Tag Archives: Hyundai

Hyundai Previews Robotics and Metaverse Related Event at CES 2022

Hyundai Motor Company will take the stage at CES 2022, to present its future vision for robotics and the metaverse under the main theme of ‘Expanding Human Reach’. The company’s CES press event to be held from 3:00-3:45 p.m. PST on Jan. 4, 2022, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, 2F Oceanside D. The press event will also be livestreamed.

At CES 2022, Hyundai Motor will communicate how the company’s robotics business will drive the paradigm shift towards future mobility, going beyond the traditional means of transportation and fulfilling mankind’s aspiration for unlimited freedom of movement.

Under the main theme of ‘Expanding Human Reach’, Hyundai Motor will share its vision of how robotics will complete the metaverse by connecting the virtual world with reality as a medium, and eventually overcome the physical limitations of movement regarding time and space.   

Hyundai Motor will also showcase its new PnD (Plug & Drive) robotic module platform under the new concept of Mobility of Things (MoT), which aims for the provision of mobility in everything — from traditionally inanimate objects to even community spaces.

CES 2022 visitors will be able to experience the company’s exhibition booth that will show how mobility in the real world can be advanced with robots and offer a glimpse of the future robotics society, which will enable transportation between the virtual and real world. 

The company will also exhibit its robot product lineup, including the recently revealed Mobile Eccentric Droid (MobED) as well as Boston Dynamics’ Spot and Atlas. Robotics demonstrations and dance performance programs will also be presented at Hyundai Motor’s exhibition booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall #5818, from Jan. 5-8.

Source: Hyundai

Latest Spy Shots of Hyundai IONIQ 6

Today we want to share with you the latest pictures of Hyundai IONIQ 6. The latest news were not that good as Hyundai will delay the SOP of its second dedicated EV from March 2022 to June 2022. The reason? The introduction of a larger battery pack, redesigned front and rear bumpers or the addition of world’s first lightning grille.

Everything we know so far?

According to the latest information from South Korea, the IONIQ 6 (internal codename CE) is going to be delayed around 3 months from the original time schedule of mass production (March 2022). The reason is Hyundai will improve some internal/external parts of the vehicle that were not to the taste of Mr. Eui-sun Chung.

The external changes are related to the front and rear bumpers, according to the source, the design was changed and now the car is 20mm longer, this design changes will give extra mileage.

Also Hyundai plans to introduce world’s first intelligent lightning grille (we talked about this here). Inside Hyundai will use a bigger battery pack, reaching 77,4 kWh, again looking for additional range.

On the 22nd, Hyundai Motor Company held a conference call for ‘Announcement of EV (Electric Vehicle) Strategy for the First Quarter of 2021’ and said, “We plan to sell 160,000 units of 8 different electric vehicles this year, and set a goal to expand sales to 560,000 units of 12 EV models in 2025.”

Hyundai Motor Company plans to release the IONIQ 6 (codenamed as CE), first electric sedn model next year, following the IONIQ 5 (codenamed as NE), which will be released in South Korea as early as this month. As of the end of the first quarter, the number of pre-contracts for IONIQ 5 reached 42,000 units so it was very successful.

The South Korean carmaker plans to introduce the IONIQ 6 Sedan, to be based on the EV concept ‘Propechy’ in 2022. The IONIQ range will be completed in early 2024 with the launch of a larger SUV, to be called as IONIQ 7.

The IONIQ 6 will also sits on the Electric Global Modular Platform known as E-GMP that offers fast charging and a rich driving range. If the IONIQ 5/Kia EV6 already can drive 550 km, we expect that the IONIQ 6 could arrive to 650 or even 700km of range. (As the wheelbase will be longer, more cells could be added).

The dedicated EV platform will enable Hyundai to reimagine the vehicle interior as a “smart living space”, with unique features such as highly adjustable seats, wireless connectivity and drawers. The platform paradigm shift will be extended to the user interface. The user interface is simple, intuitive and ergonomically designed to help passengers feel comfortable. 

So we can’t wait to see more about IONIQ’s sedan proposal, sure with the first prototypes hitting the road soon (if they expected to be launched during next year).

U Spy The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Robotaxi Being Tested At The Las Vegas Airport

Just a few days after Motional unveiled its Hyundai Ioniq 5-based robotaxi at the Munich Motor Show, a prototype has been spied by a CarScoops reader several thousand miles across the Atlantic on American shores.

This heavily-camouflaged prototype was spied testing at an airport in Las Vegas and certainly appears to have turned quite a few heads. It is equipped with an array of sensors previewed through renderings released by Motional last month.

