Hyundai Motor Company and Kia executive director Kim Chang-hwan, who is concurrently serving as the head of the Battery Development Center and the head of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Development Center, has been elected as the next president of the Federation International des Societes d’Ingenieurs des Techniques de I’Automobile (FISITA). This is the first time that a Korean has been elected as president of FISITA.
FISITA is the world’s largest association of academic institutions in the automotive field, with automotive engineering societies from 38 countries around the world participating. Since its establishment in 1948 mainly in the UK, France, and Germany, approximately 210,000 global automotive researchers have been members.
The FISITA president presides over the boards and committees of automotive engineering societies around the world. In addition, external activities such as participating as a main speaker at international academic conferences hosted by FISITA are carried out.
Hyundai and Kia executive director Chang-Hwan Kim was elected as FISITA chairman in recognition of his extensive global network and research experience as a leader in the battery and hydrogen fuel cell field, which will be the core power source of future mobility.
The term of office as Chairman is two years from 2025 to 2027. Prior to this, Chang-Hwan Kim will serve as president-elect along with GM vice-president Mike Anderson, who is currently chairman of FISITA.
Commenting on his appointment, Kim Chang-hwan said, “In a situation where competition for leadership in the future mobility industry is intensifying and the transition to electric mobility is intensifying, we will contribute to the development of the global automobile industry and realise the group’s core value, ‘Progress for Humanity.’ I will do my best.”