The first public safety technology demonstration, targeted by the end of 2028, will centre on the Kia PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle), a modular EV architecture that can be rapidly configured for everything from patrol to rapid response. Why build and maintain countless bespoke vehicles when a single, scalable system can slot in mission-specific modules like Lego bricks?

PBVs promise a common electric backbone onto which purpose-built cabins and equipment can be mounted. Crucially, it dovetails with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the nation’s push for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040.

“Hyundai Motor Group has established a solid foundation for driving public mobility innovation in partnership with the Singaporean government, leveraging our proprietary technologies,” said Ilbum Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Policy Office at Hyundai Motor Group. “Through real-world demonstrations of mobility solutions, we will continue to lead global innovation in future technologies such as robotics and hydrogen.”

“Every partnership we forge is about advancing science and technology to empower the Home Team with better tools and smarter systems. This collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group enables us to push the boundaries of future mobility technologies and bring cutting-edge innovations into real-world Home Team operations, and beyond,” said HTX Chief Executive Chan Tsan. In other words: fewer buzzwords, more boots-on-the-ground benefits.

If you’re wondering “Why Singapore?”, consider the test-bed trifecta: open regulatory posture, deep technical talent and a culture that prizes execution. Since launching HMGICS in 2023, the Group has woven itself into the local ecosystem, turning Singapore into a human-centred smart mobility hub.

Hyundai’s acquisition of Boston Dynamics in 2021 was a signal that the Group sees robots as co-workers in factories today and force multipliers tomorrow. In April, further investments were announced to integrate robotics into manufacturing processes.

On the hydrogen front, the XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck has already proven that zero-emissions haulage needn’t be hypothetical. If electric PBVs suit urban duty cycles, hydrogen can shoulder heavier loads and longer routes.

Does it all arrive tomorrow? No. But with a 2028 demonstration in sight and institutional momentum behind it, it’s only a matter of time.

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“In an industry facing unprecedented transformation, Hyundai is uniquely positioned to win,” said President and CEO José Muñoz, pointing to product breadth, manufacturing agility and technology depth as the company’s edge.

What Hyundai’s building (and where)

Hyundai is reinforcing a headline target of 5.55 million global vehicle sales by 2030, anchored by an electrified push that’s meant to do the heavy lifting: 3.3 million of those units are slated to be hybrids and EVs across North America, Europe and Korea.

It’s a wider net, from mid-size pickup trucks for the U.S. heartland to light commercial vehicles, plus a suite of region-tailored EVs such as IONIQ 3 for Europe, India’s first locally designed Hyundai EV, and China-built Elexio and a C-segment electric saloon.

From 2027, Hyundai will introduce Extended-Range EVs (EREVs) targeting more than 600 miles (about 960km) by pairing in-house high-performance batteries with optimised engine-battery integration.

On the digital side, Pleos Connect lands from Q2 next year with multi-window interfaces, profile-based personalisation and an in-car app marketplace. Under the skin, a trio of AIs, which are Atria (map-light autonomy), Gleo (natural-language voice) and Capora (fleet analytics), push the brand’s Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) ambitions from slide deck to showroom.

Genesis: racing gloves over a tux

Genesis is celebrating ten years with a cool million cars sold and double-digit margins. The brand is targeting 350,000 annual sales by 2030, expanding in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, Korea, China and select emerging markets.

Expect luxury SUVs (X Gran Equator, Neolun), emotional halo models (X Gran Coupé Concept), Magma-line specials and ultra-bespoke commissions. There’s even a factory-fresh motorsport arm (Genesis Magma Racing) heading to WEC in 2026 and IMSA in 2027 to funnel race tech back into road cars.

Partnerships with teeth

Hyundai’s alliance map is punchy: Waymo-compatible IONIQ 5 prototypes have gone to public-road testing in the U.S., and a strategic tie-up with General Motors will co-develop five vehicles from 2028 with projected annual sales north of 800,000 units once ramped.

Meanwhile, Amazon Autos is being used as a visibility and conversion engine, sweetening dealer profitability with new finance options, accessories and better offline spill-over.

“We’re not just adapting to change. We’re leading it, building the mobility company of the future.”

José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company

CFO Seung Jo (Scott) Lee detailed a pragmatic recalibration: revenue growth guidance nudged up to 5–6%, while the operating-profit-margin band eases to 6–7% to account for fresh U.S. tariffs. That’s paired with a KRW 77.3 trillion investment plan from 2026–2030 aimed at sharpening software talent, localising capacity and future-tech footholds.

The scorecard target is sustainable OPM of 7–8% by 2027 and 8–9% by 2030. Shareholders aren’t forgotten either: a >35% Total Shareholder Return policy for 2025–2027 and a minimum DPS of KRW 10,000.

The U.S. remains centre stage. Hyundai will invest KRW 15.3 trillion to expand production and build a robotics ecosystem there, as part of the Group’s broader USD 26 billion American commitment.

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Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) has placed the very car on show, inviting visitors to view the special car up close.

