2025.02.05 Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group in 2024: Part 2
As the eventful year of 2024 comes to a close, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) continues to shine brightly. Despite a turbulent global economy, HMG has made significant strides, moving humanity forward toward a better future.
- 5. Breakthrough Technologies, Part I: Innovations Shaping a Convenient Future
- 6. Breakthrough Technologies, Part II: Hyundai Motor Group’s Commitment to Safety for the Future
- 7. Big Wins in Motorsports: WRC Driver's Champion and a New Racing Frontier
- 8. Surprise Event of the Year: Hyundai N × Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival
- 9. Sustainability Spotlight: HMG’s Bold Hydrogen Vision
In Part 1, we explored the year’s most notable new vehicles, concept cars, and milestones. Part 2 highlights groundbreaking technologies, motorsport endeavors, and the journey toward a hydrogen-powered society.
Missed Part 1?
5. Breakthrough Technologies, Part I: Innovations Shaping a Convenient Future
HMG has relentlessly pursued cutting-edge technologies to enhance mobility and enrich daily life. In the electric vehicle (EV) domain, extending driving range remains a key priority, driving the development of advanced aerodynamics and thermal management technologies. In 2024, showcased some groundbreaking advancements, including the Active Air Skirt.
The Active Air Skirt is housed between the front bumper and the front wheels, deploying at speeds above 80 km/h to reduce tire drag. Internal testing revealed that equipping the Genesis GV60 with the Active Air Skirt improved its drag coefficient by 0.008, reducing aerodynamic drag by 2.8% and adding approximately 6 km to its range.
Other notable technologies unveiled in 2024 included the radiant heating system and metal-coated heated glass—both aimed at reducing energy consumption for EV heating and cooling. EVs require significant energy for heating as they lack an internal combustion engine to provide waste heat. The radiant heating system delivers fast heating while conserving energy during initial driving stages, with built-in safeguards to prevent burns.
The metal-coated heated glass integrates a metal-coated film between double-laminated glass layers, powered by a 48V source. This system can defrost the windshield faster than conventional heaters and defrosters, without obstructing the driver’s view. It also offers superior solar heat rejection compared to standard solar glass. Testing confirmed that the glass reduces power consumption for defrosting by 10% and enhances cooling efficiency in summer, improving energy consumption by 0.25 kWh/km.
Hyundai Mobis also unveiled a revolutionary Front Face Integrated Module, redefining EV design and functionality. This module integrates aerodynamic design, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving sensors, futuristic lighting, and charging ports into one cohesive unit.
Notable aerodynamic features include an active air flap that opens and closes as needed for cooling, an active aero hood to expel cooling air efficiently, an active air curtain, and the active air skirt to reduce drag around the tires. These elements work together to maximize range while enhancing design.
The M.VICS (Mobility Vision Cockpit System) 5.0 introduced by Hyundai Mobis sets new standards for the mobility cockpit of the future. At its core is a pillar-to-pillar (P2P) display spanning the width of the dashboard. The system includes a 27-inch main screen for the driver, a 12.3-inch passenger display, a 7-inch information display, and touch-sensitive “shy buttons” that activate only when needed. M.VICS 5.0 also features adjustable panels that can change height and angle based on driving mode or environment, paving the way for future autonomous driving and relaxation modes.
6. Breakthrough Technologies, Part II: Hyundai Motor Group’s Commitment to Safety for the Future
As the era of autonomous vehicles and Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs) becomes a reality, safety technologies require a fresh approach. Hyundai Mobis has unveiled two groundbreaking airbag innovations specifically designed for PBVs: the Self-Reliant Passenger Airbag and the Door-Mounted Curtain Airbag. The Self-Reliant Passenger Airbag is a novel concept tailored to PBVs, where the distance between the seat, dashboard, and windshield is typically greater. This airbag includes a stabilizing fixture at its base to minimize unnecessary movement during deployment, ensuring passenger safety.
