Hyundai Motor’s highly anticipated plant in Singapore is now set to open in the fourth quarter of the year, marking a delay of one year from its original target date. The Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre, located in Jurong, faced initial setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, shifting the timeline from end-2022 to the second quarter of 2023. However, unspecified delays have further pushed the opening to the fourth quarter. Despite the challenges, Hyundai has already begun assembling Ioniq 5 electric cars for the Singapore market and has plans to expand its exportation to nearby markets such as Australia and New Zealand.
Update on the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre
Mr. Andy Kang, the head of sales innovation group at Hyundai Motor, provided the updated timeline during a recent announcement. He mentioned that the innovation centre, situated in the Jurong Innovation District with an annual capacity of 30,000 cars, has successfully assembled around 100 Ioniq 5 electric cars for the Singapore market. Furthermore, Kang expressed the company’s interest in exporting vehicles to neighboring markets, signaling future growth opportunities.
Shifting Towards Full Car Manufacturing in Singapore
While the current assembly process involves importing painted bodies from Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Indonesia and combining them with chassis and powertrain components from South Korea, Hyundai is considering a significant transformation. Kang revealed that the company is contemplating the addition of body pressing and painting operations at the Singapore facility, which would elevate Singapore’s role from assembly site to a full car-manufacturing location. This move aligns with Hyundai’s exploration of innovative manufacturing techniques, such as using robots to handle parts movement instead of traditional assembly lines.
Economic Feasibility and Future Prospects
In light of Hyundai’s existing manufacturing facility in Indonesia, questions arise about the economic feasibility of a full-scale manufacturing facility in Singapore. Kang addressed this concern by highlighting Hyundai’s diverse model range and emphasizing the innovation centre’s focus on exploring new manufacturing methods. He stated that the centre’s unique approach, utilizing robots for parts movement, sets it apart from traditional manufacturing processes. Additionally, the event highlighted Hyundai’s commitment to its customers, with the announcement of charging options, including a complimentary home charger, free charging at public chargers, and charging rebates for OCBC Bank credit-card holders.
Despite facing delays, Hyundai’s Singapore plant remains a significant venture for the company and the automotive industry in Singapore. The opening of the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre in the fourth quarter will mark an important milestone in the country’s manufacturing landscape. As Hyundai assembles Ioniq 5 electric cars for the Singapore market and explores future export opportunities, the potential addition of body pressing and painting operations could elevate Singapore’s status to a full-fledged car-manufacturing hub. With Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric initiatives, the future of the Hyundai Motor Group in Singapore looks promising.
