Celebrating One Year of Innovation at Hyundai HMGICS Singapore
Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) celebrated its one-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone for the organization and highlighting its strategic role in advancing Hyundai's vision for sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. The celebration was marked by a town hall meeting on December 12th, attended by group executives including Executive Chair Euisun Chung, President and CEO Jaehoon Chang, and others, who shared insights into the center's achievements and future goals.
During the meeting, Executive Chair Chung praised the commitment of HMGICS employees, noting, “Our journey has been impressive so far, but the best is yet to come.” This sentiment encapsulates the center's mission to develop innovative solutions that improve not only customer experiences but also the overall landscape of future mobility. Chung highlighted the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing sector, reaffirming that the Group is well-equipped to meet upcoming challenges through its focus on forward-thinking technology and human-centered approaches.
HMGICS functions as Hyundai's first global innovation hub, crucial to the Group's long-term strategies that encompass advancements in manufacturing, research and development (R&D), sales, and an enhanced customer experience. In its inaugural year, the center has established itself as a leader in numerous areas, successfully implementing a highly intelligent and automated cell-based production system. This initiative has significantly improved logistics and assembly automation capabilities, utilizing sophisticated robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital twin technologies.
The innovative approaches developed at HMGICS aim to facilitate the production of a diverse array of mobility solutions, ranging from electric vehicles (EVs) to advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions and purpose-built vehicles (PBVs). As such, the manufacturing technologies refined in Singapore are set to be deployed across various Hyundai global factories, reinforcing the Group's commitment to enhancing its manufacturing competitiveness and operational efficiency.
This past year also saw the rollout of groundbreaking electric vehicles, such as the locally produced Hyundai IONIQ 5, recognized globally for its design and eco-friendly manufacturing practices. In line with this, the upcoming release of the Hyundai IONIQ 6 in 2024 is highly anticipated, continuing to showcase Hyundai's dedication to sustainability and innovation.
The transformation occurring at HMGICS significantly extends beyond production capabilities. The center has redefined customer interaction through immersive Discovery Tours, offering visitors a unique, hands-on experience of the EV manufacturing process. Features include a 3D virtual reality tour of the production line, test rides on the Skytrack, and a showcase of the site's vertical smart farm. This farm supplies fresh produce to Na Oh, a unique Korean restaurant at HMGICS, which operates under a seed-to-table concept led by acclaimed Chef Corey Lee. This initiative not only enhances customer experience but also emphasizes the importance of culinary excellence within HMGICS's broader vision.
HMGICS is also making considerable strides in community engagement by fostering local talent and collaborating with educational institutions. In 2024, the center increased its local workforce by 30%, focusing primarily on R&D and engineering roles, while also providing internships and practical learning opportunities for students interested in advanced manufacturing and innovative technology.
As Hyundai continues its journey of transformation, HMGICS is set at the forefront, driving a vision where innovation and social value go hand in hand. The group is committed to embracing continuous change to achieve sustainable growth, cementing its role not only as a leader in mobility but also as a responsible corporate citizen contributing to societal advancement.