Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) said it had begun construction of a new European research and development (R&D) centre in Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region, Germany to strengthen its position in the smart, zero emission vehicle segment.

The 25,000 square metre facility, to be managed by Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC), was scheduled to be completed in 2025 and would focus on developing and integrating energy efficient designs and advanced renewable energy systems. It would develop “new mobility solutions tailored to meet the preferences of European customers”.

The automaker said labs at the new centre would focus on developing and adapting new technology, including driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment and electrification.

It would also host the group’s largest four wheel noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) dynamometer, capable of measuring a complete vehicle model line, along with two chassis dynamometers and a powertrain dynamometer.

HMG said the new research centre was a major investment in R&D. It would double HMETC’s office and research lab space and was designed to enable the company to “remain at the forefront of the industry’s technological advancements”.