SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Hyundai Motor Co. Chairman Chung Mong-koo's son was promoted to vice chairman at the automaker, Hyundai said Friday.
Chung Eui-sun, formerly a president at Hyundai affiliate Kia Motors Corp., replaces Choi Jae-kook, who retired earlier this year, Hyundai said in a statement.
The younger Chung, 38, becomes one of six vice chairmen at Hyundai, said company spokesman Ki Jin-ho. Hyundai is South Korea's largest automaker.
Chung is in charge of sales and planning in his new post, Hyundai said.
With the appointment, the automaker said it aims to further elevate its competitiveness and reach the top tier of the global industry.
Together, Hyundai and Kia form the world's fifth-largest automative group.
Separately, Kia said in a statement that it appointed Lee Hyoung-keun to replace Chung as president.
Lee, formerly head of Kia's international business division, will be in charge of corporate planning, marketing and overseas business operations, Kia said.
The automaker has two presidents, according to spokesman Michael Choo.
Kia plans to start production later this year at its first factory in the United States., located in West Point, Georgia.
The plant is not far from Hyundai's sole U.S. factory in Montgomery, Alabama.
