SEOUL and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 4, 2024 – In a groundbreaking development poised to transform the future of transportation, Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo have officially announced a multi-year strategic partnership aimed at delivering a safe and convenient autonomous driving experience for customers. This collaboration marks a significant leap forward in the realm of electric mobility, combining Hyundai’s innovative engineering with Waymo’s cutting-edge autonomous technology.
Integration of Advanced Technology
The first phase of this partnership will see the integration of Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving technology, known as the Waymo Driver, into Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV. Over the next few years, these enhanced vehicles will be seamlessly incorporated into the Waymo One fleet, expanding the options available to riders seeking an autonomous driving experience.
Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability is underscored by the fact that the IONIQ 5 vehicles intended for the Waymo fleet will be assembled at the new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) EV manufacturing facility in Georgia. This facility is designed to produce vehicles that meet the rigorous demands of autonomous technology integration. The collaboration aims to create a significant volume of IONIQ 5s equipped with Waymo’s advanced systems, supporting the expanding scale of Waymo One.
Commitment to Safety and Innovation
The excitement surrounding this partnership is palpable. Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, expressed, “We are thrilled to partner with Hyundai as we further our mission to be the world’s most trusted driver. Hyundai’s focus on sustainability and strong electric vehicle roadmap makes them a great partner for us as we bring our fully autonomous service to more riders in more places.”
José Muñoz, president and global COO of Hyundai Motor Company, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Hyundai and Waymo share a vision to improve the safety, efficiency, and convenience of how people move. Waymo’s transformational technology is improving road safety where they operate, and the IONIQ 5 is the ideal vehicle to scale this further.” He also highlighted the readiness of Hyundai’s manufacturing facility to allocate a significant number of vehicles for the expanding Waymo One fleet.
Advancements in Autonomous Driving
This partnership is a strategic move as Hyundai recently announced the launch of its autonomous vehicle foundry business, aimed at providing global autonomous driving companies with vehicles that can support SAE Level 4 or higher autonomous driving technology. Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform Division, noted, “There is no better partner for our first agreement in this initiative than industry leader Waymo.”
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 will undergo specific autonomous-ready modifications, including redundant hardware and power doors. This award-winning, all-electric SUV boasts long driving ranges on a single charge, enabled by its advanced 800-volt architecture, which minimizes downtime with some of the fastest charging speeds in the industry. Riders can expect a spacious and well-appointed interior, ensuring comfort with ample legroom, headroom, and rear cargo space.
Looking Ahead
Initial on-road testing of the Waymo-enabled IONIQ 5s is set to begin by late 2025, with plans for availability to Waymo One riders in subsequent years. As Hyundai and Waymo embark on this transformative journey together, their shared vision of an autonomous future not only enhances mobility solutions but also underscores the commitment to safety and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of transportation.
The partnership between these two automotive pioneers promises to reshape how we think about travel, setting the stage for a new era of autonomous driving that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and sustainability for all.