The Door-Mounted Curtain Airbag, meanwhile, addresses the unique structure of PBVs with sliding doors and wide glass windows. Utilizing a wire mechanism, it completely covers the window area, providing comprehensive protection for passengers.
Battery performance is critical for EVs, especially during charging. While slow charging is ideal for maintaining battery stability, most consumers prefer rapid charging for convenience. However, frequent rapid charging can overheat the battery, shortening its lifespan.
To address this, Hyundai Mobis developed the Pulsating Heat Pipe (PHP) technology, designed to prevent overheating during rapid charging. Made of aluminum alloy and refrigerant, the PHP is positioned between battery cells, effectively dissipating heat and supporting stable, faster charging.
Hyundai Rotem has developed an unmanned firefighting robot designed specifically for combating underground fires, a solution created as part of Hyundai Motor Group and the National Fire Agency's efforts to address fire safety challenges for electric vehicles. Based on Hyundai Rotem’s multi-purpose unmanned vehicle, the HR-SHERPA, the robot is equipped with firefighting tools tailored to the National Fire Agency's requirements. Operated via wireless remote control, the robot uses a thermal imaging camera to locate ignition points and extinguishes fires using a 65mm water cannon. For safe operation in hazardous environments, the robot is outfitted with insulated covers and a self-spraying system. Hyundai Rotem plans to complete the development of the unmanned firefighting robot and deliver one unit to special rescue teams in each of four regions by this year.
Hyundai Motor Group’s development philosophy, focused on enhancing convenience and safety for humanity, extends beyond mobility. This philosophy is embodied in innovations like the industrial wearable robot X-ble Shoulder, designed to protect the health and safety of workers in manual labor industries even in the era of smart manufacturing.
The X-ble Shoulder safeguards the shoulder joints of workers who perform tasks requiring their arms to be raised above chest level. A standout feature of this device is its non-powered mechanism, which supports rotational energy based on arm movement without the need for an external power source. Additionally, the lightweight and simple design ensures it can be easily donned and removed independently, facilitates storage and maintenance, and offers the option of single-shoulder usage.
7. Big Wins in Motorsports: WRC Driver's Champion and a New Racing Frontier
Hyundai Motors hit a major milestone in 2024, solidifying its reputation as a motorsport powerhouse. For the first time since returning to the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2014, Hyundai clinched the Driver’s Championship, with Thierry Neuville leading the charge. Already celebrated for its back-to-back Manufacturer’s Championships in 2019 and 2020, Hyundai’s 2024 season cements its dominance in global rally racing.
Thierry Neuville, a veteran who’s spent 11 seasons with the Hyundai Motorsport, earned his first Driver’s Championship title. With two victories and six podiums under his belt in 2024, Neuville finished the season with 242 points, a comfortable 32 points ahead of his closest rival. Reflecting on his long journey to the top, Neuville shared, “to be standing here as the 2024 FIA WRC drivers’ champion is a dream come true. I have to start by thanking my team of 11 years: I couldn’t have done this without you.
Hyundai also turned heads in the 2024 TCR World Tour. Norbert Michelisz, driving the latest Elantra N TCR for BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse, captured his second consecutive TCR World Tour Driver’s Championship. Michelisz’s win adds to Hyundai’s growing legacy in touring car racing, with three champions—Michelisz, Gabriele Tarquini, and Mikel Azcona—since the days of the WTCR. If 2024 is any indicator, Hyundai’s domination in WRC and TCR isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Genesis finally pulled the cover off its motorsport ambitions in 2024, and fans couldn’t be more pumped. The big news? Genesis is entering endurance racing, the ultimate test of engineering and driver stamina, with races lasting from hours to a grueling 24-hour grind.
