Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to democratize autonomous driving by integrating advanced self-driving technologies into its Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle lineup.
While the automotive industry has largely tethered the development of autonomous driving to Electric Vehicles (EVs), Hyundai’s new strategy—part of its broader "Hyundai Dynamic Capabilities" initiative—ensures that drivers of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles won't be left behind.
Why bring autonomous tech to ICE cars?
The decision to equip combustion-engine vehicles with advanced autonomous features comes as a direct response to global market demands. With the recent slowdown in EV adoption, Hyundai recognizes that millions of drivers will continue to rely on ICE vehicles for years to come.
By integrating their latest Atria AI and NVIDIA Drive Hyperion platforms into traditional powertrains, Hyundai is ensuring that cutting-edge safety and convenience are accessible to a much wider audience.
The roadmap: Level 2+ and beyond
Hyundai’s autonomous strategy for its ICE and hybrid fleet is highly ambitious. According to recent announcements, the roadmap includes:
2028 (Level 2+ Highway Driving): Hyundai plans to launch mass-produced vehicles featuring "hands-off" highway driving capabilities. This system will utilize NVIDIA's hardware combined with Hyundai's in-house AI.
2029 (Level 2++ Urban Driving): The technology will expand to urban environments, allowing drivers to navigate city streets without needing to keep their hands on the wheel.
End-to-End (E2E) AI: Hyundai is shifting toward a Tesla-style "End-to-End" AI model, where the car visually recognizes its surroundings and makes driving decisions in real-time using advanced language and vision processing.
Democratizing safety
Currently, Hyundai is already a leader in offering affordable Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on popular ICE models like the Hyundai Verna and Venue. These vehicles feature Level 2 ADAS, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The upcoming generation of technology will push these capabilities much further, transforming everyday commuter cars into highly intelligent mobility hubs.
A balanced approach to the future
As Hyundai continues to develop its highly anticipated Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) and next-gen EVs, the commitment to upgrading ICE vehicles proves that the company is taking a balanced, customer-first approach. The future of driving is undoubtedly autonomous—but at Hyundai, that future still includes the internal combustion engine.
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