By Lee Kap-soo

Hyundai Motor Group and Georgia Tech signed a memorandum of understanding on Sept. 19 to collaborate on research and applications to support the future of sustainable mobility, including developing a hydrogen economy, workforce development, and making cities smarter and more sustainable, among many other areas of cooperation. 

The group is investing $12.6 billion in new dedicated electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in Georgia. The investment includes the $7.59 billion Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) site in Bryan County, Georgia that will create more than 8,500 direct jobs and the $5 billion battery manufacturing facility joint venture with SK On in Bartow County, Georgia that will employ approximately 3,500 people. The proximity of these facilities to Georgia Tech was one of the important considerations in deciding their locations.

The collaboration with Georgia Tech builds upon the Group’s long history in Georgia. The Kia Georgia’s West Point assembly plant, established under the leadership of Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo and Executive Chair Chung Eui-sun, began vehicle production in 2009. 

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue, participating in the HMG-Georgia Tech MOU ceremony, was the Governor of Georgia at the time of the Kia Georgia plant’s opening.

Also, a recent study by the Center for Automotive Research reveals that Hyundai Motor’s automotive operations contributed $20.1 billion and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy in 2021 alone. According to the study, Hyundai’s investments in Georgia are expected to create nearly 40,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in individual earnings every year.

“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. The more we have gotten to know each other, the more obvious the alignment of our values has become,” said Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera. 

“I am grateful for the transformative investments Hyundai is making in our state, and I am proud that the Hyundai brand will feature prominently on our campus. 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.”

“Georgia is like a second home to us,” said Jay Chang, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. “We are a mission-driven organization with a very compelling point of view about the future. We feel a great responsibility to contribute to a sustainable future where all humankind can have a safe and healthy life while enjoying freedom of movement. On behalf of all of us at Hyundai Motor Group, we are thrilled to create a partnership with Georgia Tech that includes research and applications to support the future of sustainable mobility, hydrogen economy, workforce development, and smart cities, among many other areas of cooperation. Today is the beginning of a partnership that will last for decades, and this partnership is one of the reasons why we chose Georgia for our EV investments.”

“Hyundai’s investments in Georgia will create tens of thousands of jobs and bring tens of billions of dollars in economic impact for decades to come,” said José Muñoz, President and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company, and President and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. “Proximity to institutions like Georgia Tech was one of the many reasons Hyundai selected Georgia for our new EV manufacturing facility. 

Imagine zero emissions hydrogen-powered vehicles here on campus, advanced air mobility shuttling people to Hartsfield International Airport or riding hands-free and stress free in autonomous vehicles during rush hour on I-75 and I-85. Together Georgia Tech and Hyundai have the resources to fundamentally improve how people and goods move. We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Georgia Tech, which will include opportunities for student professional development and cooperative work programs.” 

“Globally, we are seeing an unprecedented transformation of the mobility sector as companies move to more sustainable and responsible transportation alternatives. Georgia stands at the forefront of that change,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson.