Pyeongtaek City and Korea Automotive Research Institute Join Forces to Foster Future Automotive Industry

[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Lee Suwon] Pyeongtaek City signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Automotive Research Institute (Director Na Seung-sik) on the 5th at the City Hall Comprehensive Situation Room to lead innovation and development in the future automotive industry.

Today's agreement signing comes as future automotive industry fostering has been launched in earnest at the national level following the implementation of the Future Automotive Parts Industry Act (Special Act on Promoting the Conversion and Fostering the Ecosystem of the Future Automotive Parts Industry) in July. The city's strategy is to secure leadership in the future automotive industry through cooperation with the Korea Automotive Research Institute.

According to the agreement, the two organizations will actively cooperate in △promoting collaborative projects related to future automotive vehicles △providing technology development and business support for future automotive parts companies △building a future automotive industry network △supporting workforce development and other efforts.

Additionally, regarding the 'Integrated Performance Evaluation Center for Future Automotive Electronic Components' to be built in Pyeongtaek in the future, the city will provide administrative and financial support necessary for the center's construction, while the Korea Automotive Research Institute will actively provide support in testing and evaluation services for parts companies in the region.

The memorandum also includes provisions for the two organizations to cooperate in operating educational programs if a science high school for southern Gyeonggi Province is attracted to the area in the future.

Meanwhile, the city plans to launch a 'corporate council' related to future automotive vehicles in October for active communication, and will hold an 'expert conference' to foster the related industry.

Korea Automotive Research Institute Director Na Seung-sik said, "I am reassured and have great expectations about collaborating with Pyeongtaek City, which has excellent industrial infrastructure and capabilities," and added, "Through the synergy of capabilities that both organizations possess, we will do our best to establish a sound future automotive industry ecosystem."

Mayor Jeong Jang-seon said, "Centered around Pyeongtaek Port, there are three completed vehicle manufacturers, more than 250 automotive-related companies in the region, and the region's semiconductor and hydrogen industries—Pyeongtaek already has an environment suited for the future automotive industry," and added, "Through solid cooperation with the Korea Automotive Research Institute, we will strive to become the center of Korea's future automotive industry."