Hyundai Motor Group Expands European R&D Facilities to Drive Future Mobility Innovations

Hyundai Motor Group is further cementing its position as a leader in automotive innovation with a significant expansion of its research and development (R&D) facilities in Europe, increasing its footprint by more than 25,000m2. This expansion aligns with the Group’s strategic focus on sustainable mobility and future-oriented growth, marking the completion of an extension at the Nürburgring test centre and the upcoming launch of the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre’s new Square Campus in March 2025.

Having developed its presence at Nürburgring over the past decade, Hyundai first pioneered durability testing there in 2011 and established a fully operational test centre in 2013. This history underscores the Group’s commitment to advancing automotive innovation across its brands—Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. The latest extension adds 834m2 to the Nürburgring facilities, incorporating state-of-the-art testing areas, specialised laboratories, and high-voltage electric vehicle (EV) charging capabilities to further enhance its capabilities.

Tyrone Johnson, managing director of Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented: “This expansion represents a bold step toward securing the infrastructure needed for the future of mobility. It reflects our confidence in the growth of the EV sector and our commitment to driving sustainable innovation. This serves as a testament to our road to electrification in Europe.”

The Group’s focus on high-performance electric vehicles, a key part of its DNA, is evident in the expanded facilities at Nürburgring. This space will allow Hyundai to seamlessly integrate its N-performance and EV strategies while continuing to refine conventional engine technologies.

The expansion extends to the upcoming Square Campus, a 25,000m2 facility situated in the Rhine-Main region, set to become a new benchmark for automotive excellence. The campus will house the Group’s largest four-wheel noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) dynamometer, along with advanced chassis and powertrain dynamometers, enabling the simulation and evaluation of vehicle performance under various conditions without the need for on-road testing.

The facility will be instrumental in advancing EVs, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment, and electrification technologies to meet the evolving needs of customers in Europe. “This expansion of our facilities demonstrates the progressive mindset that drives us at Hyundai Motor Group,” Mr Johnson added. “We are constantly moving forward, motivated by the challenge of pushing limits to achieve greater success.”

The Square Campus also embodies Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials, photovoltaic panels, and heat pump systems. The facility will feature hybrid workspaces, a rooftop garden, and smart working systems to foster collaboration and creativity.

By investing in these cutting-edge facilities, Hyundai not only accelerates its commitment to zero-tailpipe emissions by 2035 but also strengthens its position as a leader in the development of sustainable mobility solutions. The expansion will also create new career opportunities in the Rhine-Main region, attracting engineers across various disciplines to drive the future of the automotive industry.