January 27, 2005

Hyundai and Kia open new test centre in California

California City, California - On Wednesday, Dong Jin Kim, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Company, joined a select group of VIPs for the grand opening of Hyundai's first U.S. proving ground in California City, California.

The 4,300-acre, U.S.$60-million facility is the test site for next-generation Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The Hyundai-Kia Motors California Proving Ground furthers Hyundai's growing investment in the United States and reaffirms the company's commitment to designing Hyundai and Kia products for North American consumers.

The Hyundai-Kia Motors California Proving Ground site is located 100 miles north of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert (north of State Highway 58). Construction began in February 2004 and was substantially completed by October 2004. The grounds include a 6.4-mile oval track, 2 million square-foot Vehicle Dynamics Area (VDA), a 2.75-mile winding track, a 3.3-mile hill road and various special surface roads constructed to duplicate U.S. highways.

The Proving Ground also includes a 30,000 square-foot office complex for its 50 staff members.

"The Hyundai-Kia Motors California Proving Ground will ensure that Hyundai and Kia continue to develop the highest quality vehicles," said Dong Jin Kim, vice chairman, Hyundai Motor Company. "Hyundai and Kia are committed to the U.S., and this facility will help us design vehicles that appeal to consumers in this market as well as worldwide."

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