Hyundai Motor chief Chung ranked 2nd in world auto industry

"Chairman Chung Mong-koo`s ambition makes rivals shake with fear."

This is what the U.S. automobile magazine Motor Trend said Thursday when it appointed Chung, the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, as the world`s No. 2 influential figure in the global automotive industry for next year.

He was ranked second in the magazine`s "2012 Power List," up three notches from last year. On the reason for Chung’s selection, Motor Trend said, “Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors have been meeting the goals Chairman Chung has set over the past several years," adding, “What Hyundai`s rivals including Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford and GM ask first is Hyundai`s new models that are sold by design and performance, not by prices."

Supply is short for the Hyundai Sonata due to high demand and the model`s prospects for next year are also bright, the magazine said.

Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik ranked eighth and Kia`s chief design officer Peter Schreyer ranked 11th. The top position went to Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler Group, who has taken the lead in reviving the company.

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