How does ESPN’s Body Issue showcase athletic physiques. What makes the 2021 edition unique. Which athletes are featured in the 11th annual Body Issue. Why is this the final print edition of ESPN The Magazine.
The Legacy of ESPN’s Body Issue
ESPN’s Body Issue has become an iconic annual celebration of athletic physiques and human diversity since its debut in 2009. The 2021 edition marks the 11th and final installment of this groundbreaking series that pushes boundaries and challenges perceptions of the ideal athletic body. As ESPN The Magazine concludes its print run, the Body Issue serves as a fitting finale that encapsulates the publication’s bold, innovative spirit.
What made the Body Issue stand out in the world of sports media? Its artful, tasteful nude portraits of athletes from a wide range of sports highlighted the incredible diversity of body types that can achieve peak athletic performance. By featuring everyone from petite gymnasts to hulking NFL linemen, the series broadened perceptions of what an athlete’s body “should” look like.
Highlights of the 2021 Body Issue
The 2021 edition maintains the Body Issue’s high standards with an impressive roster of 17 cover athletes representing the elite levels of their respective sports. Some of the standout inclusions are:
- Chris Paul – Nine-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist
- Amanda Nunes – UFC champion with the most wins by a female fighter in UFC history
- The Philadelphia Eagles offensive line – Super Bowl champions baring it all as a unit
- Katrin Davidsdottir – Two-time CrossFit Games champion
- Brooks Koepka – World No. 1 ranked golfer
How does this diverse group of athletes reflect the Body Issue’s core mission? By showcasing world-class competitors with vastly different physiques excelling across various sports, it reinforces that there’s no single “perfect” athletic body type.
Breaking Barriers and Challenging Norms
The Body Issue has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms around athleticism, body image, and representation in sports media. The 2021 edition continues this tradition in several notable ways:
Age Diversity
Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman makes history as the oldest athlete ever featured in the Body Issue at age 61. Her inclusion celebrates the enduring strength and beauty of the athletic form well beyond an athlete’s competitive prime.
Adaptive Athletes
Paralympic track and field star Scout Bassett represents adaptive athletes, showcasing her prosthetic leg alongside her chiseled physique. Her portrait highlights the strength and resilience of para-athletes at the highest level of competition.
Team Representation
The Philadelphia Eagles offensive line appears as a unit, emphasizing the collective power and unique body types required for their crucial yet often unheralded role. This group shot celebrates the diversity within a single position group and the importance of teamwork in sports.
The Artistry Behind the Images
A key element of the Body Issue’s success has been its artistic approach to photographing nude athletes. How do the photographers capture these powerful images while maintaining a respectful, tasteful aesthetic?
The 2021 edition features work from multiple talented photographers, each bringing their unique vision to the portraits. Lighting, pose, and setting are carefully considered to highlight the athletes’ physicality while creating visually striking compositions. The result is a collection of images that are simultaneously powerful, vulnerable, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Notable Photographic Approaches
- Dynamic action shots capturing athletes mid-movement
- Dramatic use of shadow and light to accentuate musculature
- Environmental portraits connecting athletes to their sports’ settings
- Close-up details highlighting unique physical features
The Impact of the Body Issue on Sports Culture
Over its 11-year run, the ESPN Body Issue has had a significant influence on how we perceive and discuss athletes’ bodies. What are some of the key ways this annual publication has shaped the conversation around physicality in sports?
- Normalizing diverse body types in athletics
- Challenging gender stereotypes in sports
- Promoting body positivity and self-acceptance
- Sparking discussions about health, fitness, and performance
- Pushing boundaries in sports media and photography
By consistently featuring a wide range of athletes – from household names to lesser-known competitors, across genders, body types, ages, and abilities – the Body Issue has expanded our collective understanding of what it means to have an “athletic” physique.
The End of an Era: ESPN The Magazine’s Final Print Edition
The 2021 Body Issue marks not only the conclusion of this groundbreaking series but also the final print edition of ESPN The Magazine. How has the landscape of sports media changed to prompt this shift away from print?
As with many print publications, ESPN The Magazine has faced challenges in the digital age. The move to discontinue the print edition reflects broader trends in media consumption, with readers increasingly preferring online and mobile platforms for their sports content.
The Legacy of ESPN The Magazine
Since its launch in 1998, ESPN The Magazine has been a cornerstone of sports journalism, known for its in-depth reporting, innovative design, and willingness to tackle complex issues in the world of sports. The Body Issue, launched in 2009, epitomized the magazine’s boundary-pushing approach.
