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.
Today, Motional, a global leader in driverless technology, and Hyundai Motor Group unveil the IONIQ 5 robotaxi, Motional’s next-generation robotaxi.
Based on the all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5, which launched to worldwide acclaim earlier this year, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi is an SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicle that can safely operate without a driver. It’s a zero tailpipe-emissions robotaxi and represents the convergence of the two most transformative technologies in mobility: electrification and autonomy. The fusion of these technologies can make transportation smarter, safer, and more sustainable.
The IONIQ 5 robotaxi is also Motional’s first commercial vehicle and signals a pivotal milestone in the company’s roadmap. Motional will begin transporting public passengers in the IONIQ 5 robotaxi in 2023 through a landmark partnership with Lyft.
Introducing the IONIQ 5 Robotaxi
The IONIQ 5 robotaxi features a technology-driven design that celebrates the innovation behind the autonomous operation. The vehicle’s sensor suite is prominently displayed across the exterior, easily distinguishing the robotaxi from human piloted vehicles. The robotaxi has more than 30 sensors – a combination of cameras, radars, and lidar – that provide robust 360-degree perception, high-resolution images, and ultra-long range detection of objects for safe autonomous operation in diverse driving environments. The robotaxi will be outfitted with Motional’s proven driverless technology, which includes advanced machine learning systems — trained on decades of real world data — that enables the vehicle to safely navigate challenging and complex driving situations.
Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi’s interior provides passengers with a spacious, comfortable place to work, relax, or socialize during their driverless ride. The interior will also feature a suite of rider-focused interfaces to allow passengers to intuitively interact with the vehicle during their ride, such as directing the robotaxi to make an extra stop. The resulting passenger experience will set a new standard for driverless ride-hailing.
The Vehicle’s Development
Built from the ground-up to be fully driverless, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi was created through partnership between Motional and Hyundai Motor Group. The two companies worked hand-in-hand throughout the development, with each providing critical expertise: Motional in driverless technology and Hyundai in R&D capabilities and global vehicle manufacturing.
The end result is a seamless integration between the vehicle’s brain and body, with the hardware and autonomy working in sync for highly advanced, safe, and capable driverless operation. The IONIQ 5 robotaxi is built on the Group’s E-GMP, for ultra-fast charging and long-range driving, enabling the maximum utilization of Motional’s robotaxi fleet. The IONIQ 5 robotaxi also comes with the Group’s advanced safety and reliability, and is globally scalable, uniquely positioning the robotaxi for cost effective commercialization.
“This robotaxi represents Motional’s vision of a driverless future becoming a reality,” said Motional President and CEO Karl Iagnemma. “Through our strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, we have unparalleled automotive and software expertise across our entire vehicle development process. This deep collaboration enables us to manufacture a robotaxi that’s both highly safe and reliable, and is cost-optimized for global production. We’re focused on mass commercialization, and the IONIQ 5 robotaxi is built for that purpose.”
Motional and the Group’s emphasis on passenger safety and comfort is evident throughout the vehicle. There are safety redundancies across every function, such as the navigation, steering, braking, and power, for a safe and smooth ride every time. Motional will also be able to provide Remote Vehicle Assistance (RVA) to the IONIQ 5 robotaxis should they encounter an unusual road scenario, such as road construction or flooding. In such an event, a remote Motional operator could instantly connect to the vehicle and direct it to a new path.
“Hyundai Motor has evolved its IONIQ 5, a battery electric vehicle built on its EV-dedicated platform, into a platform for fully autonomous vehicles,” said Woongjun Jang, Head of the Autonomous Driving Center at Hyundai Motor Group. “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. 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.”
When Kia America unveiled the refreshed 2022 Stinger it teased something special: The Stinger Scorpion Special Edition. But little information about this vehicle was provided at the time.
Now, just weeks later, the Scorpion is arriving in dealers. Offered in limited batches of just 250 units per month and built exclusively for the U.S. market. It is expected to sell out quickly and is available on the GT2 RWD and AWD variants in three colors – Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, and Ceramic Silver.
“Stinger was a wake-up call to a segment long populated by European sport sedans when it debuted in 2017 (as a 2018 model). It redefined what enthusiast drivers thought about Kia and proved we could compete against the best vehicles in a hotly contested space,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. “Since then, Stinger has built a loyal following of those looking for something unique and the Scorpion is set to continue that approach.”
