Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., (HATCI) together celebrated the $51.6 million expansion project for a new Safety Test and Investigation Laboratory (STIL) at a groundbreaking ceremony. The ceremony highlighted the benefits of the new safety laboratory and included remarks from José Muñoz, president and chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor Company and president and chief executive officer, Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America and Hyundai Motor America. Brian Latouf, chief safety officer, Hyundai Motor North America, and John Robb, president, HATCI, as well as local and government officials including Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II also participated in the event. The STIL is planned to be operational in the fall of 2023 and will be supported by 160 employees.
“Safety is the top priority at Hyundai and is embedded throughout the entire organization,” said José Muñoz, president and chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor Company and president and chief executive officer, Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America and Hyundai Motor America. “We excel in third-party crash testing and ratings, and we strive to be a leader in equipping our vehicles with the latest safety features. The new laboratory will enable us to even more effectively protect our customers and enhance our world-class safety organization.”
The new facility will further augment Hyundai’s existing safety testing and analysis. It will feature a field crash investigation lab, high voltage battery lab, forensics lab, 500m track and a Vehicle Dynamics Area pad. IBI Group and BCCG have been selected for the architectural design and construction of the building expansion. The investment is focused on enhancing Hyundai’s safety commitment in identifying vehicle field issues, preventing crashes and keeping passengers safe.
“This investment by Hyundai is critically important not only to Southeast Michigan, but to our entire country,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12). “Traffic fatalities are at an all-time high in our nation, and each of us from elected officials to auto makers have a role to play in addressing this urgent, preventable crisis. This new Safety Test and Investigation Laboratory will save lives, and I applaud Hyundai for their commitment to keeping passengers safe.”
“Hyundai’s cutting-edge Safety Test and Investigation Laboratory will create good-paying, high-skilled jobs right here in Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Michigan put the world on wheels, and I am grateful for Hyundai’s partnership in building on that tradition with a $50 million investment in Superior Township. Since entering office, Governor Whitmer and I have added nearly 25,000 good-paying auto jobs, and we will continue working hard to maintain Michigan’s leadership in future mobility, grow our economy, upskill Michigan’s workforce, and stand tall for Michigan.”
Hyundai recognizes the value and importance of enhancing its hands-on safety evaluation processes. The STIL was developed in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) based on a 2020 Consent Order which required an investment in a safety facility of $25 million. Hyundai increased its required investment by more than $26 million.
Hyundai also reminds drivers and passengers to always wear safety belts, use appropriate child seats and focus on the drive.