Hyundai Motor Establishes Safety Testing and Research Institute in Michigan, USA

Establishment of a Separate Research Institute Worth 60 Billion Won

A view of the 'Hyundai America Technology Center (HATCI)' in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Hyundai Motor Company announced that it will establish a 'Safety Testing and Investigation Laboratory' (STIL) in Michigan, USA. The new facility is expected to further enhance existing safety testing and analysis.

On the 10th (local time), Hyundai Motor America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) announced that it will establish a separate safety research laboratory worth $50 million (approximately 60 billion KRW) within the 'Hyundai·Kia America Technical Center' complex in Superior Township near Detroit, Michigan.

The laboratory will be equipped with vehicle crash test facilities, high-voltage battery test facilities, a forensic laboratory, a 500-meter-long test track, and a dynamic testing area. Hyundai plans to officially announce this at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show opening on the 12th.

Hyundai received a consent order from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2020 to establish STIL. Since then, Hyundai has been cooperating with NHTSA to establish STIL.

Meanwhile, HATCI, under Hyundai Motor America, is one of six research and development (R&D) centers operated by Hyundai Motor Group and was established in 1986. In 2005, it opened a 18,000㎡ technical center on a 250,000㎡ site in Superior Township.

Brian Latouf, Chief Safety Officer (CSO) of Hyundai Motor North America, stated, "We are proud to expand our 'Safety First' commitment by establishing the new STIL," adding, "The additional testing and investigation capabilities of STIL will help develop effective safety technologies that protect customers and their families."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.