The Scorpion Special Edition features exclusive blacked out fender garnish, side mirror caps, and darkened exhaust tips
Unique body-colored rear spoiler
Distinctive 19-inch black wheels
Exclusive carbon fiber-pattern trim inside the cockpit
Available with a Red Nappa Leather or Black Nappa Leather interior
Pricing for the Scorpion Special Edition is $52,585 for RWD and $54,785 for AWD, excluding $1,045 in destination charges.
Kia’s European manufacturing plant in Slovakia has marked an important milestone in the brand’s history after the facility produced its four millionth vehicle with a Kia Sportage rolling off the production line today.
Kia’s European base near Žilina, Slovakia, began mass production in 2006 and acted as the springboard for Kia’s expansion across Europe. The first vehicles to be produced at Kia Slovakia were members of the Kia Ceed family – a model line-up that continues to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe specifically to appeal to European customers. The Ceed range was introduced at the same time as Kia’s industry-leading seven-year warranty, and this winning combination catapulted Kia into the European mainstream.
Kia Slovakia produced its one-millionth vehicle in 2012 and every three years since has added another million vehicles to the manufacturing tally. Now, nine years later, four million cars have rolled off the 7.5-kilometre production line capable of simultaneously producing eight different models. It currently oversees the manufacture of all members of the Ceed family, comprised of Ceed, Ceed GT, Ceed Sportswagon, ProCeed, XCeed and the last three generations of the Sportage.
From left to right (1st Gen Kia cee’d (ED) – 1st Gen Kia cee’d facelift (ED PE) – 4th Gen Kia Sportage (QL) – 2nd Gen Kia Pro_cee’d (JD) – 3rd Gen Kia CEED (CD) ).
Suk-Bong Kim, President of Kia Slovakia, delivered a message of appreciation to the team: “It is due to the efforts of all our employees, especially the production operators, that we have achieved this incredible milestone in our history. Kia Slovakia has long been recognised for outstanding quality, efficiency, safety and technology, and the success of our models in Europe reflects these high standards.”
The plant is now one of Slovakia’s major producers and exporters employing a 3,700 strong workforce assisted by high-tech robots. A recent investment of €70 million allows the plant to produce and assemble new petrol engines in response to changing market demands. Kia will now build small-capacity, high-efficiency, hybrid-compatible petrol engines on three engine production lines, with the fourth dedicated to the brand’s latest ‘Smartstream’ 1.6-litre diesel engine.
Kia’s Žilina plant also oversees and facilitates the production of the Sportage model range, proving ever popular with the UK market. In the first half of 2021 alone, the Sportage has repeatedly retained its place as one of the top 10 best-selling vehicles on the road, and is regularly the UK’s bestselling Kia model, alongside the Niro family.
Dongfeng Yueda Kia Motors Co. (DYK) is welcoming the start of a new era for the brand with the Chinese-market debut of the new Kia K5 and Kia Carnival at Auto China 2020 in Beijing and for the first time in a while, a motorshow event with people attending it.
Kia’s presence at the show highlights the wealth of research and development that has gone into the brand’s products, which aim to attract a young, trend-setting audience. This is matched by a highly experiential Auto China exhibition, allowing visitors to interact and engage with Kia’s latest vehicles and technologies.
“At Auto China 2020 we are revealing more about our mid- to long-term strategic vision, and showing the direction in which we are taking the Kia brand,” said Li Feng, General Manager for DYK. “Our latest models such as the K5 and Carnival will spearhead this evolution, with each providing stylish and high-tech mobility to trend-setting drivers. These are revealed alongside our high-performance China Touring Car Championship competitor, as well as unique displays designed to engage users with our cutting-edge ‘connected car’ and production technologies.”
Under its TECH (Turbo, Electrification, Connectivity, Hybrid) strategy, DYK plans to offer competitive new technologies and vehicles for the next 10 years. The strategy will also see DYK become a leader in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sector by 2030, with NEV sales set to account for 30 percent of DYK’s entire sales volume.
All-new Kia K5 signifies new brand direction
To demonstrate the ongoing transformation of Kia’s design and brand, the company is giving the made-in-China Kia K5 its Chinese debut at the show. The brand’s global best-selling sedan combines a striking new design with a driver-focused interior, cutting-edge technologies, and all-new powertrain options – illustrating the premium qualities that the Kia brand now offers Chinese customers.
The K5 also boasts a suite of advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies, placing it among the most high-tech and comprehensively-equipped cars in its class.
