Hyundai delays IONIQ 5 robotaxi service in US

Motional, the US-based self-driving joint venture of South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, postponed its plans to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the US from the end of this year to next year.

Motional announced on Wednesday that it started production of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi, which was co-developed with Hyundai Motor Co. at the Hyundai Motor Group Singapore Global Innovation Center (HMGICS).

Motional underscored that the vehicle would undergo stringent inspections and safety verification processes before the start of commercial services in 2024.

The company had originally planned to begin paid operations of its robotaxi in Las Vegas, Nevada in December. However, it decided to slow down its pace after public opinion on robotaxis in the US deteriorated.

General Motors' (GM) subsidiary Cruise suspended its robotaxi service after just three months due to consecutive accidents, and its CEO resigned.

Aptiv's CEO Kevin Clark also recently said that the company needs to be mindful of the current market conditions as it moves towards commercializing its robotaxi technology.

Write to Nan-sae Bin at binthere@hankyung.com