Decade Of Partnership: Hyundai Exports Over 2 Million Vehicles From Chennai Port

In a decade old partnership with Chennai Port Trust (CPT), Hyundai Motors India Ltd (HMIL) has exported over two million vehicles from the southern port since the time the tie-up was formulated in 2006. To commemorate this occasion, a cheque of Rs 19.69 crore was handed over by Cyril C. George, chairman, CPT to YK Koo, managing director, HMIL. The amount was a refund of the wharfage charges for the year 2015-16. Up until now, India’s biggest car exporter - Hyundai, has received Rs 165 crore as refund of wharfage. 

Commenting on the occasion, Koo said, “Exports have been integral to HMIL and we are happy to have had a great partnership with the Chennai Port which has only grown and strengthened over the years.  This association has not only helped catapult Hyundai as the No.1 exporter for over a decade but also helped HMIL play a critical role in Hyundai’s global operations.”

Before actual agreement was drafted in 2006 between both the parties, Hyundai had been using the port since company’s inception in India in 1996, while exporting of cars began from 2000 onwards. Interestingly, before entering into a formal contract, the Korean automaker had exported over three lakh units across the globe from the Chennai Port.

It was a symbiotic relationship that not only helped Hyundai to export its cars, but also played a crucial role in the port's development. For instance, the carmaker lent its support in making the coastal RoRo voyages a reality in India. Earlier, Hyundai shipped 800 cars to Pipavav from Chennai Port on February 5, 2016. 

George said, “This partnership has been a win win proposition for both organisations not only in the past decade but also wish that this partnership continues to grow in the decades to come. Chennai Port is a pioneer in car exports and we have one of the best facilities. I applaud the initiatives taken by M/s. Hyundai Motor India and am happy that we have been able to partner them in their success. Chennai Port is always open to new ideas and I hope this serves as an example for other exporters to use our services.”

With Hyundai being the country’s largest car exporter, the Chennai port is likely to see an increase in car exports from the carmaker as the demand for Hyundai vehicles paces up globally. Hyundai currently exports its entire range including the EON, i10, Grand i10, Xcent, Elite i20, i20 Active, Verna and the Creta to 92 countries.

Quick info on RoRo ships 

The RoRo ships or Roll-on/Roll-off ships are specially designed vessels used for carrying wheeled objects such as cars, trucks, tanks, railroad cars, etc. The vehicles are driven on and off the ship on either on their own wheels or through a platform vehicle.