Read More: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Robotaxis With Level 4 Autonomous Tech Coming To Lyft In 2023

The Ioniq 5 robotaxi has no less than 30 sensors that includes a host of cameras, radar, and LiDAR. Sensors can be seen on the roof of the car, as well as its front fascia, front quarter panels, and rear-end. A driver was pictured behind the wheel controlling the car but when development of it is complete, Motional hopes to remove the driver completely and use a remote vehicle assistance as a safety redundancy, allowing a remote operator to control the robotaxi in the event of something unexpected happening.

“For the Ioniq 5-based robotaxi, we have applied various redundancy systems, in addition to a suite of essential technologies to ensure safety and convenience of the passengers,” head of the Autonomous Driving Center at Hyundai Motor Group, Woongjun Jang recently said in a statement. “By successfully integrating the Group’s Ioniq 5 Robotaxi with Motional’s autonomous driving technology, we are proud to announce that we have achieved another important milestone on the road to the commercialization of our robotaxi.”

The vehicle will begin to transport passengers in 2023 through a partnership with ride-hailing giant Lyft, meaning Motional and Hyundai still have plenty of time to get the autonomous EV ready for launch.

Thanks to Aditya Gaur for the photos!

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Hyundai Could Have Flying Cars At Major US Airports By 2025

Hyundai is pushing forward with the development of flying cars and believes that it could have air taxis in operation by the middle of the current decade.

This bold prediction was made to Reuters by the COO of Hyundai‘s global operation and CEO of Hyundai North America, Jose Munoz, who claimed that the company might be ready for customer flights by 2025. That’s sooner than previous estimates, which suggested that Hyundai could have flying taxis at major US airports by 2028.

Read More: Hyundai Eager To Speed Up Development Of Flying Vehicles

The air taxis that Hyundai has shown off previously are quadcopters powered by batteries. Indeed, the company recently announced a $7.4 billion investment in the U.S. to produce electric vehicles and develop smart mobility solutions, including flying cars, per Reuters.

“We see this market as a significant growth opportunity,” Munoz said.

Hyundai’s base of operations for the technology is currently in Washington state, though it also has plans to open infrastructures elsewhere, like a passenger drone airport in the UK.

Although some consider the technology to be well into the future, Munoz said that Hyundai doesn’t want to be left behind playing catch up. Indeed, Morgan Stanley has predicted that the urban air mobility market could be worth up to $1 trillion by 2040.

“When it comes to future technology… it’s never too soon. The pioneers are the winners,” Munoz said.

The company doesn’t want to just sell flying taxis as a simple transaction, though. The business model will be more nuanced and Munoz believes Hyundai can develop services around the vehicles and even use them for commercial cargo.

In 2019, Hyundai pledged $1.5 billion over six years to its flying vehicle unit. Several other automakers, including Toyota, Daimler, and Geely are also invested in the race for flying passenger vehicles.

Could Hyundai’s Massive $7.4 Billion U.S. Investments Include A Dedicated EV Factory?

Hyundai Motor Group recently announced that it will invest $7.4 billion in the U.S. by 2025, although certain specifics about these investments remain unclear.

The official word from the South Korean automaker is that the investment will expand its manufacturing footprint in the U.S. and help with the introduction of its electric vehicles. Auto News notes that this is a demonstration of how car manufacturers must consider producing vehicles and batteries in the U.S. as opposed to importing them into the U.S.

Hyundai currently operates a single factory in the U.S. located in Montgomery, Alabama while Kia operates a single factory in West Point, Georgia. It also operates a facility in Mexico. Hyundai’s announcement did not specify which of its plants will receive the investments.

Guidehouse Insights principal analyst Sam Abuelsamid suggests that due to the timing of the investments, it seems likely that Hyundai will look to boost production at both the Alabama and Georgia facilities. He suggested that the investment could also include “one additional plant dedicated to EV production.”

Read Also: Hyundai Celebrated Its Best-Ever Single Month Of Sales In April

In a recent statement regarding Hyundai’s electrification plans, Hyundai Motor North America chief executive Jose Monuz said, “We are in the midst of a big transformation of our portfolio, bringing plug-in hybrids and brings hybrids and battery-electric EVs in order to ensure that we are not fast followers but really pioneers in the new emerging green market.”

Autonews writes that various car manufacturers intend to produce more than 100 electric vehicles in the U.S. over the next four years, despite EVs still accounting for less than 2 per cent of new vehicle sales in the country. According to Autotrader executive analyst Michelle Krebs, Hyundai is in a good position to retain strong sales while it waits for EVs to account for a larger slice of the market.

“It has an array of options, from internal combustion engines to hybrids and plug-in hybrids to EVs and fuel cell vehicles, to cover its basis until the EV inflection point comes – a time no one can precisely pinpoint.”

Hyundai Considering Pulling Plug On Kona EV In South Korea

Even though the Hyundai Kona Electric is one of Europe’s best-selling EVs, a series of recalls could end up costing it dearly in its home market of South Korea.

