HYUNDAI) is a South Korean multinational conglomerate headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It is the largest vehicle manufacturer in South Korea and as of 2015 the world's fourth largest vehicle manufacturer behind Japanese Toyota, German Volkswagen Group and American General Motors. The group was formed through the purchase of 51% of South Korea's second-largest car company, Kia Motors, by Hyundai Motor Company in 1998. As of December 31, 2013, Hyundai owns 33.88%[2] of Kia Motors. The Hyundai Kia Automotive Group also refers to the group of affiliated companies interconnected by complex shareholding arrangements, with Hyundai Motor Company regarded as the de facto representative of the group.