FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. -

Remember when gas prices stood at $1.20 per gallon, typical financing topped 10 percent APR and airbags emerged as the latest safety technology? Hyundai Motor America recalled those industry benchmarks and more as the automaker celebrated its 25th anniversary in the U.S. this past weekend.

During the past 25 years, the automaker tallied that it has sold 6,608,208 models in the U.S., and the company says more than 4,350,000 units still are on the road today.

Last year, Hyundai recounted that its sales surpassed 538,000 units, making the Korean company the sixth best-selling brand in the country behind only Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Ford, and Chevrolet.

To handle demand, the OEM mentioned it expanded production capacity to more than 400,000 units — specifically the Sonata, Elantra and Santa Fe that are manufactured in modern assembly plants in Alabama and Georgia. Hyundai pointed out engines and transmissions are produced in the U.S., too.

Company officials calculated direct U.S. employment now includes more than 4,000 workers, with total employment including suppliers and dealers coming in at more than 45,000.

Hyundai declared that its commitment to the U.S. market includes engineering, design, testing, production, sale and marketing. In all, Hyundai’s investments in the U.S. total $1.7 billion. 

In continuing its look back, Hyundai insisted that its heritage is built on “earning the trust of its owners.”

The automaker pointed out every model sold since the 1999 model-year has included a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year, 60,000-mile vehicle warranty.

“Over the years, Hyundai has partnered with its owners in deeper ways, through good and bad times, and now offers a comprehensive suite of programs under the Hyundai Assurance banner that includes America’s Best Warranty, five years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance and the innovative job-loss protection program,” the automaker highlighted.

The company also believes as it grows, so do its aspirations.

Last year, Hyundai established an aggressive fuel economy goal — committing to a 50 miles-per-gallon-plus fleet average by 2025. This strategy, which falls under the banner “BlueDrive,” includes the aggressive implementation of a range of new, affordable technologies such as direct injection, turbocharging, internally-developed transmissions and lightweighting. 

In parallel, Hyundai mentioned that its engineering teams are developing new fuel cell and battery solutions to help provide alternative solutions beyond the internal combustion engine. 

Hyundai explained that its model lineup includes 12 distinct cars and crossovers — with more on the way.

The automaker noted its immediate future includes three exciting new models arriving at showrooms thorough summer:

The Veloster, a 3-door 40-mpg sporty coupe featuring Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics solution, is set to join all-new 4-door and 5-door versions of the Accent, which will also deliver 40 mpg.

The company also highlighted the award-winning Genesis gets a thorough face-lift and new engines and transmissions with the performance-focused Genesis R-Spec and its all-new 429-horsepower Tau 5.0L V8 engine making its first appearance.

Furthermore, the company pointed out its pursuits are not limited to the automobile.

Officials emphasized Hyundai Hope on Wheels is the united effort between the automaker and its network of more than 800 franchise dealers throughout the U.S. to help children fight cancer.

“We are dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer, celebrating the hope of the brave children battling the disease and finding a cure through our support of the best pediatric cancer researchers in the country,” automaker officials declared.

“A portion of every Hyundai sold goes directly to this fight and more than $23 million have been donated since 1998,” they added.

The automaker wrapped up its anniversary discussion by mentioning its new state-of-the-art headquarters based in Fountain Valley, Calif., is slated for completion in late next year. Officials said the new campus doubles the size and capacity of the current building, “giving Hyundai and its employees an environment conducive to growth as it prepares to help write the next chapter of a great American success story.”

In looking back, John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor America, reminisced that “As far as we’ve come since 1986, we still feel we’re in the early stages of connecting the Hyundai brand to the U.S. consumer.

“We’ve always challenged convention — from our powertrain strategies, to our consumer partnership programs, to our unique Genesis and Equus retail approach,” Krafic stated. “It’s authentically Hyundai to question the status quo and pursue our own vision of how things should be in order to best serve our customers. This willingness to challenge convention will continue to guide us these next 25 years.”