Hyundai Motor Group announced Tuesday the appointment of former US diplomat Michael Kleine to head its Washington office, as the South Korean automotive giant deepens engagement with the US government amid a significant expansion of its American manufacturing and technology investments.

Effective immediately, Kleine will assume responsibility for the group's US public policy, strategic advisory, and government affairs operations. His portfolio will include managing relations with federal government officials and other key stakeholders.

"Michael's appointment reflects our deep commitment to the US and our vision to strengthen ties between Hyundai Motor Group and US institutions and stakeholders," said Sung Kim, president and head of the group's strategic planning division. Kim emphasized that Kleine's extensive background in trade and policy would help support Hyundai's continued expansion in the US market.

Kleine brings more than 25 years of experience at the US State Department, where he held senior diplomatic positions across the Asia-Pacific region. He served as charge d'affaires at the US Embassy in Indonesia and as minister counselor for economic affairs at the US Embassy in Seoul, a role in which he supported the conclusion and ratification of the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). He also managed economic and diplomatic affairs during postings in Australia, Laos, and Vietnam.

In addition to his State Department service, Kleine worked at the Office of the US Trade Representative as senior adviser for Korea and Japan trade policy, where he contributed to the formulation of US trade policy regarding Northeast Asia, according to Hyundai. That background aligns with the current policy environment in Washington, where the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduced electric vehicle tax credits conditioned on North American assembly and battery component sourcing—a framework that initially excluded Hyundai and Kia EVs assembled in South Korea.

Kleine was awarded the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service in 2024 in recognition of his government service.

Prior to entering the diplomatic corps, Kleine practiced law in Washington, DC. He holds a law degree from Duke University and a master's degree in national security strategy from the National War College.

Hyundai Motor Group noted that the appointment comes at a time when the company is substantially increasing its investment in US manufacturing, technological innovation, and the broader automotive supply chain. The group, which includes Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Genesis, has been ramping up its presence in the United States with major production and infrastructure commitments. These include the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Bryan County, Georgia—a dedicated electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facility announced in May 2022 with an initial investment of $5.54 billion, later expanded—that is slated to begin production in 2025.