Hyundai 2001 Annual Report Download - page 19

Since our foundation in 1967, mastering
new technology has been the heart and soul
of Hyundai. And, we have made our mark by
developing automotive technologies that offer
the perfect balance of reliability, quality and
value. Our current goal of technological
leadership on a global scale is a more
demanding challenge but one which we
eagerly accept in our bid for global top five
status.
To this end, we have been investing
aggressively in research and development to
the tune of 7.7 percent of sales in 2001 while
forming strategic alliances with major
technology companies. We remain focused
on the task of shortening the development
lead times for new products while improving
quality and building products that reflect the
needs and wants of our customers. Our R&D
activities are organized along the following
four guidelines:
1. Quality Improvement
Foreign media continue to lavish high
praise on Hyundai cars contributing to the
steady enhancement of the Hyundai brand
image. By continuously strengthening our
initiatives to improve product quality, we will
have a solid foundation to add new
dimensions to the brand such as excitement,
luxury and exclusiveness thus expanding our
brand’s growth potential. Our mission is to
satisfy our customers with safe, quality cars
that offer the optimal balance of convenience
and comfort.
2. The Next Generation Vehicles
In developing the next generation of
vehicles, it’s clear that one size no longer fits
all: Hyundai must now take into account the
unique preferences and requirements of each
market while remaining alert to the changes in
the local competitive environment. With
research centers in Korea as well as in
Europe, the United States and Japan,
Hyundai is now able to develop market-
specific products that are tailored to the
specific requirements of each market because
R ESEARCH &
D EVELOPMENT
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2001 Annual Report Hyundai Motor Company