While the print edition may be ending, ESPN’s commitment to quality sports journalism and innovative content continues across its digital platforms. The Body Issue, in particular, has proven to be a natural fit for the online environment, with its stunning visuals and behind-the-scenes content thriving in digital formats.
Beyond the Images: Athlete Stories and Insights
While the striking nude portraits are the most visible aspect of the Body Issue, the accompanying interviews and features provide valuable insights into the athletes’ relationships with their bodies, their sports, and the challenges they’ve overcome. What are some of the compelling stories shared in the 2021 edition?
Overcoming Adversity
Many featured athletes discuss physical and mental challenges they’ve faced in their careers. Paralympic athlete Scout Bassett shares her journey of adapting to her prosthetic leg and finding strength through sports. These stories of resilience resonate beyond athletics, inspiring readers to persevere through their own obstacles.
Body Image and Self-Acceptance
For many athletes, participating in the Body Issue is an act of vulnerability and self-acceptance. They discuss their evolving relationships with their bodies, often touching on insecurities and the pressure to conform to certain ideals within their sports. These honest conversations contribute to broader dialogues about body positivity and mental health in athletics.
The Science of Athletic Performance
Some athletes delve into the specific ways their bodies are uniquely suited to their sports. From the massive frames of NFL linemen to the compact power of gymnasts, these discussions illuminate the fascinating diversity of human physiology and its role in athletic achievement.
The Future of Celebrating Athletic Physiques
As the print edition of the Body Issue concludes, it’s worth considering the future of similar projects celebrating athletic bodies and diversity in sports. How might this concept evolve in the digital age?
While the specific format may change, the appetite for content that showcases the beauty and diversity of athletic physiques is likely to continue. Future iterations could incorporate:
- Interactive digital experiences allowing users to explore athlete physiques in detail
- Virtual reality or augmented reality components to provide immersive views of athletes in motion
- Integration with fitness and wellness apps to connect the celebration of athletic bodies with practical health information
- Expanded video content to capture the dynamic nature of athletes’ movements
- User-generated content encouraging amateur athletes to celebrate their own physical achievements
The core message of the Body Issue – celebrating diversity, challenging norms, and promoting body positivity – is likely to remain relevant and important in sports media for years to come.
As we reflect on the impact of ESPN’s Body Issue over the past 11 years, it’s clear that this groundbreaking series has left an indelible mark on sports culture and media. By consistently pushing boundaries and celebrating the incredible diversity of athletic physiques, the Body Issue has expanded our perception of what it means to have a “perfect” body and inspired countless individuals to embrace their own unique physical gifts.
17 Stunning Photos From ESPN’s 11th Annual Body Issue
Gary Land, Sophy Holland, Richard Phibbs for ESPN
Here’s the naked truth: ESPN the Magazine’s final print issue hits newsstands Friday, Sept. 6. But it’s going out in fine form, thanks to its 11th Annual BODY Issue. The yearly ode to athletes of all shapes and sizes across numerous sports officially went live earlier today on ESPN.com.
Among the impressive physiques on display: CrossFit women’s champ Katrin Davidsdottir, UFC champ Amanda Nunes, NBA star Chris Paul, and the offensive line for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Click through to see the roster of 17 cover subjects in all their glory.
1 of 17
Richard Phibbs for ESPN
Scout Bassett
The 30 year-old U.S. Paralympic track and field athlete won bronze at the 2016 Para Athletics World Championship (100m and long jump).
2 of 17
Cory Richards for ESPN
Alex Honnold
The 33-year-old is the only climber to free solo Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan.
3 of 17
Romana Rosales for ESPN
Nancy Lieberman
The 61-year-old Basketball Hall of Famer is the oldest player to appear in a WNBA game.
4 of 17
Peggy Sirota for ESPN
Myles Garrett
The 23-year-old defensive end for the Cleveland Browns was the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.
5 of 17
Peter Hapak for ESPN
Michael Thomas
The 26-year-old New Orleans Saints WR made 125 receptions in 2018 (fifth of all time).
6 of 17
Sophy Holland for ESPN
Liz Cambage
The 27-year-old WNBA athlete was the 2018 scoring leader.
7 of 17
Sarah Lee for ESPN
Lakey Peterson
The 24-year-old pro surfer is the first woman to pull an aerial maneuver in competition.
8 of 17
Heather Hazza for ESPN
Kelley O’Hara
The 31-year-old soccer player is a two-time World Cup champion.
