Hyundai Rotem, the train-making affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, has developed the world’s first train system that can pass through sharp curves with a radius of 15 meters, the company said Tuesday.

Capable of making turns in round areas with a 15-meter radius, compared to the previous 25-meter radius, the latest system is expected to enable train tracks to be built in populous regions and curvy locales.

It was developed as part of a government-led project to develop trains that can run 5-7 seven meters underground between 2014 and 2018, the company said.


Hyundai Rotem has registered about 86 patents per year over the past five years, it added.

The company invested some 101.5 billion won ($91.8 million) in research last year, up 14 percent on-year. 

By Kim Bo-gyung (lisakim425@heraldcorp.com)