2023.09.22
Hyundai and Georgia Tech team up on hydrogen, EV tech
BY SARAH CHEA, Korea JoongAng Daily - Hyundai Motor Group teamed up with the Georgia Institute of Technology to develop future automotive technologies, continuing Hyundai's relationship with the U.S. state that was first established by honorary chairman Chung Mong-koo two decades ago.
The Korean company
signed a memorandum of understanding with Georgia Tech on a multi-decade
partnership including joint research and development programs focused on
battery technology and the hydrogen economy.
Georgia is where
Chung built Kia's first U.S. plant in 2006, which Hyundai said was the start of
its relationship with the state that even led the company to spend $12.6
billion on EV-dedicated facility and battery manufacturing facilities in the
state last year.
Under the
partnership, professors at Georgia Tech will conduct joint research with
Hyundai America Technical Center and Hyundai Namyang R&D Center.
Hyundai will also
support startups formed by Georgia Tech students, allowing them to collaborate
with Hyundai subsidiaries. Some Georgia Tech students will also be offered
scholarships and internship opportunities for the automakers.
“Georgia is like a second home to us,” said Hyundai Motor CEO Chang Jae-hoon. “We are thrilled to create a partnership with Georgia Tech, and today is the beginning of a partnership that will last for decades. This partnership is one of the reasons why we chose Georgia for our EV investments.”
The collaboration
with Georgia Tech builds upon the company's long history in Georgia started two
decades ago by honorary chairman Chung Mong-Koo and his son, Euisun Chung, the
current chief of Hyundai, who selected the city of West Point, Georgia, for Kia's
first plant in the United States.
Starting mass
production in 2009, the West Point plant has produced more than 4 million
vehicles for the past 14 years.
Hyundai’s
investments in Georgia are expected to create nearly 40,000 jobs and $4.6
billion in individual earnings every year, according to a recent study by the
Center for Automotive Research.
“Like Georgia Tech,
Hyundai is a global brand that is synonymous with quality, innovation, and a
commitment to advancing technology to make a positive difference in the world,”
said Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera. “I look forward to working with Hyundai
leaders to deepen our partnership as we work to develop exceptional leaders and
produce new ideas that will shape the automotive industry and advance mobility
in the future."