9 of 17
Benedict Evans for ESPN
Katrin Davidsdottir
The 26-year-old CrossFitter is a two-time CrossFit Games champion (2015 and 2016).
10 of 17
Dana Scruggs for ESPN
Katelyn Ohashi
The 22-year-old gymnast is a four-time All-American.
11 of 17
Mark Williams and Sara Hirakawa for ESPN
James Hinchcliffe
The 32-year-old IndyCar driver boasts four top-10 finishes in the IndyCar Series.
12 of 17
Marcus Eriksson for ESPN
Evander Kane
The 28-year-old left wing for the NHL‘s San Jose Sharks scored a career-high 30 goals in 2018-19.
13 of 17
Andrew Hetherington for ESPN
Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Line
The 2018 Super Bowl champs include: Brandon Brooks, Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai.
14 of 17
Joe Pugliese for ESPN
Christian Yellich
The 27-year-old outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers is the 2018 NL MVP and the 2019 MLB HR leader.
15 of 17
Gary Land for ESPN
Chris Paul
The 34-year-old point guard for the OKC Thunder is a nine-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
16 of 17
Rob Daly for ESPN
Brooks Koepka
The 29-year-old PGA Tour golfer is World No. 1.
17 of 17
Marcus Smith for ESPN
Amanda Nunes
The 31-year-old MMA fighter boasts the most wins (11) by a female fighter in UFC history.
Topics:
The “Bodies” Issue – YES! Magazine
Bodies: From The Editors
- The “Bodies” Issue
- Share
By Evette Dionne
2 MIN READ
Nov 21, 2022
Bodies—both those we inhabit as well as the systems we navigate—are complex and ever-evolving.
Nearly three years after the pandemic wrecked our lives, we’re still learning to challenge the systems that have governed us. Our “Bodies” issue not only addresses some of the existential problems we’re facing, but also imbues us with hope. Whether it’s the haenyeo, a community of women divers on Korea’s Jeju Island, adapting to ensure their survival or counselors using an unconventional method to help their patients navigate trauma, we’re spotlighting those who understand the connection between caring for ourselves and creating transformation.
This intentionality also informs our cover, which features actor, entertainer, and social media influencer Astra Marie, who happens to be both plus-size and Black, staring directly at the camera. When we asked our readers for feedback, some responses were both fatphobic and anti-Black. Instead of leaning into the fear of difference, my hope is that the “Bodies” issue encourages us to consider what we must shift within ourselves to make space for true equity. “Bodies” is the first issue I am overseeing as YES! Magazine’s executive editor. You’ll still see stories about environmental justice and sustainability in our forthcoming issues, and you’ll also notice a shift in the artists and writers we feature and the issues and solutions we cover.
I am Black. I am fat. I am queer. I have two chronic illnesses. I am also intentional as a Black feminist in community with those most marginalized among us. That positionality guides this issue, in which there are stories about Black mothers fortifying themselves against a hostile world, abortion activists in Latin America becoming a lighthouse for people navigating similar battles stateside, and Hollywood finally embracing the sexiness of aging women.
Don’t look away from Astra Marie or the issues at hand. Instead, interrogate what makes you uncomfortable about her presence on the cover, and then interrogate where else that discomfort appears in your life. Here’s hoping this becomes a first step in embracing the beauty of difference—something I invite you to join me in championing on and off the pages of this magazine.
Be well,
Evette Dionne
YES! Executive Editor
Feature photo: A pro-abortion activist wearing a mask reading “legal abortion now” in Spanish participates in a September 2021 protest in Lima, Peru. Abortion is still illegal in Peru, but several other Latin American countries have recently advanced abortion rights. Photo by Carlos Garcia Granthon/Fotoholica Press/LightRocket via Getty Images.
Evette Dionne |
Her newest book, Weightless: Making Space for My Resilient Body and Soul, was published in December 2022 by Ecco. She’s also the author of Lifting As We Climb, which was longlisted for a National Book Award and won a Coretta Scott King author honor. Evette is based in Denver, and speaks English.Kia K5 2022 – Kia K5 on the official website of Kia in Russia
from 2 734 900 ₽
Auto in stock
New Smartstream 2.5 GDI engine
8-speed automatic transmission
Intelligent safety and driver assistance systems
Sleek silhouette
that roof line, smoothly flowing in the contour of the trunk, create a stylish and confident image.
