In a momentous collaboration, Hyundai Motor Group and Motional, a leading global autonomous technology company, mark the inauguration of the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) and announce the commencement of manufacturing for the all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxi at this cutting-edge facility. The inaugural fleet of production-ready IONIQ 5 robotaxis is set to be integrated into Motional’s commercial services in the United States, with deployment scheduled to commence in 2024.
Moreover, Motional and Hyundai Motor Group proudly disclose that the IONIQ 5 robotaxi has achieved certification as one of the first SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles under the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This certification underscores the vehicle’s extensive development and testing program, its unwavering commitment to safety and reliability, and the sophistication of its autonomous technology, as affirmed by Motional President and CEO Karl Iagnemma.
Karl Iagnemma, expressing enthusiasm about this achievement, stated, “HMGICS is a vision for transportation innovation. We’re enormously proud to have the IONIQ 5 robotaxi manufactured at this facility and look forward to introducing the world to some of the first-ever FMVSS-certified autonomous vehicles. It’s through the strength of our collaboration with Hyundai that we were able to develop an industry-leading robotaxi that meets rigorous federal standards and is ready for mass commercialization.”
CEO of HMGICS, Hong Bum Jung, emphasized the pivotal role of HMGICS in bringing the IONIQ 5 robotaxi from development to production reality. He stated, “HMGICS stands as Hyundai Motor Group’s first global innovation hub and global test bed for future mobility. Our mission at HMGICS is to revolutionize the mobility value chain by developing and producing advanced and diverse forms of future mobility solutions. Commencing production of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi in collaboration with Motional, we are committed to a continuous journey of innovation, aiming to spearhead the paradigm shift in the future of mobility,”
The HMGICS facility integrates advanced automation, real-time monitoring, and data evaluation to push the boundaries of production possibilities. Equipped with features specifically tailored to support autonomous vehicle (AV) production, including testing facilities and a calibration center, HMGICS represents a significant step towards advancing the future of mobility. Motional has deployed a dedicated team on-site at the Autonomous Vehicle Integration Center to assist with production, undertaking critical diagnostics, software development, and calibration and validation tasks to ensure that the IONIQ 5 robotaxi meets exacting specifications.
The journey towards production has been years in the making, with Motional and Hyundai Motor Group meticulously preparing for the breakthrough IONIQ 5 robotaxi. A series of prototype vehicles have undergone extensive testing in the U.S. and Singapore over the past year. The initial fleet recently completed evaluations, demonstrating the quality, performance, and maturity of the robotaxi and its autonomous driving technology. Commercial production is currently underway, with the first models having arrived at Motional’s U.S. facility. These vehicles are undergoing rigorous testing and safety validation processes in preparation for their scheduled commercial service debut in 2024.
