The Hyundai Group has expanded its research and development hub in Rüsselsheim, Germany, as it looks to grow its market share in Europe with an expanded range of models.
The new Square Campus comprises new dyno facilities, an EV charging lab, driving simulator and the largest noise, vibration and harshness testing centre at any Hyundai Group facility globally.
It cost €150 million (£132m) to build and will help the brand with the tuning and development of new cars aimed at European markets.
“The extensive new capabilities at HMETC give us more independence and flexibility, while creating exciting new opportunities for collaboration between our brands,” said Tyrone Johnson, managing director of the group’s European technical centre.
The group added that the new centre will help to “protect against the challenges associated with external outdoor testing” of prototypes, hinting that it could move the majority of its testing behind closed doors, which would reduce the chances of photographers spying the latest Hyundai, Genesis and Kia models before they’re revealed to the public.
The new development comes as the Hyundai brand looks to capitalise on “untapped potential” in the European market. Xavier Martinet, who became CEO of Hyundai Europe in January, recently told Autocar that it needs to “seize” opportunities in fleet sales and the B-segment.
“The B-segment has a huge volume in Europe and we’ll be launching three new products," said Martinet. "There’s clearly an opportunity to grab some market share and conquer new customers.”
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