Oak Ridge National Laboratory says it signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Motor Co. to strengthen the automaker’s research and development capabilities. The agreement could set the stage for a number of collaborations.

“The MOU is an expression of intent and does not create a legally binding obligation, nor does it commit funds from either party,” the U.S. Department of Energy’s lab says in the announcement.

According to information released by ORNL, Hyundai and its affiliate, Kia Motors Corp., will be “identifying and providing R&D needs of the automotive industry; providing feedback and evaluation technology concepts; consulting with ORNL on R&D topics related to the industry; and developing potential Hyundai-sponsored projects to be carried out under separate, legally binding agreements.”

Claus Daniel, deputy director of ORNL’s Transportation Program, says in a statement distributed by the lab: “We expect this relationship with Hyundai to bring vehicles to life from design, engineering and production in the U.S.”

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