Hyundai Creating $50 Million Safety Test and Investigation Lab

Hyundai announces the establishment of a Safety Test and Investigation Laboratory (STIL) at the Hyundai America Technical Center (HATCI) in Superior Township, MI.

The new facility will further augment existing safety testing and analysis at the automaker’s U.S. R&D center. A field crash investigation lab, high-voltage battery lab, forensics lab, 1,640-ft. (500-m) track and a Vehicle Dynamics Area pad are scheduled to be operational in fall 2023.

The investment exceeds $50 million and is focused on enhancing Hyundai’s safety commitment in identifying vehicle field issues, preventing crashes and keeping passengers safe, Hyundai says in a news release. About 150 jobs will support the facility.

“We are proud to expand upon our ‘safety first’ commitment by developing a new Safety Test and Investigation Laboratory,” says Brian Latouf, chief safety officer-Hyundai Motor North America. “With the added testing and investigation capabilities of the STIL, we will better understand customer vehicle issues, identify and address defects and analyze vehicle systems more efficiently with our own, on-site laboratory.

“The access to real-world data will help accelerate our pursuit of a best-in-class safety office and enable effective safety technologies to help protect our customers and their families,” he says.

The STIL was developed in collaboration with the NHTSA based on a 2020 consent order regarding Hyundai’s and sister company Kia’s handling of the recall of 1.6 million vehicles equipped with Theta II engines. Hyundai says it has increased its required investment by $26 million.

As one of Hyundai Motor Group’s six centers focused on R&D, HATCI was established in 1986 in Ann Arbor, MI. HATCI is HMG’s design, technology and engineering division for North America.