Genesis is set to debut in two of the most prestigious endurance championships: the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026 and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (WTSCC) in 2027. To take on this monumental challenge, Genesis is building a cutting-edge Le Mans Daytona hybrid (LMDh) prototype under the Genesis Magma Racing Team banner. The GMR-001 hypercar, revealed alongside the announcement, is a stunning combination of Genesis’ signature ‘Athletic Elegance’ design and aerodynamic wizardry. This hypercar isn’t just a racer—it’s a bold statement that Genesis is ready to play in the big leagues.
8. Surprise Event of the Year: Hyundai N × Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival
In late October 2024, the global motorsports spotlight shone brightly on South Korea for an event no one saw coming: the Hyundai N × Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival. These two automotive giants, long-time rivals in the global market and fierce competitors in the World Rally Championship (WRC), joined forces to create a motorsport celebration like no other. What made this event even more remarkable was its setting—South Korea, a country not traditionally known as a motorsport hub.
The festival was a motorsport fan’s dream come true. Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung and Toyota Group Chairman Akio Toyoda shared the stage, joined by their respective teams of racing drivers and engineers. Around 3,000 attendees, including fans, media, and influencers, experienced the excitement of track days, thrilling show runs, and “taxi rides” with professional WRC drivers. Guests even got to participate in a gymkhana competition, teaming up with drivers for an adrenaline-pumping race against the clock. The event showcased an impressive lineup of high-performance and concept vehicles, including Hyundai’s RN24 Rolling Lab and IONIQ 5 N TA spec, alongside Toyota’s ORC Rookie GR Corolla H2 and AE86 H2 concepts.
Chung and Toyoda themselves kicked off the festivities with an electrifying ride in a GR Yaris Rally 1 Hybrid, demonstrating its capabilities in an awe-inspiring display. On stage, Chung shared his vision: "With our high-performance N brand, we're committed to delivering excitement and satisfying all car enthusiasts. We'll continue to push forward in motorsport alongside Toyota so that more people can enjoy the thrill of driving” Toyoda echoed the sentiment: “Toyota and Hyundai will work hand in hand to create a better society and the future of mobility."
9. Sustainability Spotlight: HMG’s Bold Hydrogen Vision
Hyundai Motor Group is charting a bold course toward a sustainable future, envisioning a world where humanity thrives in harmony with nature. A cornerstone of this vision is a hydrogen-powered society, and Hyundai has been at the forefront of hydrogen technology since 1998. At CES 2024, Hyundai unveiled the HTWO Grid, a hydrogen value chain solution that encompasses everything from production to storage, transportation, and usage. This ambitious ecosystem integrates the group’s capabilities to create a sustainable energy future.
Hyundai is exploring groundbreaking methods for hydrogen production, including W2H (Waste to Hydrogen) and P2H (Plastic to Hydrogen), which repurpose organic waste and plastics, respectively. The group is also investing in green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy like solar, wind, and hydropower. With zero carbon emissions during production, green hydrogen represents the gold standard in clean energy.
It is making its way into our cities, reshaping everyday life. One prime example is Hyundai Rotem’s hydrogen-powered tram, which operates without overhead power lines, ensuring safety and visual appeal. This cable-free tram not only eliminates carbon emissions but actively cleans city air while in operation—eco-friendly mobility at its finest.
In 2020, Hyundai made history as the first automaker to mass-produce hydrogen fuel cell trucks, revolutionizing logistics for a sustainable future. Today, Hyundai continues its mission by introducing mobile hydrogen fuel cell generators, bringing clean energy closer to everyday life. This vision extends even further into the future. At CES 2024, Hyundai showcased how hydrogen can power urban environments, from personal mobility to entire city infrastructures, paving the way for a hydrogen-driven society.
This year, Hyundai plans to introduce an all-new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to hydrogen technology—a journey that began back in 1998. This launch symbolizes Hyundai’s steadfast dedication to creating a better world for future generations, driven by innovation and sustainability. As 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Hyundai to see how the company will continue to lead the charge toward a sustainable future for humanity and the planet.
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