The recalls were prompted by multiple fires (resulting in lawsuits), as well as faulty braking systems, leading the carmaker to allegedly consider ending domestic sales for its fully-electric crossover, claims cable news channel YTN.

However, according to the JoonAng daily, an unidentified source is saying that sales will continue in Europe, reports Autonews Europe.

Read Also: Hyundai EV Battery Fires Lead To Lawsuits, GM Recalls 70,000 Cars With Batteries From Same Maker

While declining to comment on these reports, Hyundai did state that they are “reviewing various options as we prepare to launch the Ioniq 5”.

The Kona EV was recalled in South Korea back in October due to a short circuit risk, possibly caused by the faulty manufacturing of the car’s high-voltage battery cells. The recall, which includes software updates and battery replacements following an inspection, involves 25,564 units built between September 2017 and March 2020.

This same issue also forced GM to recall 70,000 cars fitted with batteries from the same maker, specifically LG Chem

As for the other issue, a total of 50,864 Kona and Nexo fuel-cell vehicles were recalled in South Korea due to faulty electronic braking systems – the problem here being a software defect that affects not just Kona EV variants but the hybrid version as well (built between May 2019 and November 2020).

It’s safe to say that pulling the Kona EV from its home market would be a tough pill to swallow for Hyundai.

VW ID.3 Was Europe’s Best-Selling EV In October, Renault Zoe And Hyundai Kona Followed

With the petrol and diesel ban knocking on the door of the automotive industry, customers have become more interested in electrified cars than ever.

Europeans, for one, bought more electrified vehicles than diesels for the second month in a row, and the continent’s best-selling battery-electric model was the Volkswagen ID.3.

According to Jato’s analysis, the German electric hatchback accounted for 10,475 units in October, followed by the Renault Zoe supermini and Hyundai Kona small crossover, with 9,778 and 5,261 units respectively. The chart was completed by the Kia e-Niro, Peugeot e-208, Smart ForTwo, BMW i3, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa-e, MINI Cooper SE and Nissan Leaf, in this order.

Watch Also: 2021 VW ID.3 First Drive Finds It Has A Lot Going For It, But Also Has Its Faults

The plug-in hybrid king was the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (4,209 units), with the Volvo XC40 and Volkswagen Passat completing the podium, and the BMW 3-Series, Audi Q5, VW Golf, Renault Captur, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLC following.

In the mild-hybrid and full-hybrid category, Toyota nabbed the two top spots, with the Yaris (13,338 units) and Corolla (9,728), while the bronze medal went to the Fiat Panda. The Ford Puma, Fiat 500, Toyota C-HR, RAV4, Suzuki Swift, Ford Focus, and Suzuki Ignis completed the chart.

The Golf was Europe’s best-selling car in October, accounting for 27,530 units, followed by the smaller Renault Clio and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, with 22,588 and 21,220 units sold respectively. Other popular models were the Peugeot 208, Fiat Panda, Renault Captur, Toyota Yaris, Peugeot 2008, Skoda Octavia, and Citroen C3.

New car registrations were down by 7 percent last month in Europe, from 1.21 to 1.13 million vehicles.

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Hyundai Kona Electric Facelifted For The 2021 Model Year

Shortly after the Hyundai Kona family was updated for the 2021 model year, the Kona Electric has also been freshened up.

The car manufacturer launched the Kona Electric back in 2018 and in that time, over 120,000 units have been sold globally. Visual updates made to the 2021 model mimic those of other 2021 Kona models.

Read Also: Hyundai Could Widen Recall Of Kona EV In Europe And North America Too Over Fire Risks

With this in mind, the front end has been tweaked with new headlights and LED daytime running lights. The grille has also been altered and the front sports an asymmetric charging port. Other updates made include satin accent bars in the lower section of the front bumper, new taillights, and an updated rear bumper. The new bodywork means the 2021 Kona Electric is 40 mm longer than the outgoing version.

Powering the crossover is a 64 kWh battery pack coupled to a single electric motor delivering 201 hp and 291 lb-ft (395 Nm) of torque and offering up a respectable range of 300 miles (484 km) on the WLTP cycle. When connected to a 50 kW charger, the Kona’s battery can be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 64 minutes. This time drops to 47 minutes with a 100 kW charger. Customers can also opt a 10.5 kW three-phase onboard charger. The Kona Electric also includes a Smart Adjustable Regenerative Braking system.

Updates have also been made to the vehicle’s interior and include a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. There’s also a new ambient lighting system.

All 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric models come with a comprehensive suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety features that includes Blind-Sport Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Seat Alert, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, and Driver Attention Warning.

The updated Hyundai Kona Electric will arrive in select markets next year. Pricing hasn’t been announced.