Sleek LED headlights
Projection-type LED headlights and a heartbeat graphic in the form of daytime running lights emphasize the vehicle’s technological and futuristic design.
Grille
Branded grille
“tiger smile” has found an intriguing
three-dimensional drawing.
The design of the cells resembles the texture of shark skin.
Sporty rear bumper design
Silver diffuser and double chrome trim accentuate the Kia K5’s passion for speed and sportiness. The unique tail light pattern continues the graphic theme of the beating heart.
18” light alloy wheels
Light alloy wheels with a sporty design emphasize the vehicle’s dynamics.
1 / 5
Sleek silhouette
Sleek LED headlights
Radiator grille
Sporty rear bumper design
18” alloy wheels
900 44
A dynamic side profile, unique chrome molding and a fastback silhouette with a sloping roofline that flows seamlessly into the contour of the trunk create a stylish and confident image.
New N3 platform
The third-generation platform is Kia’s new standard for steering, chassis, transmission and cab floor layout, which improves interior space, aerodynamics, handling, stability and safety.
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
K5 automatic transmissions combine the most advanced technologies for improved fuel efficiency and superior driving performance.
Improved aerodynamics
Improved aerodynamics thanks to special body shape design and aerodynamic elements.
Driving mode selection
Allows you to select a driving mode that best suits the individual driver’s preferences.
GT Line version
The Kia K5 GT Line version offers a unique exterior and interior design to unleash its full sporting potential.
1 / 5
New N3 platform
8-speed automatic transmission
Improved aerodynamics
Driving mode selection
GT Line version
The third-generation platform is a new Kia standard that defines the layout of the steering, chassis components, transmission and cab floor, which allows you to increase the interior space, improve the car’s aerodynamic characteristics, its handling, stability and safety.
2.0 MPI
2.5 GDI
150
hp
Power
192
Nm
Torque
10.6
from
0 to 100 km/h (minimum value for this engine)
12.3” digital instrument cluster
The Supervision full digital instrument panel gives you access to all the information you need without distracting you from the road.
Navigation system with 10.25” display
The multimedia system’s large display offers an unrivaled clarity and user-friendly interface. You can easily set up your audio system, use your smartphone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and get directions.
Wireless charger
Charge your smartphone wirelessly. Just put it in the special compartment of the center console. The green indicator will tell you that charging is complete.
Head-up display (HUD)
Head-up display
information on the windshield in the driver’s line of sight.
1 / 4
Digital instrument cluster 12.3”
Navigation system with 10.25” display
Wireless charger
Head-up display (HUD)
The all-digital Supervision instrument panel gives you access to all the information you need without taking your eyes off the road.
Intelligent cruise control (SCC)
with Stop&Go function
The system maintains the speed set by the driver and calculates the relative position and speed of the vehicle ahead using the front camera and front radar to ensure a safe distance. In a traffic jam, the system, if necessary, will completely stop the car, and then automatically accelerate it to the set speed.
Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA)
The FCA system prevents the danger of a collision with a vehicle in front or a sudden obstacle (vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist).
If the FCA system determines that there is a risk of a frontal collision, it will provide the driver with an audible and visual warning and
takes control of the vehicle’s braking system.
Blind Spot Monitor with Instrument Display (BVM)
turn signal there is a possibility of collision, BVM system
will show on the dashboard the image from the camera,
warning of possible interference in blind areas.
Safe Exit System (SEA)
Using radar at the rear of the vehicle, the SEA monitors
approaching vehicles from behind and warns passengers who may get out of the vehicle. The system also
activates the electronic child safety lock,
until an oncoming vehicle passes by.
Driver Attention Assist (DAW)
The DAW analyzes your driving style. When signs of fatigue and loss of concentration are detected, the system gives a visual and audible signal, recommending a stop for rest. The system can be customized according to your wishes.
Reversing Parking Warning System (RCCW)
When reversing a parking space, the system monitors objects moving in a cross direction.
If an obstacle is detected from any direction, the system gives sound and light signals until the object passes.
1 / 6
Intelligent cruise control (SCC)
with Stop&Go function
Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA)
Blind Spot Monitor with Instrument Display (BVM)
Safe Exit Vehicle (SEA)
Driver Attention Assist (DAW)
Reverse Parking Warning (RCCW)
The system maintains the speed set by the driver and calculates the relative position and speed of the vehicle in front using the front camera and front radar to maintain a safe distance. In a traffic jam, the system, if necessary, will completely stop the car, and then automatically accelerate it to the set speed.
