Hyundai Motor to launch advanced vehicle platform R&D division

South Korea’s top automaker Hyundai Motor Group will launch an advanced vehicle platform (AVP) research and development division, combining its existing autonomous driving software and future mobility platform research centers into one to enhance its competitiveness.

The automotive group on Tuesday held a briefing session before employees to unveil its plan to establish a future mobility R&D control tower.

Under the plan, President Song Chang-hyeon, who heads Hyundai’s software-defined vehicle (SDV) development division, will lead the new organization.

Formerly Korean tech giant Naver Corp.’s chief technology officer, Song created 42dot Inc., an autonomous driving technology startup.

Hyundai acquired 42dot in 2022 and appointed Song to lead Hyundai’s self-driving technology development.

Hyundai’s automotive chip development organization under its Advanced Technology Institute will also be placed under the soon-to-be-launched AVP division.

HYUNDAI TO TURN ALL ITS VEHICLES INTO SDVs BY 2025

Hyundai Motor Group, which owns two car-making units, Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp., plans to turn the SDV into its new vehicle standard by 2025.

A software-defined vehicle is any vehicle that manages its operations, adds functionality and enables new features primarily or entirely through software.

SDVs are the next stage in the evolution of the automotive industry, laying the groundwork for other advancements, including self-driving and connected cars.

Hyundai’s 42dot is responsible for the development of SDV operating systems.

Last week, Hyundai Motor Group said 42dot will develop an artificial intelligence-powered SDV platform using Samsung Electronics Co.’s automotive chips.

Write to Jae-Fu Kim at Hu@hankyung.com

In-Soo Nam edited this article.