Further demonstrating the technological prowess of the new Kia K5, the new model debuts alongside a pair of exhibits developed exclusively for the Beijing auto show. Illustrating Kia’s leading research and development processes, each display explores Kia’s commitment to developing vehicles and technologies based on the demands and desires of Chinese buyers.
The ‘i-GMP’ (innovative-Global Modular Platform) display shows off the advanced modular platform that underpins every China-built Kia K5. This exhibit features four robot arms, each ‘dancing’ in time to a carefully choreographed light show for visitor enjoyment. The three-minute display helps audiences understand the cutting-edge production processes employed by Kia to build a car for one of the most dynamic markets in the world, as well as how its advanced CVVD engine technology works.
“The Kia brand is back again. We in R&D have worked so hard to bring the Kia brand where it belongs: on the way to become China’s new trendsetter,” said Sven Patuschka, Head of Hyundai Motor Technology & Engineering Center in China (HMTC). “With a growing focus on software development, we will foster the power of Chinese innovation with one common goal: using our passion to develop products and services that meet the needs of our customers.”
Unrivalled style, space and comfort from the new-generation Kia Carnival
The second vehicle in the spotlight at Auto China 2020 is the fourth-generation Kia Carnival. Dubbed a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’, the new Carnival offers a leading combination of innovation, space, flexibility and style. The most advanced MPV that Kia has ever created, the new Carnival is another strong indicator of Kia’s intentions to produce stylish and modern cars for China.
Its SUV-inspired design is matched with innovative in-car technology and class-leading cargo capacity over three or even four rows of seats. Its range of powerful and advanced gasoline engines and eight-speed automatic transmission contribute to a confidence-inspiring driving experience, offering smooth and swift progress and an unruffled dynamic character.
The new Kia Carnival features Kia’s evolved ‘tiger-nose’ design across the front. This integrates LED daytime running lights and headlamps into the grille to give it a confident, futuristic new look and a unique light signature.
Kia’s motorsport performer – an interactive exhibit with Kia’s CTCC competitor
Kia has also brought its China Touring Car Championship (CTCC) race car to the show, expressing another important element of the Kia brand and how it is evolving to meet the interests of buyers in the region.
This high-octane display features Kia’s K3 CTCC racer, alongside a bank of spinning bikes. Gamers select a vehicle, then start pedalling, allowing up to four people to compete for victory by controlling the car’s speed as they cycle. The end of the game sees visitors’ times added to an overall ranking, with awards for the fastest and most powerful participants. As well as giving visitors an experience designed to make their hearts beat faster, the game also helps to communicate information on the technology and performance Kia brings to the CTCC.
Kia at Auto China 2020
These exhibits are featured alongside a range of Kia’s models developed and produced exclusively for China by DYK. Models on-show at the event include the brand’s bestselling crossovers and SUVs, such as the KX3, KX5 and Sportage, as well as the popular K3 sedan.
Here we have the very first glimpse of the refreshed Hyundai Kona and the first official teaser image of the Kona N-line to be added to Kona family later this year. Hyundai Motor Company is also working on a high-performance Kona N to be released next year.
The upcoming new KONA and KONA N Line SUVs express Hyundai Motor Company’s Sensuous Sportiness new global design identity we already have seen on Santa Fe, Sonata or Elantra. The front of the Kona facelift reminds a lot if you compared to the recently released Santa Fe facelift (look at the grille and the below part of the front bumper).
Wider stance & Sleeker look The new KONA gets a wider stance and a shark-inspired nose that gives the model a sleeker look. Upgraded daytime running lamps (DRL) give it a high-tech, sophisticated style. Front skid plate and bumper add to its armored appearance.
The first KONA N Line
The new KONA N Line gets a more aerodynamic design with low-set air intake and more aggressive front bumper, complemented by corner fins and lean crease lines. The N Line model offers an attractive entry point to the N Brand and expands Kona’s appeal to a broader range of customers.
While the engine line-up is still unkown, we have managed to get some info and according to our sources in South Korea, while the Kona N will have the 2.0 T-GDi engine, with 275 hp and 8-speed DCT wet transmission, the N-line will have the new Smartstream 1.6 Turbo GDi delivering 215 hp and matted to a 8-speed DCT.
In the mean time, the regular Kona should receive the same engine as Sonata DN8, the CVVD 1.6 Turbo GDi, 180 hp and 8 speed Automatic Transmission. In some parts of the world the latest is the most powerful engine available, while in South Korea is the base gasoline engine.
More design details on the new Kona and Kona N Line will be revealed in the coming weeks.