More space
Longer wheelbase
The Kia K5 has more legroom in the cabin, and the sloping roofline combined with the lowered cab floor doesn’t limit head and shoulder room.
12-Speaker Bose Premium Sound System
The sound system integrates 12 optimally tuned speakers and unique Bose technologies for high-quality, rich sound.
Surround Vision System (SVM)
When parking in tight spaces, multiple cameras provide a zoomable 360-degree view of the area around the car so you can maneuver with confidence without getting out of the car.
Remote engine start
The Smart key remote start function allows you to remotely start and warm up the engine and activate the climate control system.
Power and ventilated front seats
Power front seats with lumbar support, heating and ventilation.
Panoramic roof
Tilt and slide function for maximum freedom and a sense of space.
Passenger’s seat “Relaxation seat”
For increased comfort of the front passenger, additional adjustments are available to move the seat to the relaxation position.
1 / 7
More space
Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers
Surround View System (SVM)
Remote engine start
Power and ventilation front seats
Panoramic roof
Passenger seat “Relaxation seat”
Thanks to the extended wheelbase
The Kia K5 has more legroom in the cabin, and the sloping roofline combined with the lowered cab floor doesn’t limit head and shoulder room.
Remote engine start
Climate control
Remote temperature control in the cabin, activation of heated windows and side mirrors.
Remote door opening/closing
The car will automatically send a notification about open doors and if necessary, you can close them remotely.
Factory Alarm Notification
When the factory alarm goes off, the car will automatically send you a notification.
Status and diagnostics of vehicle systems
Vehicle diagnostics are available on request via the multimedia system menu or automatically every time the engine is started. You can view data on the operation of car systems for the last month in the application.
1 / 5
Remote engine start
Climate control
Remote door open/close
Factory alarm notification
Vehicle system status and diagnostics
900 02 View 360°
K5
Classic
Prestige
GT Line+
Image may not match selected equipment.
The color of the vehicle may differ from that shown on this website.
Exterior
Interior
Image may not match selected equipment. The color of the vehicle may differ from that shown on this website.
Colour:
Yacht Blue (DU3)
Interior:
Black, Combination Leather* (WK)
Configurator
Engine and transmission
2.0 MPI / 150 HP / Gasoline / Automatic / Front wheel drive
Main options
Alloy wheels 16″ with 215/60 R16 tires
Heated front seats coy and heated
Engine and transmission
2.0 MPI / 150 HP / Petrol / Automatic / Front wheel drive
Basic options
Heated steering wheel
Cloth seats
Front and rear parking sensors
Multimedia 8” with 6 speakers, Apple Carplay and Android Auto support
Engine and transmission
2.0 MPI / 150 hp / Gasoline / Automatic / Front wheel drive
2.
5 GDI / 194 hp / Gasoline / Automatic / Front wheel drive
Main options
17″ alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 tires
Heated windshield
Combination leather seats*
Power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment leg support
Smart Key Entry and push button start
6-speaker Multimedia with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
LED taillights
Engine and transmission
2.0 MPI / 150 HP / Gasoline / Automatic / Front wheel drive
2.5 GDI / 194 hp / Gasoline / Automatic / Front wheel drive
Main options
18″ alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires
Projection LED headlights
Combination leather seats*
Kia Connect telematics services**
10.25″ navigation system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
11-speaker Bose premium audio system with subwoofer and external amplifier
900 02 Sporty front bumper
Sport grille
Engine and transmission
2.0 MPI / 150 hp / Petrol / Automatic / Front wheel drive
2.
5 GDI / 194 HP / Petrol / Automatic / Front wheel drive
Main options
17″ alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 tires
Combination leather seats*
Kia Connect telematics services**
Wireless charging for mobile devices
Warning system Blind Spot Warning (BCW)
Reversing Side Collision Warning (RCCW)
4-Camera Surround View (SVM)
Engine and transmission
2.5 GDI / 194 HP / Gasoline / Automatic / Front wheel drive
Main options
18″ alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires
Panoramic sunroof and power sunroof
Combination leather seats*
Ambient lighting interior
Comfort seat, front passenger with optional “Relaxation seat” setting
Kia Connect telematic services**
Supervision 12.3″ digital instrument cluster
10.25″ navigation system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto support
Blind Spot Vision Cameras (BVM)
Black cloth headlining and pillars
Engine and trans mission
2.
