Hyundai Motor Group is concluding the development of internal combustion engines, as reported by The Korea Economic Daily last week. The automaker has closed its research and development center for internal combustion engines in Namyang, South Korea, according to the report, which cites industry sources familiar with the matter.
The newly appointed head of R&D at Hyundai, Park Chung-kook, mentioned in an email to employees quoted by The Korea Economic Daily, “Now, it is inevitable to turn to electrification.” He stated that Hyundai “must change the system” by redirecting its R&D resources away from internal combustion engines.
Teams previously involved with internal combustion will transition to electric powertrain development, along with much of the physical infrastructure at the Namyang R&D site, according to the report.
Exactly six months ago, Reuters reported that Hyundai had ceased developing new internal combustion engines but mentioned that the automaker planned to continue working on efficiency improvements for existing designs for emerging markets.
Hyundai is rolling out a new range of electric vehicles based on its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) for the new Ioniq sub-brand, as well as for its existing Kia and Genesis brands. The company plans to start building electric vehicles in the United States next year.
The automaker also aims to have 10 electrified models in its U.S. lineup by the end of next year, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids alongside battery-electric vehicles and the hydrogen fuel cell crossover Nexo (available only in California).
Earlier this year, Hyundai unveiled a broad vision for hydrogen fuel cells. The company plans to achieve a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle price comparable to battery-electric vehicles by 2030. Hyundai is also advocating for the use of fuel cells in commercial trucks and possibly in vans and SUVs.
