**Hyundai Motor Group’s Chairman Emphasizes Strengthening Future Mobility Capabilities at New Year Meeting**
Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun stated, “Whether we view AI as a mere ‘tool’ or as a ‘driving force’ for corporate evolution will determine our future,” highlighting the necessity of internalizing AI technology.
**Key Points from the New Year Meeting:**
– The 2026 New Year meeting was attended by major executives, including Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon and President Jose Munoz. Pre-recorded messages were shared with employees worldwide.
– Chung reflected on the unprecedented changes in the business environment in 2025 and expressed gratitude to the Korean government and loyal customers for their support despite challenging conditions.
– Anticipating that looming crisis factors will become reality, Chung urged a customer-centric improvement approach by questioning product planning and development processes for better alignment with customer perspectives.
– Chung highlighted the transformative power of AI, describing it as a technology fundamentally altering the functioning of businesses and industries. He stressed the importance of integrating AI within the organization as a vital capability for sustaining global leadership.
– Despite recognizing the gap in AI investment compared to leading global companies, Chung emphasized Hyundai’s strong capabilities in physical product design and manufacturing. He expressed confidence in expanding the ecosystem and enhancing competitiveness in the physical AI domain.
– Hyundai plans to continue collaborations, such as the partnership with 42dot, to drive the development of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and future mobility technologies.
– The autonomous driving joint venture, Motional, is advancing with real-world testing of the Ioniq 5 robotaxi and aims to introduce a fully driverless robotaxi in Las Vegas by the end of the year.
**Future Business Directions:**
– Hyundai aims to optimize production and supply chain strategies to minimize tariff impacts, leveraging a diverse powertrain lineup and region-specific product strategies.
– The company plans to strengthen its presence in European and emerging markets, capitalizing on Hyundai’s strengths, such as market competitiveness, brand reliability, and quality.
– Kia President Song Ho-sung announced a target for over 6% growth, outlining a bold strategy to use challenges as a growth momentum and actively uncover new demands.
This holistic approach to future mobility and technology integration underscores Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of the automotive industry.