5 GDI / 194 HP / Petrol / Automatic / Front wheel drive
Basic options
18″ alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires
Panoramic roof and power sunroof
Combination leather seats*
Decorative interior lighting
Comfort seat for front passenger with optional “Relaxation seat” setting
Kia Connect telematics services**
Supervision 12.3″ digital instrument cluster
Navigation system 10, 25” with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Blind Spot Camera (BVM)
Headlining and pillars in black fabric
Engine and transmission
2.5 GDI / 194 HP / Petrol / Automatic / Front wheel drive
Main options
18″ alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires
Combination leather seats*
Kia Connect telematics services**
Head-up display on the windshield
Navigation system 10.25” with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Forward Collision Warning with Cross-Cross-Cross-Flight Warning (FCA-JT)
Rear Collision Warning (RCCW)
Driver Attention Assist (DAW)
Safe Exit with Rear Door Lock (SEA)
Reverse Collision Warning (PCA)
Engine and transmission
2.
5 GDI / 194 HP / Petrol / Automatic / Front wheel drive
Basic options
18″ alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires
Combination leather seats*
Kia Connect telematics services**
Head-up display
10.25″ navigation system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
cornering at an intersection (FCA-JT)
Rear Collision Warning (RCCW)
Safe Exit with Rear Door Lock (SEA)
Rear Collision Warning System (PCA)
Driver Attention Warning System (DAW)
Dealer Finder Test Drive Credit Calculation
** Kia Connect mobile app services. The range of available services depends on the model, vehicle equipment and multimedia system.
At the moment, Kia Connect services are available only in the Russian Federation. The provision of the functionality of the services is possible and depends on the availability and / or strength of the communication signal provided by the respective telecom operator. The limited functionality of the Car’s telematic services due to the lack of a signal and / or the sufficiency of the communication signal strength is not a disadvantage of the Car and cannot be a basis for presenting relevant requirements and claims.
More
Hyundai started production of bodies in St. Petersburg for export to Kazakhstan
Until 2022, Hyundai was one of the most massive manufacturers of foreign cars on the Russian market / Evgeny Razumny / Vedomosti
Petersburg, he began to stamp parts, weld and paint bodies for Hyundai Solaris. This was reported to Vedomosti by two sources familiar with the activities of the enterprise. But these bodies are not intended for Russia – the Korean company sends them to its plant in Alma-Ata (Kazakhstan) to assemble cars there.
According to one of the interlocutors, the line for the manufacture of bodywork in St. Petersburg was restarted “recently”. Another notes that the company also plans to produce bodies for the Hyundai Creta crossover.
Until 2022, Hyundai was one of the most massive manufacturers of foreign cars on the Russian market. In 2021, 234,000 vehicles rolled off the conveyor of the Korean concern’s plant in St. Petersburg, of which 71,000 each are Solaris and Creta models.
The rest of the volume fell on Kia Rio. At the end of 2021, vehicles manufactured at the HMMR plant began to be equipped with locally assembled engines.
The company suspended its operations in March 2022 due to SVO and subsequent difficulties with the logistics of components. During the year, many foreign automakers left Russia. In the fall of 2022, Nissan announced its withdrawal from Russia and transferred the plant to FSUE NAMI, subordinated to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, later Toyota closed its site. Thus, HMMR remained the only company producing foreign cars in St. Petersburg. The plant has repeatedly extended downtime, the last one is valid until the end of 2022. In December, the company began to gradually reduce employees. The total strength of the HMMR team before the reductions was about 2,500 people.
The representative of the plant declined to comment, Vedomosti sent questions to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Severstal, which is one of the main suppliers of autosheets for the enterprise of the Korean concern in Russia.
HMMR has previously supplied Russian-made products to Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan (an assembly plant of a Korean company in Alma-Ata – Vedomosti). For example, in 2021, exports to neighboring countries from the plant in St. Petersburg amounted to a total of 24,000 vehicles, 16,000 of which were shipped as vehicle kits for assembly at a site in Alma-Ata.
The full launch of the Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan plant with a production capacity of 30,000 vehicles per year took place in October 2020. It produces seven Hyundai models: Accent (Solaris), Elantra, Sonata, Creta, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade. In August 2022, the company suspended the production of Accent and Creta due to the termination of the supply of components for them from the Russian HMMR plant and began to negotiate with Hyundai on an emergency quota for the supply of components from other countries.
Production of bodies at Hyundai’s Russian plant should not be seen as a sign that the company has decided to stay in Russia, says independent automotive consultant Sergey Burgazliev.
