Hyundai, Kia take ‘startup-like approach’ with R&D arm

Hyundai and Kia announced that they are reorganizing their joint research and development (R and D) arm to take a startup-like approach, which allows them to flexibly respond to the rapidly changing global automotive industry.

In addition, both South Korean automotive brands stated that the change in their approach will help them advance the transition to electrification and accelerate the development of Software Defined Vehicles (SDV).

‘The new R and D organization will be fast and flexible, operating with the agility of a startup, and will enable us to lead in the rapidly changing mobility landscape,” commented Hyundai Executive Vice President Yong Hwa Kim.

Kim (photo below) will also be leading the revamped R and D organization and will sit as its President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

“While the previous organization was focused on the efficient development of vehicles, the new dynamic structure will meet ongoing changes in global consumer demands and expands the organization to deliver aligned solutions in future mobility, electrification, software, and robotics,” the new R&D President stated.

Under the new system each Total Vehicle Development (TVD) Division, Vehicle SW Tech Unit, and Mobility Engineering and Tech Acceleration (META) Tech Unit, as well as new business and Design Centers get their own development systems.

In addition, the new TVD Division now oversees the overall process of new vehicle development, including electric vehicles (EV).

On that note, the EV organization, including the Electrified Propulsion Engineering Design Center and Electrified Propulsion Test Center, now operates directly under the TVD Division.

Within the new TVD Division are the Genesis Development Tech Unit and Vehicle Development Tech Unit 1 for multipurpose vehicles and compact cars, as well as the Vehicle Development Tech Unit 2 for medium to large-sized vehicles.

The expanded Vehicle SW Tech Unit, on the other hand, now seeks the most efficient way for Hyundai Motor and Kia to transition to an SDV system.

To this end, the Autonomous Driving Center, Vehicle Control Development Center, and Digital Engineering Center are now added to the Vehicle SW Tech Unit, which previously consisted of just the Electronics Development Center and Infotainment Development Center.

The Vehicle SW Tech Unit will carry out research and development on the electronic architectures and integrated control strategy for Hyundai Motor and Kia models, Hyundai said.

As for the META Tech Unit, it will consolidate the previously decentralized organizations, which are the Mobility Tech Center, Vehicle Performance Tech Center, Vehicle Architecture Development Center, and Materials Research and Engineering Center.

“The reorganization is focused on continuing the transition to electrification and software-centered development, strengthening capabilities to create next-generation technologies and securing future growth engines in new business areas. Based on these efforts, Hyundai Motor and Kia expect to accelerate their journey to become smart and sustainable mobility solution providers,” Hyundai wrote in a press release.

Photos from Hyundai

Also read: 

Hyundai retains top spot in industry customer loyalty for US

Hyundai global sales up by 7.8% in May

Hyundai Motor Group promotes Busan’s bid to host World Expo 2030