification and connected mobility.
Hyundai Motor India leadership: Tarun Garg’s priorities
Mr Garg arrives with over three decades of experience in the Indian automotive industry, including senior roles at Maruti Suzuki and a substantial tenure at HMIL where he served as Head of Sales, Service & Marketing and later as Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer. The company highlighted his track record in driving sales, profitability and customer experience as central to his elevation.
In his first statement as MD & CEO, Garg said he would focus on sustainable growth, technological leadership and enhanced customer delight. He set out four strategic pillars: a future-ready strategy to accelerate electric vehicles, hybrids and connected mobility through a ₹45,000 crore investment roadmap by FY2030; a people and market focus to empower employees and strengthen dealer and supplier networks; a customer-centric approach to deepen trust and streamline experiences across HMIL touchpoints; and a renewed Make in India impetus to boost indigenisation and exports.
The investment plan aims to accelerate HMIL’s roll-out of EVs and hybrid models, upgrading manufacturing capabilities and expanding research and development related to connected vehicle features. Company officials said the move aligns with Hyundai Motor Group’s global vision of Progress for Humanity while positioning India as a significant export hub for emerging markets.
HMIL added that Garg’s stewardship had contributed to a period of robust commercial performance. The company reported record-breaking sales for three consecutive years, delivered highest-ever profitability and EBITDA margins, and completed the largest initial public offering in Indian equity markets in 2024. Hyundai also maintained leadership in the SUV segment through a sharp focus on profitability, digitalisation and customer experience.
Beyond financial metrics, Garg is noted for his people-first approach and community engagement. During his tenure he championed initiatives such as Samarth by Hyundai, which aims to improve awareness and accessibility for people with disabilities in India. The company described him as a leader known for humility and purpose-driven management.
Commenting on his priorities, Garg emphasised HMIL’s commitment to Make in India and to positioning the company as a global manufacturing and export centre. He signalled close collaboration with dealers, suppliers and government stakeholders to advance manufacturing localisation and strengthen supply chains for the transition to electrified vehicles.
Academically, Tarun Garg is a mechanical engineer from Delhi Technological University and holds an MBA from IIM Lucknow. His career progression from Maruti Suzuki to senior leadership roles at HMIL reflects deep familiarity with India’s market dynamics and customer preferences, a factor HMIL said will be critical as it scales EV production and export ambitions.
As HMIL embarks on this next chapter under Indian leadership, the company expects to balance growth with sustainability and technological innovation, seeking to deepen its domestic market presence while expanding its footprint in international markets.
Key Takeaways:
- Tarun Garg becomes the first Indian MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India in 29 years, signalling a new chapter for the company.
- Garg outlines a ₹45,000 crore investment roadmap to accelerate EVs, hybrids and connected mobility by FY2030.
- Focus on Make in India and exports aims to position HMIL as a global manufacturing hub for emerging markets.
- Leadership builds on record sales, strong profitability and a people-first approach to dealer, supplier and community engagement.
