Hyundai Motor to establish technology research institute

A Hyundai Motor researcher tests the carmaker’s connected car technology at its Uiwang R&D center in Gyeonggi Province. / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor

By Jhoo Dong-chan

The nation’s largest carmaker Hyundai Motor is establishing a “Strategic Technology Research Institute (STRI)” to develop technology in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, new materials, sharing economy and information and communication technology.

According to a Hyundai Motor official, Tuesday, the institute is expected to be built inside the Korea Central Research Institute (KCRI) in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province. The KCRI is one of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D centers where nearly 1,500 researchers study eco-friendly technologies.

“The STRI will not only enhance our future technologies but also provide creative and meaningful value-added customer experiences,” the official said.

“The institute will put its utmost efforts on developing future-leading disruptive technologies while actively seeking open innovation opportunities with leading universities, research organizations, and technology firms around the world.

“Companies are now facing new challenges from the emergence of disruptive innovations. With an increasingly complex environment, Hyundai Motor Group will strive to offer the highest value to our customers with innovative products and services as we evolve into a market shaper.”

The STRI is expected to include two divisions _ R&D engineering and strategic development.

Hyundai Motor said it would recruit young talent to staff the institute.

“A series of Hyundai Motor Group’s investments in future technologies reflect the carmaker’s commitment to lead the upcoming technology race in global automotive industry,” the official said.

“Hyundai Motor believes in ‘destructive innovation.’ Preemptive investments for such innovation will be the key for sustainable growth in the automotive market.”

Hyundai Motor’s investment in enhancing its R&D capacities is not the first of its kind. Last week, the carmaker announced it would establish the Intelligent Safety Technology Center at its Namyang R&D center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, to integrate the company’s technology resources to help develop autonomous driving technology.