Kim Sang-Kwon, vice chairman of research and development with Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, and Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm gathered with elected officials, guests and media in Superior Township, Michigan today to celebrate the grand opening of the new Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) headquarters.
The new 200,000-square-foot expandable facility is located near the intersection of Geddes and Leforge roads, just outside of Ann Arbor. The tech center will support the development of current and new Hyundai and Kia products for the U.S. market, in areas such as research and analysis, design, emissions, durability testing and regulatory certification.
Since the facility’s groundbreaking in April 2004, the technical center has employed 100 new workers, bolstering the total on-site workforce to approximately 140 people. By the end of 2007, HATCI will employ approximately 400 workers at the Michigan-based tech center and an additional 150 people at HATCI facilities across the country.
“Michigan, as the center of the automotive world, provides the excellent infrastructure and automotive engineering talent pool that a growing company like Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group needs to achieve our goal of excellence,” said Vice Chairman Sang-Kwon Kim, speaking on behalf of Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group Chairman Mong-Koo Chung.
Nearly three years ago, HATCI conducted a detailed search for a location of its new facility, traveling to multiple sites in a couple of states. Ultimately, corporate officials, due to the efforts of Governor Granholm and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, determined that southeastern Michigan provided the resources necessary for the company to flourish. Governor Granholm applauds HATCI’s decision.
“This new North American R&D headquarters is a welcome addition to Michigan, further enhancing our standing as a high tech automotive research leader,” Granholm said. “I am thankful for the company’s commitment to our state, and especially for the impact this facility will have on the hundreds of workers that will be employed here.”
Kia Motors Corporation ( www.kiamotors.com ) – one of the fastest growing automakers in the world -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Kia’s 16 manufacturing and assembly operations in 12 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 155 countries. Kia today has over 32,000 employees and annual revenues of $14 billion . It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan -- “The Power to Surprise” -- represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.