As we move closer to a future where driving becomes optional, Hyundai Motor Group is accelerating its push into autonomous driving. At the heart of this bold move is Motional, a joint venture with cutting-edge autonomous technology, ready to reshape how we move in cities—starting with the United States.
Hyundai Motor Group and Motional: Driving the Robo-Taxi Revolution
When Hyundai Motor Group teamed up with Aptiv, a global leader in advanced mobility solutions, few anticipated just how pivotal their joint venture, Motional, would become in shaping autonomous transportation. Established in 2020 with Hyundai investing over 2 trillion KRW, Motional set its sights on commercializing Level 4 autonomy—vehicles that drive themselves without human input under defined conditions.
A Strategic Leap Forward in the U.S. Market
Since launching pilot services in Las Vegas with Lyft in 2023, Motional has logged over 100,000 passenger rides, proving its reliability. It then expanded to Santa Monica with Uber Eats, testing autonomous delivery solutions. Now, in March 2025, Motional is preparing to launch commercial robo-taxi services in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
Motional’s Hyundai IONIQ 5-based robo-taxis are loaded with advanced sensors—LiDAR, radar, and cameras—offering a 360-degree view of their environment. They’re not just concept cars—they're on the streets today.
And to back this expansion, Hyundai is leveraging its Metaplant America in Georgia to increase local production of robo-taxi-ready IONIQ 5s. Beginning June 2025, Hyundai will also enable these vehicles to access Tesla’s Supercharger network using CCS adapters, greatly enhancing charging convenience across the U.S.
A Vision Built on Tech and Partnerships
Motional's core strength lies in its technology and collaborations. It’s one of the few companies approved to operate fully driverless vehicles in Nevada and has earned certification from TUV SUD for safety.
Strategic alliances with Lyft, Uber, and Via are fast-tracking Motional’s services to millions. There are even industry rumors of potential collaboration with Waymo as Hyundai expands its $21 billion investment in the U.S.—a plan recently highlighted at the White House. If realized, this could propel Motional into an even stronger position.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Promise
That said, it hasn’t been all smooth driving. Developing autonomous vehicles is expensive. Motional has reportedly accumulated over 1.5 trillion KRW in losses. And with Aptiv moving to divest its stake, Hyundai may soon shoulder the financial burden alone.
The competition is intense. Waymo and GM Cruise are racing to lead the same market. To stand out, Motional must prove its unique value—be it better safety, smoother integrations, or wider geographic reach.
Still, Hyundai remains optimistic. With its Ulsan EV-dedicated plant set to open this year, and future plans spanning robo-taxis, robotics, and AAM (Advanced Air Mobility), Hyundai is positioning itself at the forefront of future mobility.
Industry analysts say if Motional succeeds in the U.S., it could command over 20% of the global robo-taxi market by 2030. That’s a game-changer.
Final Thoughts
Hyundai Motor Group’s expansion of robo-taxi services via Motional is more than a tech announcement—it’s a statement. A statement that the company isn’t just adapting to the future of mobility—it’s leading it. With real-world deployments, a reliable tech partner in Aptiv, and the EV-ready IONIQ 5 as its foundation, Motional might just become the name synonymous with the next generation of urban travel.
-EditorZ
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