Hyundai Motor-Kia updates R&D organization

[HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai Motor and Kia will re-shuffle their joint research and development (R&D) organization in response to the transition to electrification and to accelerate software development.

The R&D organization, which the company calls an independent allianced tech organization, will focus on the rapid development of vehicles and services, as well as secure quality in mass production.

The organization is headed by Kim Yong-hwa, who has been promoted to president and named chief technology officer (CTO) and will have four divisions and units: Total Vehicle Development (TVD) Division, Vehicle SW Tech Unit, Mobility Engineering and Tech Acceleration Tech Unit, as well as new business and design centers.

Under the new system, the teams will collaborate with each other when needed, similar to a startup, Hyundai said.

The TVD Division will oversee the overall process of new vehicle development, including electric vehicles, while the Vehicle SW Tech Unit will research the most efficient way for Hyundai and Kia cars to become so-called software-defined vehicles, or what the industry calls "smartphones on wheels."

An SDV is equipped with an over-the-air system or wireless technology that drivers can use to update their cars' software and add the latest features.

“The new R&D organization will be fast and flexible, operating with the agility of a startup, and enable us to lead in the rapidly changing mobility landscape,” said CTO Kim. “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.”

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]