Hyundai Motor Company has teamed up with Waymo in a multi-year strategic collaboration. As part of this initiative, the two companies will incorporate Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous technology, known as the Waymo Driver, into Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq 5 SUV, which will gradually join the Waymo One fleet.
The Ioniq 5 vehicles designated for Waymo will be produced at the new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) EV facility in Georgia and will then be equipped with Waymo’s autonomous technology. The partnership aims to manufacture a substantial number of Ioniq 5s with Waymo’s systems over several years to accommodate the increasing demands of Waymo One. Initial road tests of the Waymo-enabled Ioniq 5s are scheduled to start by late 2025, with availability for Waymo One riders expected in the following years.
“We are excited to partner with Hyundai as we advance our goal of becoming the most trusted driver in the world,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo. “Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability and its robust electric vehicle strategy align perfectly with our mission to expand our fully autonomous service to more locations.”
“Hyundai and Waymo share a common goal of enhancing safety, efficiency, and convenience in transportation. Waymo’s groundbreaking technology is enhancing road safety, and the Ioniq 5 is the perfect vehicle to facilitate further growth. Our team is prepared to produce a significant number of vehicles for the Waymo One fleet as it continues to evolve. This marks the beginning of our partnership, and we are exploring additional collaboration opportunities,” stated José Muñoz, president and global COO of the Company and president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America.
Chang Song, President and Head of the Company, added, “We have recently introduced Hyundai’s autonomous vehicle foundry to support global autonomous driving companies with vehicles capable of implementing SAE Level 4 or higher autonomous technology. There is no better partner for our first agreement in this initiative than Waymo, a leader in the industry.”
Hyundai Motor Company, a global automotive leader headquartered in South Korea, is renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability. Established in 1967, the company has grown into one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, offering a diverse range of vehicles from compact cars to luxury SUVs and electric vehicles. Hyundai is known for integrating cutting-edge technology, particularly in the fields of electric mobility and hydrogen fuel cells, aiming to shape the future of eco-friendly transportation.
