Hyundai Motor Group announced on the 24th that it is being successively recognized by major global institutions at the end of the year for product competitiveness and safety. The group explained that this year Kia and Hyundai brands have all achieved top ratings in international safety assessments and product awards, thereby cementing their technological leadership in the global market.

Kia’s Sportage recently received the highest rating of five stars (★★★★★) in the Latin American new car safety assessment, “Latin NCAP (The New Car Assessment Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean).” The Sportage received high scores in key evaluation areas including ▲ adult and child occupant protection ▲ safety assistance systems ▲ body rigidity. It also demonstrated outstanding structural stability under Latin NCAP’s reinforced crash test regulations. Kia has consistently been recognized for safety in the Latin American market, achieving the highest rating with the Sportage following earlier top grades for the K3, K4, and EV4.

Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen electric vehicle “The All-New NEXO” has received the top rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme, Euro NCAP. Euro NCAP conducts a comprehensive evaluation in four categories: ▲ adult occupant protection ▲ child occupant protection ▲ pedestrian protection ▲ safety assistance systems, and this year the NEXO scored highly across all areas.

The NEXO was highly rated for its ability to maintain a stable passenger compartment in a collision and for being equipped with advanced safety devices. Hyundai Motor has now achieved the top Euro NCAP rating with the NEXO following the IONIQ 5 in 2021, the IONIQ 6 in 2022, and the IONIQ 9 in 2025, thereby demonstrating the safety of its electrified lineup, including both electric and hydrogen vehicles.

The second-generation NEXO has continued the positive trajectory set by the first-generation model, which in 2018 became the first hydrogen electric vehicle to receive a five-star rating.

In addition, Kia’s electrified model PV5 was named “International Van of the Year 2026” at Solutrans, the global commercial vehicle exhibition held in Lyon, France. This award is the industry’s most prestigious prize, organized by IVOTY (International Van of the Year), a non-profit body composed of journalists specializing in light commercial vehicles worldwide. Among seven newly launched vehicles this year, the award evaluated overall technological innovation, efficiency, environmental performance, and safety.

The PV5 became the first Korean-brand vehicle to win the award and also the first Asian electric light commercial vehicle to receive the honor. All 26 members of the judging panel selected it unanimously, recognizing both the product’s completeness and the strength of its electrification technology.

Chung Euisun, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, stated, “An automobile is not just a means of transportation; it should be a space where customers can more comfortably prepare for what comes next. Providing safe and pleasant freedom of mobility is a core value of the Group.”

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