[Heart of Innovation, Corporate Research Labs 12] Hyundai Namyang Research Center, the Key to Chasing the Global Big Three

Three Generations of Relentless R&D: Ju-yung, Mongkoo, and Euisun
Developing the "RN24" at Namyang, the R&D Mecca
"Combining Racing Cars and Electric Vehicles Is the Goal"

Rolling Lab 'RN24'. Hyundai Motor Company

Electric vehicles equipped with batteries are inherently heavy, which inevitably affects their agility. Hyundai Motor Company is working to break this stereotype by developing electric vehicles that are "smaller and more agile." The company aims to reduce the length by more than 300mm and the weight by 320kg compared to the Ioniq 5 N (3,000mm, 2,200kg). Although the body is lighter, the maximum output remains at 650 horsepower, the same as the Ioniq 5 N, enabling movements as nimble and dramatic as a racing car.

This is the story of the Rolling Lab "RN24" currently under development by Hyundai Motor Company. Rolling Lab refers to a "mobile research lab," a vehicle used for research and verification of high-performance technologies before they are applied to mass-production models. The RN24 aims to combine motorsport technology with electric vehicles.

Rolling Lab (Mobile Research Lab) 'RN24' exhibited on the 3rd floor of Hyundai Motor Studio Seoul, a brand experience space of Hyundai Motor Company. Photo by Youngju Jeon

Although the RN24 is still in the research and development (R&D) stage, it is on display for everyone to see on the third floor of Hyundai Motor Studio Seoul, Hyundai's brand experience space in Gangnam, Seoul. With the recent reopening of Hyundai Motor Studio Seoul, a research vehicle previously used at the Namyang Research Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, has been made available to the public. This move reflects the company's confidence in its technology.

The RN24 features a futuristic look, reminiscent of the small body of the Casper Electric, but with a large rear wing. The vehicle’s frame is exposed, revealing various batteries and power cables. Manager Jung Taekmin, who leads the docent tour, explained, "The RN24 can perform four-wheel drift using its handbrake system, allowing it to demonstrate movements similar to those seen in the World Rally Championship (WRC)."

Hyundai Motor Group Namyang Research Center exterior. Hyundai Motor Company

When Hyundai Motor Company first entered the overseas market by exporting six Pony vehicles to Ecuador in June 1976, few could have predicted that, half a century later, the company would be leading the world with cutting-edge technology. At the core of this progress is R&D. In particular, the relentless focus on R&D across three generations-Chung Juyung, Chung Mongkoo, and Chung Euisun-has been widely recognized as Hyundai Motor Company's driving force. According to the European Union Joint Research Centre and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hyundai Motor Company's R&D investment increased 2.7 times over the past decade, from 1.03 billion euros (1.7 trillion won) in 2013 to 2.79 billion euros (4.6 trillion won) in 2023.

Among all its facilities, the Namyang Research Center is the heart and soul of Hyundai’s R&D. In the early days, the company had no choice but to import blueprints for parts like engines from Japanese firms, but today it has become an organization that researches every aspect of automobiles. John Krafcik, former CEO of Hyundai Motor America, said at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, "The reason Hyundai Motor Company is doing so well globally is because of quality," adding, "Without the Namyang Research Center, there would be no Hyundai Motor Company as we know it today. The Namyang Research Center is truly an amazing treasure trove for Hyundai."

In 1947, employees of Hyundai Motor Industry took a group photo to celebrate the company's 1st anniversary. Hyundai Motor Company

Chung Mongkoo, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group (right), is introducing the technology to Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand (left), who is test-driving an eco-friendly vehicle at Namyang Research Center in 2008. Hyundai Motor Company

Originally, the site for the Namyang Research Center was purchased by the late founder Chung Juyung with the intention of building apartments, but he changed direction, deciding a research center was necessary for the future of Korea’s automotive industry. After investing 350 billion won over ten years, the research center was completed in 1996. In April 1997, Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the Atos, its first entry into the compact car market, at the Namyang Research Center. By the end of that year, the Atos set a new monthly sales record for compact cars, surpassing the midsize bestseller Sonata.

It is a well-known anecdote that Honorary Chairman Chung Mongkoo frequently conducted "Chairman Mode" test drives at the Namyang Research Center. As soon as he got behind the wheel, he would floor the accelerator, pushing speeds to 190-200 km/h, maintain 70-80 km/h through corners, and slam on the brakes with about 200 meters to the finish line-testing the car under the harshest possible conditions. Immediately after each test, he would deliver candid criticism on ride comfort, acceleration and braking performance, cornering, and body roll. To directly oversee the R&D organization and project progress, Honorary Chairman Chung even established an official office at the Namyang Research Center, equivalent in scale to the headquarters in Yangjae-dong, Seoul.

Jung Euisun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, is greeting at the New Year's meeting held at Namyang Research Center on January 3, 2023. Hyundai Motor Company

Chairman Chung Euisun also underscored the importance of the Namyang Research Center by selecting it as the venue for the company's first in-person New Year's meeting in three years following the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, at the beginning of 2021, he established the Institute for Advanced Technology Development (IATD) directly under the chairman’s office. Although this organization no longer exists, it was created to look ten years ahead and lead the future mobility market.