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US-Spec Hyundai Elantra N-Line Priced, from $25,095

Today, Hyundai Motor America announced prices for the all-new 2021 Elantra N Line, which is priced at $24,100. These prices exclude destination charges of $995. The new 2021 Elantra N-Line model go on sale this fall. The Elantra N-Line won’t have, even as an option, the digital cluster or 10,25 inch IT system.

2021 Elantra N Line Product Overview

  • Performance-inspired N Line trim available on Elantra sedan for the first time
  • Eye-catching N Line design elements inside and out
  • Turbocharged engine and independent rear suspension

N Line Exterior Design Elements

  • N Line version of Hyundai’s signature Cascading Grille with distinctive red character line
  • N Line front bumper fascia
  • Black colored side sill moldings
  • N Line rear fascia with diffuser
  • Lip-spoiler
  • N Line badging
  • N Line 18-inch wheels and Hankook Ventus S1 RX 235/40R18 all-season tires (7-speed DCT) or Goodyear Eagle F1 235/40R18 summer tires (6-speed MT)
  • N Line window accents
  • Chrome twin exhaust
  • Sunroof
  • Projector headlights and full LED taillights

N Line Interior Design Elements

  • Unique leather-wrapped perforated N steering wheel
  • N Line sport seats with leather bolsters and N logos
  • N Line gearshift with metal accents and leather inserts
  • N Line analog gauge cluster
  • Red stitching and trim accents differentiate the N Line from the standard Elantra
  • Qi wireless charging pad
  • Smartphone digital key (NFC)
  • Alloy pedals
  • Black headliner

Elantra N Line Mechanical Improvements

2021 Elantra N Line 2021 Elantra Sedan
Engine mount stiffness + 13.9% 18kgf/㎜ 15.5 kgf/㎜
“Rollrod” mount stiffness + 16.6% 21kgf/㎜ 17.5 kgf/㎜
Spring stiffness (F/R) +26% (Front) / – 2.9 / 3.6 2.3 / 2.1
Stability bar diameters (F/R) +4.5% / – Φ23 / Φ17 22.2 / CTBA
Shocks N Line tune Base tune
Steering 64 mm/rev 62 mm/rev
Front brakes 12-inch rotors 11-inch rotors
Tires Hankook Ventus S1 RX 235/40R18 (All-season) Goodyear Eagle F1 235/40R18 (Summer) 15” Kumho and Hankook (All-season) 16” Kumho and Continental (All-season) 17” Kumho and Hankook (All-season)

Elantra N Line Driving Dynamics
As with the exterior and interior, the driving experience is enhanced for N Line performance with new suspension and steering tuning, revised powertrain mounts and summer tires. Additionally, Elantra N Line’s multi-link independent rear suspension, larger front brake rotors and summer tires make it a corner rascal.

Elantra N Line is powered by an exclusive 1.6-liter GDI turbocharged engine with six-speed manual or seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT). The DCT has a SHIFTRONIC manual shift mode via large steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters or the gear selector lever according to driver preference. An easy-to-read LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the selected gear at all times for the driver.

This drivetrain generates 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque to meet performance and fuel efficiency needs. An available sport mode can take the thrills a bit higher with more aggressive shift points and the ability to hold a gear longer.

Elantra GT & GT N Line Discontinued from US-market

It finally happened. Hyundai Motor America has announced some changes into their U.S line-up for 2021 model year and that will remove the Elantra GT hatchback also on its N-Line variant.

Despite it was a predictable movement (after they premiered the 7th generation Elantra sedan, the Elantra GT was removed from the media site) it was not until now when Hyundai officially discontinued.

In the case of regular Elantra GT, Hyundai allegedly decided to discontinue it due to the expand of its SUV line-up as well as market trend. The N-Line will have a different fate as will be replaced by Elantra N-Line sedan set to debut before the end of the year.

Below is a summary of changes to the Hyundai lineup for 2021 model year. This document will be updated regularly, creating a one-stop shop for the most up-to-date Hyundai vehicle lineup news.

2021 Elantra – All New
2021 Elantra Hybrid – All New
2021 Elantra N Line – New
2021 Sonata – Carryover
2021 Sonata Hybrid – Carryover
2021 Sonata N Line – New
2021 Accent – Carryover
2021 Veloster – Carryover
2021 Veloster N – Product Enhancement
2021 Ioniq – Carryover
2021 Venue – Carryover
2021 Kona – Carryover and adds Night Edition
2021 Kona Electric – Carryover
2021 Tucson – Carryover
2021 Santa Fe – Product enhancement
2021 Palisade – Carryover and adds Calligraphy trim
2021 Nexo – Carryover

Elantra GT – Discontinued from the lineup due to expanded SUV lineup that includes Venue and Kona.

Elantra GT N Line – Discontinued from the lineup and replaced with Elantra N Line that is being developed.