According to a press release on Oct. 7, Waymo and Hyundai Motor Co. have announced a strategic, multiyear partnership focused on integrating Waymo's autonomous driving technology into Hyundai's vehicles. As part of the first phase, Waymo's sixth-generation autonomous technology, the Waymo Driver, will be incorporated into Hyundai's all-electric IONIQ 5 sport utility vehicles. These vehicles are to be added to the Waymo One fleet gradually.

The IONIQ 5 vehicles will be assembled at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia, US. Following assembly, they will undergo integration with Waymo's autonomous technology. Both companies aim to produce these vehicles in significant volumes over multiple years to expand the Waymo One service. The initial on-road testing of the Waymo-enabled IONIQ 5s is scheduled to start by late 2025, with availability to Waymo One users anticipated in subsequent years.

Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting Hyundai's commitment to sustainability and its robust electric vehicle strategy as key reasons for their collaboration. José Muñoz, president and global COO of Hyundai Motor Co., and president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, echoed this sentiment, noting the shared vision of enhancing safety, efficiency and convenience in transportation. Muñoz also mentioned the readiness of Hyundai's new manufacturing facility to produce a significant number of vehicles for the Waymo One fleet and hinted at potential future collaborations between the two companies.

Additionally, Chang Song, president and head of Hyundai Motor Group's Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division, revealed Hyundai's new initiative focused on the autonomous vehicle foundry business. This initiative aims to supply global autonomous driving companies with vehicles capable of implementing SAE Level 4 or higher autonomous driving technology, with Waymo being the first partner in this endeavor. This partnership between Waymo and Hyundai represents a significant step in advancing the deployment of autonomous vehicles in the industry.