Hyundai Italy’s Francesco Calcara on the future of mobility
Francesco Calcara, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company Italy, shares insights on the company’s commitment to technological leadership, sustainability, and customer-centric innovation.
In an exclusive interview, the CEO outlines the philosophy guiding Hyundai Motor Company Italy’s growing success. “Innovation is in Hyundai’s DNA – he affirms – But it goes hand in hand with tradition and a deep understanding of people’s evolving mobility needs”. From mild hybrid to plug-in hybrid, from gasoline to diesel, and from electric to hydrogen-powered vehicles, Hyundai is one of the few automakers offering a full range of powertrains. “Our strength lies in offering the right solution for every driver”, he says.
The numbers speak for themselves. While the Italian auto market shrank by 0.5% in 2024, Hyundai grew by 1.18%, increasing its market share to 3.17%. The brand now ranks tenth among non-premium manufacturers and is the second-best performing Asian brand in Italy.
Electrification remains a core pillar of Hyundai’s strategy. With the successful launch of the fully electric city SUV Inster earlier this year, Hyundai is doubling down on battery-powered innovation. Upcoming launches include the more adventurous Inster Cross and the spacious flagship Ioniq 9 SUV, both set to arrive by autumn 2025. “2025 will be all about electrons”, Francesco Calcara quips.
Hyundai’s 800-volt charging technology, a standout feature of the Ioniq lineup, is another differentiator. “It allows for ultra-fast charging – like taking Ioniq 6 from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes”, he explains. The brand was a pioneer among generalist manufacturers in introducing this tech, which is particularly beneficial on long-distance journeys.
Hyundai’s commitment to future mobility doesn’t stop at batteries. The company is also investing heavily in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with the next-generation Nexo expected around 2026. With a range of 700 km and refueling time under 5 minutes, the Nexo represents Hyundai’s long-term vision. “Hydrogen isn’t a far-off dream”, Francesco Calcara insists. “We’ve been developing this technology since 1998, and we’re now on our third generation”. Despite infrastructure limitations in countries like Italy, Hyundai is confident that hydrogen will play a major role in clean mobility.
Since taking the helm in September 2024, Calcara has focused on reaffirming Hyundai’s leadership in technology, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. “Electrification is important, but our message goes beyond that”, he says. “We want people to understand what Hyundai truly stands for: accessible innovation designed to improve everyday life”.
That message is resonating. The Inster, launched in early 2025, is proving ideal for Italian cities – compact yet spacious, agile yet efficient, and with a range that dispels fears of running out of power. With urban range exceeding 500 km and a price starting at €25,000, it’s bringing EVs within reach of a wider audience.
Besides the Inster Cross and Ioniq 9, Hyundai’s roadmap includes the debut of the third-generation hydrogen-powered Nexo and other yet-to-be-revealed models that promise to push boundaries in design, technology, and sustainability. “We’re not just expanding our lineup – we’re shaping the future of mobility”, Francesco Calcara concludes.
As Hyundai continues to blend cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for practical, real-world needs, it is carving out a unique position in Italy’s competitive automotive landscape – one where innovation is not just for the few, but for everyone.