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| Andy Freels, left, president of the Hyundai America Technical Center, poses with John Maddox, CEO of the American Center for Mobility (ACM), after signing an agreement to invest $5 million in ACM's planned research complex for connected and automated vehicle technologies in the U.S. State of Michigan, Tuesday (local time). / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor |
By Lee Hyo-sik
Hyundai Motor has invested $5 million in the creation of a research complex to be built by the American Center for Mobility (ACM) in the United States to secure more advanced connected and automated car technologies, the company said Wednesday.
This is the latest move by Korea's largest automaker to enhance its knowhow and expertise in vehicle automation and connectivity, and get an upper hand in the development of eco-friendly, energy-efficient future vehicles.
On Tuesday (local time), Andy Freels, president of the Hyundai America Technical Center, signed an agreement with ACM CEO John Maddox to invest the $5 million in the center's research complex for connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technology in Ypsilanti, west of Detroit in the U.S. State of Michigan.
ACM is currently building a world-class proving ground where companies will collaborate to develop CAV and future mobility technologies, as well as working on standards and education programs.
The move is a joint initiative with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, State of Michigan, Michigan Department of Transportation, the University of Michigan, Business Leaders for Michigan and Ann Arbor Spark.
Hyundai is one of ACM's founding members along with AT&T, Toyota and Ford.
The complex's first phase of construction is nearing completion. Validation, product development, education and standards facilities will open in December.
The 2 square-kilometer site is only 11.5 kilometers away from the Hyundai America Technical Center, making it easier for the Korean automaker to develop and test its driver-assistance, CAV and other technologies.
The complex will also provide testing under unique and extreme conditions in a controlled environment to improve vehicle safety.
It is expected to help advance Hyundai's safety, connectivity, cyber security and autonomous technologies, Freels said.
"Hyundai's investment supporting ACM strengthens our long-term commitment to the advancement of safety and mobility through automated vehicle technology," Freels said.
"We are excited to be a founding member of the government-industry team at the neighboring ACM facility. As a founding member, we will help set the direction for CAV standards and test advanced technologies in a safe environment for the North American customer," he said.
Maddox said ACM has been working closely with Hyundai over the years.
"We are thrilled Hyundai decided to take the next step with this significant investment to further our collaboration. The Hyundai team has some unique developments they are working on and we are eager to help them achieve their goals," he said.
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