We plan to make Hyderabad an R&D hub: Hyundai Motors

Hyundai is the world’s fastest-growing car company and its new range of products are quite a rage in the most competitive market like the US and Europe and is now 4th largest automaker after Toyota, General Motors and Volkswagen. Company’s agenda with growth is taken cars of by W C Yang, President R&D Hyundai Motors Corp who has conceptualised big luxury cars like the Genesis saloon to small cars being produced under the Kia brand. Yang spoke to ET on the broad spectrum that will course the growth for Hyundai Motors which is also the largest car exporter from India. Excerpts:

After turning out to be the most successful Korean car maker what’s your prime focus?
We want to establish Hyundai as foremost name luxury. Like the BMW 7Series, Mercedes SClass and Toyota Lexus we want to be in the same league. World class luxury car where customers are proud to drive our cars globally.

Hyundai is the next Toyota in the making. But still after all the success, what are the other challenges for the company?
We have all kind of technology to keep ahead of the competition and take strides in the global market. With R&D playing a major role we are not complacent and are working hard to improve efficiencies of our vehicles. Improving fuel efficiency is an ongoing challenge but developing the next-generation of automotive fuel remain the biggest issue to scratch our heads all the time.

That transpires that the technology will play and determine the future leader in global auto mart?
The global pecking order is changing. Americans were the leaders in technology 15-20 years back and then there were the Japanese. Now the global phenomena is such that US auto companies are burrowing and buying technologies from Asians.

Hyundai’s new range of technology including the alternative and hybrids have been highly appreciated in the US. Where does you stand in developed future hybrid technologies?
Currently we are at par with the Japanese in most areas. Our technology is comparable with the best in the world. Our new range of hybrid vehicles would be our in 2011 and it would be a delight to witness that technology and its inbuilt efficiencies.

What other aspects would determine success in automotive world?
We have had one of the most aesthetically designed cars in our stable. Styling is important but we also draw huge importance on convenience without compromising comfort. Blends of both keep the customers excited and urge them to go for our cars.

What are the traits of Indian customers’ and what do you keep in mind when you are developing new cars?
Indian customers are the most demanding in the world. They need comfort utility and stylish cars without any compromise in cabin space and roominess. They want global standards and luxury features in small cars that come in Indian prices. It’s a challenge to meet all these parameters often which are difficult to be achieved.

So Hyundai has set up a new R&D centre at Hyderabad where critical parts of its new $4000-5000 small car is being developed. How will it emerge under Hyundai’s global R&D?
We have ambitious plans to develop Hyderabad into a major R&D hub for the Asia-Pacific level. It’s a challenge to get the right talent and nurture then to develop next level of cars. We would be harnessing Indian inherent Information Technology talent. Initially we will enrich the design talent for local needs and try to develop some basic technology like outer body parts and components. Critical work will be done by us to make the car for global standards.