Hyundai Motor Group is taking initial steps toward a potential return to Russia, ramping up recruitment efforts across its subsidiaries two years after withdrawing from the market amid geopolitical tensions.
The Korean automotive giant has begun hiring for various positions in Russia, with Kia seeking technical consultants and dealer marketing personnel in Moscow, while Hyundai Wia is recruiting quality and electrical engineers. Hyundai Mobis, which maintained its Russian production operations despite the group’s broader exit, is adding staff in quality management, plant operations, and accounting.
Before their 2023 departure, Hyundai Motor and Kia were significant players in Russia’s automobile market, selling as many as 378,000 vehicles annually. Sales have been virtually nonexistent since the withdrawal.
The recruitment drive comes as signs emerge of potential easing in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with ceasefire discussions proposed and the possibility of sanctions being lifted. Russia’s economy has shown resilience, growing 3.6% this year following 4.1% growth last year.
Hyundai and Kia included “buyback” clauses when selling their local plants, allowing them to reacquire the facilities by year-end if conditions prove favorable. Company representatives indicated no final decisions have been made regarding actual re-entry into the market.
