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Hyundai And Waymo Collaborate On Multi-Year Partnership For Autonomous Driving Technology Integration
Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing autonomous driving experiences. The collaboration will initially see Waymo's advanced autonomous technology integrated into Hyundai's IONIQ 5, an all-electric SUV. This vehicle will join the Waymo One fleet, marking the first phase of this multi-year agreement.
The IONIQ 5 vehicles for Waymo will be manufactured at Hyundai's new facility in Georgia. These vehicles will then be fitted with Waymo’s sixth-generation fully autonomous technology. The companies aim to produce a significant number of these vehicles over several years to support the expansion of the Waymo One service.
Testing on public roads with these modified IONIQ 5s is expected to start by late 2025. Following successful trials, these vehicles will become available to riders using the Waymo One service in subsequent years.
Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with Hyundai as we further our mission to be the world’s most trusted driver." José Muñoz from Hyundai highlighted their shared vision: "Hyundai and Waymo share a vision to improve the safety, efficiency and convenience of how people move."
The IONIQ 5 is designed with features that make it ideal for autonomous driving. It includes redundant hardware and power doors tailored for autonomy. Its spacious interior offers ample legroom and cargo space, ensuring comfort for passengers during rides.
Hyundai's Commitment to Innovation
Chang Song from Hyundai emphasized their commitment to innovation in autonomous driving. He stated, "We recently announced the launch of Hyundai Motor Company’s autonomous vehicle foundry business." This initiative aims to provide global companies with vehicles capable of implementing SAE Level 4 or higher autonomous technology.
The IONIQ 5 boasts an impressive range on a single charge due to its award-winning electric design. Its 800-volt architecture allows for rapid charging, reducing downtime between shifts and enhancing operational efficiency.
Waymo's Autonomous Driving Expertise
Waymo has been at the forefront of autonomous driving since its inception as Google's Self-Driving Car Project in 2009. The company has driven millions of miles autonomously on public roads and billions more in simulations across various U.S. states.
Their goal is to improve global mobility access while reducing traffic-related fatalities through their advanced technology. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo One, which is recognized as the world’s first fully autonomous ride-hailing service.
Hyundai Motor Company was established in 1967 and operates in over 200 countries with a workforce exceeding 120,000 employees. The company is committed to tackling real-world mobility challenges through innovative solutions like robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
This partnership represents a significant step towards achieving safer and more efficient transportation solutions globally. By combining Hyundai's expertise in electric vehicles with Waymo's leading-edge autonomous technology, both companies aim to revolutionise how people travel.
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