Hyundai Motor Group, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, has announced a multi-decade partnership with Georgia Tech, one of the top-ranked public universities in the United States. The collaboration aims to support the future of sustainable mobility, including developing a hydrogen economy, workforce development, and making cities smarter and more sustainable, among many other areas of cooperation.
Hyundai’s Massive Investment in Georgia
Hyundai Motor Group is investing $12.6 billion in new dedicated electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in Georgia. The investment includes the $7.59 billion Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) site in Bryan County, Georgia that will create more than 8,500 direct jobs and the $5 billion battery manufacturing facility joint venture with SK On in Bartow County, Georgia that will employ approximately 3,500 people. The proximity of these facilities to Georgia Tech was one of the important considerations in deciding their locations.
The HMGMA site will be the first dedicated EV plant and battery manufacturing facility in the U.S. for Hyundai Motor Group. It will produce up to 300,000 EVs annually and have a battery production capacity of 10 GWh per year. The site will also feature a hydrogen refueling station, a solar farm, and a smart city testbed. The battery manufacturing facility joint venture with SK On will be one of the largest in the world, supplying batteries for Hyundai’s EVs as well as other automakers.
Hyundai’s investments in Georgia are expected to create nearly 40,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in individual earnings every year. According to a recent study by the Center for Automotive Research, Hyundai Motor’s automotive operations contributed $20.1 billion and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy in 2021 alone.
Georgia Tech and Hyundai’s Shared Vision for Innovation
Georgia Tech and Hyundai Motor Group share a common vision for advancing technology and innovation to make a positive difference in the world. The two institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on research and applications in various fields related to sustainable mobility.
Some of the areas of cooperation include:
- Developing a hydrogen economy: Hydrogen is a clean and renewable energy source that can power various modes of transportation, such as cars, buses, trucks, trains, and ships. Hyundai Motor Group is a global leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, having launched the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle, the NEXO, in 2018. Georgia Tech has extensive expertise and facilities in hydrogen research, such as the National Center for Transportation Systems Productivity and Management (NCTSPM) and the Strategic Energy Institute (SEI).
- Workforce development: As the automotive industry undergoes a rapid transformation towards electrification and digitalization, there is a need for skilled workers who can adapt to the changing demands and opportunities. Hyundai Motor Group and Georgia Tech will work together to provide education and training programs for students, employees, and communities in Georgia and beyond. The partnership will also include opportunities for student professional development and cooperative work programs.
- Making cities smarter and more sustainable: Smart cities are urban areas that use technology and data to improve the quality of life and efficiency of services for their residents. Hyundai Motor Group and Georgia Tech will collaborate on developing solutions for smart mobility, smart infrastructure, smart energy, smart environment, and smart governance. The partnership will also leverage Georgia Tech’s Living Building Challenge 3.0 certified Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design, which is one of the most environmentally advanced buildings in the world.
Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field
As part of the partnership, Hyundai Motor Group has also acquired the field-naming recognition at Bobby Dodd Stadium, which will now be known as Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Bobby Dodd Stadium is the home of Georgia Tech football team, which competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) of NCAA Division I. The stadium has a capacity of 55,000 seats and is located on Georgia Tech’s campus in Atlanta.
The partnership will also feature sponsorship elements that will enhance the experience on gamedays for fans in and around Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Some of these elements include:
- A Hyundai Fan Zone that will offer interactive activities and displays for fans of all ages.
- A Hyundai Tailgate Tour that will bring Hyundai vehicles and brand ambassadors to various locations around Atlanta before each home game.
- A Hyundai Drive of the Game that will highlight a key play or moment from each home game on social media and digital platforms.
- A Hyundai Scholar-Athlete Program that will recognize outstanding student-athletes from Georgia Tech and visiting teams who excel both on and off the field.
The partnership between Georgia Tech and Hyundai Motor Group is expected to be mutually beneficial for both parties as they strive to achieve their goals of innovation, excellence, and sustainability.
