According to a recent announcement, Georgia Tech and Hyundai Motor Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for future mobility collaboration. This partnership aims to foster research and innovation in various areas, including sustainable mobility, the hydrogen economy, workforce development, and smart cities.
The collaboration comes as Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest $12.6 billion in new facilities dedicated to battery and electric vehicle manufacturing in Georgia. These investments include the establishment of Hyundai Motor Group’s Metaplant America (HMGMA) site in Bryan County, which is expected to create over 8,500 direct jobs. Additionally, the group will collaborate with SK On to build a $5 billion battery manufacturing facility in Bartow County that will employ approximately 3,500 people.
The proximity of these facilities to Georgia Tech played a crucial role in their location selection process. The university’s expertise and resources make it an ideal partner for Hyundai Motor Group’s research and development efforts. This collaboration builds on the group’s long-standing relationship with Georgia, which dates back to the establishment of Kia Georgia’s West Point Assembly Plant in 2009.
A recent study by the Center for Automotive Research highlights the significant contributions of Hyundai Motor’s automotive operations to the U.S. economy. In 2021 alone, these operations contributed $20.1 billion and supported 190,000 jobs. The study also projects that Hyundai’s investments in Georgia will create nearly 40,000 jobs and generate $4.6 billion in individual income annually.
Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera expressed his gratitude for Hyundai’s transformative investments in the state and emphasized the alignment between both organizations’ values. He looks forward to deepening the partnership with Hyundai leaders to develop exceptional leaders and produce new ideas that will shape the automotive industry and advance mobility in the future.
Jay Chang, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, described Georgia as a second home for them and highlighted their mission-driven approach to contribute to a sustainable future. The partnership with Georgia Tech will focus on research and applications related to sustainable mobility, the hydrogen economy, workforce development, and smart cities.
José Muñoz, president and global chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor Company, emphasized that proximity to institutions like Georgia Tech was a significant factor in choosing Georgia for their new electric vehicle manufacturing plant. He believes that Hyundai’s investments in the state will create tens of thousands of jobs and generate substantial economic impact for decades to come.
Hyundai Motor Group is a global company with mobility brands such as Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. With approximately 250,000 employees worldwide, the group aims to create a better future through creative thinking, cooperative communication, and tackling any challenge that comes their way.
Surprisingly, the collaboration between Georgia Tech and Hyundai Motor Group signifies a commitment to advancing technology and innovation in the automotive industry. This partnership will not only drive research and development but also create numerous job opportunities and contribute significantly to the economy. As both organizations continue working together, they aim to shape the future of mobility while promoting sustainability and technological advancements.
