Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun has reinforced the group’s long-term commitment to autonomous driving by visiting its self-driving subsidiary 42dot, a move widely seen as stabilizing leadership direction and accelerating progress amid growing global competition.
Chung Test-Rides Autonomous Ioniq 6 in Pangyo
According to industry sources, Chung visited 42dot’s headquarters in Pangyo, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on Wednesday, where he personally test-rode an autonomous Hyundai Ioniq 6 equipped with the company’s latest end-to-end (E2E) autonomous driving system.
The test vehicle showcased 42dot’s core self-driving architecture, which uses a single AI model to convert raw sensor data directly into driving actions. This E2E approach is a central pillar of Hyundai Motor Group’s autonomous driving roadmap, designed to simplify system architecture while improving learning efficiency and scalability.
Atria AI: Core of Hyundai’s E2E Autonomous Platform
The autonomous Ioniq 6 is powered by “Atria AI,” Hyundai Motor Group’s in-house E2E deep-learning platform, led jointly by 42dot and Motional, the group’s U.S.-based autonomous driving joint venture.
Atria AI processes data from eight cameras and one radar, integrating perception, prediction, planning, and control into a single deep learning model. Unlike traditional modular systems, the entire driving process is handled by a neural network processing unit (NPU) inside the vehicle, enabling faster, more unified decision-making.
In parallel, Hyundai is also leveraging Nvidia’s physical AI infrastructure to support advanced computing, simulation, and training for next-generation autonomous driving technologies.
First Leadership Inspection Since 42dot CEO Departure
Chung’s visit marked the first on-site inspection by top group leadership since former 42dot CEO Song Chang-hyun stepped down. Song, who joined Hyundai through the 2022 acquisition of 42dot, played a pivotal role in shaping the group’s autonomous driving vision.
Industry observers view Chung’s appearance as a clear signal to dispel uncertainty created by the leadership transition and reaffirm confidence in the subsidiary’s development trajectory.
Praise for Progress and Continued Support
Following the test drive, Chung was said to have praised 42dot’s development progress and pledged continued support for autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle (SDV) initiatives. His remarks reportedly emphasized execution, safety, and long-term competitiveness rather than short-term benchmarking.
“Although Motional is making strong progress, we are still somewhat behind, while Chinese companies and Tesla are moving quickly,” Chung acknowledged earlier this month at Kia’s 80th anniversary event in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. “But closing that gap is less important than ensuring safety, which will remain our top priority.”
Hyundai Accelerates Investment in AI and Autonomous Driving
Under Chung’s leadership, Hyundai Motor Group is significantly accelerating investment in future mobility. Last month, the group announced plans to invest 50.5 trillion won (approximately $35 billion) in Korea between 2026 and 2030, targeting new growth areas including AI-based autonomous driving technologies.
At the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Hyundai further unveiled plans to build a large-scale AI factory in Korea, powered by 50,000 Nvidia Blackwell GPUs. The facility will support autonomous driving development, simulation, and other advanced AI-driven technologies.
Industry Sees Strong Signal on Autonomous Roadmap
Industry analysts interpret Chung’s visit as more than a routine subsidiary review, viewing it as a strong declaration that Hyundai Motor Group intends to push ahead with its autonomous driving roadmap and Level 3 commercialization plans, despite intensifying competition from rivals such as Tesla and Waymo.
“Chung’s visit signals a strong message that Hyundai will not allow setbacks on its self-driving roadmap anymore,” said Kim Pil-su, a car engineering professor at Daelim University. “The new 42dot CEO will have a lot on their plate, but the most pressing task will be balancing technological innovation with real-world commercialization to close the gap with rivals.”
Hyundai Positions Itself for the Next Phase of Autonomous Mobility
With continued executive oversight, large-scale AI investment, and an E2E autonomous driving strategy centered on Atria AI, Hyundai Motor Group is positioning itself for the next phase of autonomous mobility. The integration of deep learning, software-defined vehicles, and production-ready platforms such as the Ioniq 6 underscores the group’s focus on safety-first, scalable autonomy.
News Source: Korea Herald
