Toyota Responds in Korean to Chung Euisun's Congratulatory Ad: "We Also Have a Strong Competitive Spirit"

Advertisement Featuring Both Languages Published in Major Korean Newspapers
Toyota Responds to Hyundai's Congratulatory Ad from December

On February 2, Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Group, published an advertisement in major Korean daily newspapers featuring both Korean and Japanese, expressing his gratitude to Hyundai Motor Group.

Toyota Group's advertisement supporting Hyundai Motor Group's WRC, published on the 2nd in major Korean and Japanese daily newspapers. Toyota Korea

This was in response to Hyundai Motor Group's previous advertisement congratulating the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team for achieving a triple crown by sweeping the manufacturer, driver, and co-driver categories at the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), the world's most prestigious motorsport event.

In the advertisement, Chairman Toyoda stated, "It seems Hyundai Motor also has a strong competitive spirit, but Toyota's is equally strong," adding, "I am pleased that we can race together again this year as wonderful rivals." He went on to say, "The frustration and joy we feel while competing with rivals are the driving forces that help us build better cars," praising Hyundai as a "worthy competitor."

Such exchanges between the leading automakers of Korea and Japan have continued since the joint festival at Yongin Speedway in October 2024. In November of the same year, Toyota supported the Hyundai World Rally Team through a local Japanese advertisement, and in December, Hyundai Motor Group published an ad congratulating the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team on their triple crown victory.

The relationship between the two companies is evolving beyond competition on the circuit to an alliance in the field of future mobility. Hyundai Motor and Toyota are strengthening their cooperation in expanding hydrogen industry infrastructure and establishing standards.