Hyundai Will Build Irvine Design Shop

Hyundai Motor America Inc. said it will build a $25-million advanced-design studio and technical center in Irvine, joining a growing number of auto makers in the city’s Spectrum office and industrial complex.

The Fountain Valley-based U.S. arm of Hyundai Motor Co. of South Korea will share the facility with Kia Motors America, whose parent was acquired last year by Hyundai.

The company reportedly paid almost $8 million for the 7.4-acre parcel and intends to build a 90,000-square-foot facility that will house 150 designers, model makers, technicians and support staff when completed late next year. Hyundai’s California Design Center in Fountain Valley will relocate to the new facility.

Other automotive design facilities in Irvine include the U.S. studios for Mazda Motor Corp. and Ford Motor Co.’s Premier Automotive Group.