Valeo Mobility to Invest $13 Million to Establish Autonomous Driving Research Center at Yeungnam University

MOU Signed at Gyeongsan City Hall
52 New R&D Positions to Be Created

On November 14, North Gyeongsang Province and Gyeongsan City signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Valeo Mobility Korea, a global automotive parts company, at Gyeongsan City Hall for the establishment of an autonomous driving system research and development center.

Through this investment, Valeo Mobility Korea plans to invest 13 million dollars by 2030 to establish R&D facilities for the development of core technologies for vehicle autonomous driving systems in the CRC (Convergence Research Cluster) building and other locations on the Yeungnam University Gyeongsan Campus.

Yeungnam University Campus Where the Autonomous Driving System Research and Development Center Will Be Established

This initiative will create 52 new research and development jobs and expand research equipment and testing infrastructure to further advance core technologies related to advanced autonomous driving and sensors.

This investment by Valeo Mobility Korea is expected to serve as a significant turning point in transforming the automotive industry structure in North Gyeongsang Province, as it is not merely the construction of a production facility but a high value-added, research and development-focused investment.

North Gyeongsang Province is moving beyond its traditional focus on vehicle assembly to foster an innovative ecosystem where future vehicle core technologies-such as autonomous driving, electric components, and sensors-are concentrated. Gyeongsan, in particular, is already home to numerous automotive electronics companies, including the American global electronics firm Tyco AMP. The region is expected to become a hub where research, development, and production of future vehicle core technologies such as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and in-cabin monitoring systems (which detect and analyze the state of drivers and passengers in real time) are integrated.

Valeo Mobility Korea is the Korean subsidiary of Valeo S.A. of France, specializing in the research and production of core sensor technologies for autonomous driving, including ultrasonic sensors, radars, and cameras. As a global automotive parts company with over 180 sites in 29 countries, it is known as a key partner producing core autonomous driving components for Hyundai Motor Group.

With this R&D investment in Gyeongsan, Valeo aims to strengthen its research base for autonomous driving sensor technology in Korea and enhance its competitiveness in the global market.

North Gyeongsang Province is working to transform its excellent research and development infrastructure-including POSTECH and Yeungnam University-and the automotive parts cluster connecting Gyeongju, Gyeongsan, and Yeongcheon into a future mobility hub that links the electric vehicle, autonomous driving, and semiconductor industries.

In addition, North Gyeongsang Province has established a one-stop administrative support system that allows global companies to invest with confidence, offering customized corporate licensing support, research and development network connections, and workforce development programs.

Yang Geumhee, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of North Gyeongsang Province, stated, "Valeo Mobility Korea's decision to invest in Gyeongsan marks the starting point for North Gyeongsang's automotive industry to evolve from a manufacturing-centered sector to a global R&D hub attracting advanced technologies and research talent. We will continue our efforts to enable more companies to participate in North Gyeongsang's innovative future vehicle ecosystem."

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