R&D Localization

Hyundai Motor Group named William Andy Freels as president of Hyundai America Technical Center (HATCI).
Hyundai Motor Group named William Andy Freels as president of Hyundai America Technical Center (HATCI).

 

Hyundai Motor Group named a local executive at Hyundai America Technical Center (HATCI), the advance base for the U.S. market. It is the first time for the company to appoint a local executive as the head of its R&D center in 30 years since its founding.

According to Hyundai Motor on March 14, William Andy Freels is named President of HATCI. He developed and tested the Genesis G90 sedan, or EQ900 in Korea at Mojave Proving Ground. Freels started at the HATCI organization in 2005 and played a vital role in establishing the foundation for HMC’s California Proving Grounds. He also served as director of the vehicle evaluation division at Mojave Proving Ground, testing Hyundai’s car models, which were about to release in the U.S. market.

 HATCI was established in 1986 in Ann Arbor Venture Town near Detroit in Michigan. Hyundai-Kia Motors expanded HATCI and relocated it in Superior Township near Detroit in October 2005.

 HATCI is considered one of the most advanced automobile research centers that have the capability to develop comprehensive automotive technologies as well as design. It has been promoted as the vital base to strengthen its capability to produce cars, which were designed and tested in the U.S., in local plants and supply them to American customers. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor recently appointed Erwin Raphael as General Manager for Genesis Motors USA in order to independently manage the brand in the country. 

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