Zero emissions are the future of the automotive industry

Last update: 29.01.2019 08:22

During his working visit to South Korea, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Peter Kažimír met senior representatives of Hyundai Motor Group – the parent company of Kia Motors Corporation – in the Namyang Research Centre. The main topic of their discussions was the strategic direction of the automotive company in the field of manufacturing zero-emission cars (ZEC) and Slovakia's engagement in the overall strategy. 

Both parties agreed on the need to step up cooperation in the field of science and research, mobility, as well as the digitisation of production. “Our interest in focusing on higher added value is a natural move. From the viewpoint of the long-term sustainability of our economy, it's logical to support activities that aim at innovation to and research on modern technologies radically changing the automotive industry. If our car plants are doing well, so are we,” Peter Kažimír noted after the meeting.

Improving existing infrastructure and building more, investing in science and research, and stepping up cooperation with schools or the start-up community focusing on innovations in the automotive industry are considered necessary tools by both parties.

Due to accelerating robotisation in production, a revolution is bearing down on the automotive industry. With that comes growing demand for alternative-fuel vehicles, but also a change in the behaviour of end users. This change can be seen in the rising interest in car-sharing or car-pooling, which creates pressure on automotive companies to take these trends into account in their plans. 

The Slovak-Korean dialogue on this topic will continue over the following months.   

Kia Motors Corp., which currently has development and design centres in South Korea, the USA, Japan and Frankfurt, Germany, spends 6 per cent of its annual turnover on research and development. Slovakia sees potential here for talent development in the field of product design.

Press Department
Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic