On May 21 and 22, the news of the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai was marked by two announcements investments in the United States. In total, more than 10 billion dollars will be distributed between the creation of a new production site and support for the company’s non-automotive activities.
Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) sets up shop in Georgia
In order to meet the growing demand, the objectives set by Joe Biden, and those of Hyundai, this new factory will be used to produce electric vehicles as well as batteries. Moreover, it will be the very first site of the manufacturer entirely intended for the electric in the United States.
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The announced investment is 5.5 billion dollars, and its suppliers will invest 1 billion dollars. Spread over almost 12 square kilometers, Hyundai estimates that its factory will be ready for the first half of 2025 and will be able to produce 300,000 units per year. The activity of this site, and the site itself, should contribute to the creation of 8,100 new jobs in the State.
“(…) We are incredibly proud to announce our plans to open our first complete electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the United States. The United States has always been an important part of the group’s global strategy, and we are delighted to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the United States.,” enthused Euisun Chung, Executive Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group.
Seated at the table: Georgia State Governor Brian Kemp, and Hyundai Motor Group CEO Jaehoon Chang. Photography: HMG.
Humans, robots, and algorithms
Hyundai also announced plans to invest over $10 billion in the United States. Beyond its vehicle production activities, which monopolize half of it, the South Korean company is not abandoning its bets on the future.
Without saying too much, Hyundai confirmed that it would rely on Boston Dynamics, in which it holds 80% of the capital, to develop mobility solutions. ” By accelerating mass production of future products, improving product lineup and enhancing competitiveness » the group intends to move away from marketing clichés around robotics. Its quadruped, Spot, already on the market, has seen its performance improved recently. There remains the Atlas biped, not yet offered for sale.
Hyundai also announces support for several research and development programs. Among them, advanced air mobility, autonomous driving, and artificial intelligence projects.
“The group will strengthen its partnership with U.S. public and private entities to deliver innovative products and mobility solutions to our customers in the U.S., while supporting global carbon neutral efforts,” Euisun Chung said after a long interview with President Joe Biden.
While Hyundai plans to launch 17 new electric car models by 2030, and the United States aims for a sharp increase in sales of these vehicles, this rapprochement takes the appearance of external support for Joe Biden’s vast plans. At the mercy of the shortage of semiconductors, HMG will also be able to approach more local production. Not stupid