Why this Hyundai Ioniq 5 matters

The Pontiff, known for humility and his stewardship of environmental and social causes, chose to move about in a quiet, all-electric IONIQ 5, built at Singapore’s only EV manufacturing facility.

The visit itself was a milestone: the first papal visit to Singapore and Southeast Asia in nearly a decade, anchored in interfaith dialogue and community outreach.

You’ll find the car on Level 1 of HMGICS, where it will remain on view during regular visiting hours—Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm. The organisers ask for respectful behaviour, a simple courtesy, entirely in the spirit of the man it once ferried.

In its statement, Hyundai Motor Group notes that the IONIQ 5 on display is not only a manufacturing milestone but also “a quiet reminder of a leader who encouraged peace and unity.”

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The South Korean marque has long dabbled in the world of sports sponsorships, with FIFA, CONMEBOL, and now, the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) all under its belt.

With the ASEAN Hyundai Cup, Hyundai is going full throttle into the heart of Southeast Asia, tapping into the region’s unparalleled passion for football and transforming it into a canvas for brand storytelling.

From Vietnam’s triumph over Thailand in 2024 to Singapore’s proud legacy with four titles, the tournament has matured from a modest two-week affair into a month-long, region-wide celebration of sport.

The 2024 edition shattered records with 541.5 million broadcast viewers and 12.66 billion social media impressions. Not bad for a tournament that began life back in 1996.

Sunny Kim, President of Hyundai Motor Asia Pacific, summed it up rather aptly: “Football is more than a sport for Hyundai, it’s a platform that unites and empowers communities.” That’s the ethos behind initiatives like the Hyundai Kids Mobile Library — an electric bus transformed into a classroom on wheels. Because progress, for Hyundai, also happens off the field.

ASEAN United FC: One Team, Many Stories

Hyundai has also been named the Presenting Partner for three other key events: the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup, the ASEAN Women’s MSIG Cup, and the ASEAN U-23 Championship. Together, they form the ASEAN United FC.

As Seamus O’Brien, SPORTFIVE’s President for APAC, put it, “The rise of ASEAN’s national teams is on pace with the region’s increasing importance as one of the world’s most dynamic auto markets.”

Beyond the visibility and the media metrics, it’s a declaration of intent that Hyundai is participating meaningfully in the region’s evolving identity.

Mobility and progress are for everyone, and in Southeast Asia, that journey is just getting started.

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The initiative, running over five months, aims to bring tangible change to people with mobility challenges. At the heart of this movement is the R1. Based on the ST1 electrification business platform, the R1 is a modular companion, tailored for adaptability and inclusiveness with expandable hardware and customisable software.

It’s what Sooyoung Kim, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Mobility Business Group, calls “a service that combines designated mobility devices with universal design”. Kim adds, “We will continue to carry out an array of human-centred innovations for the freedom of movement for all, paving the way for a more inclusive society.”

But what’s hardware without the smarts to match? That’s where Shucle, Hyundai’s demand-responsive mobility app that uses artificial intelligence to match passengers and vehicles dynamically, come in. It reduces wait times, recalibrates routes on the fly, and makes mobility a matter of seconds, not struggles.

Shucle even has an integrated voucher system. Existing voucher taxi users can now hop onboard Hyundai’s mobility solution twice a day for free. No more tedious back-and-forth with support centres. Just issue your digital voucher in the app, hop in, and go.

Traditional transport solutions for people with mobility aids often involve rear entry. Hyundai flips this narrative with side-door boarding, allowing passengers to sit alongside up to two companions.

Inside, for those with hearing or visual impairments, the R1 features high-contrast UI settings and an onboard tablet for text-based communication with the driver. Whether you’re deaf, blind, or just prefer typing over talking, Hyundai has your back.

This isn’t Hyundai’s first foray into inclusive mobility. Back in 2021, they trialled the Enable LA project, gaining valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t. The Dongtan project is simply the next step in a journey the brand appears committed to.

Let’s not kid ourselves. Accessible mobility isn’t just about vans with ramps and apps with maps. It’s about reshaping the built environment, social attitudes, and even business priorities.

Hyundai’s work in Dongtan shows that it’s possible to marry innovation with empathy, to build not just smart cities, but kind ones.

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That’s a quarter of all awards given this year, an impressive achievement that places Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis ahead of the competition.

Brian Latouf, Hyundai Motor Group’s President and Global Chief Safety and Quality Officer, underscored the company’s commitment to setting new safety benchmarks. 

“Outstanding safety performance is core to the Hyundai Motor Group, and our achievement in the 2025 IIHS awards, with the most stringent test criteria ever, underscores our unwavering commitment to customers and relentless engineering to deliver the highest level of safety for occupants and road users,” he said. 

And he’s not wrong. The 2025 IIHS testing criteria have never been more demanding, with a sharper focus on rear-seat safety, advanced seat belt technology, and crash protection.

With five TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) awards, Hyundai led the charge, with its winning fleet including:

• IONIQ 5
• KONA
• TUCSON
• SANTA FE (built after November 2024)
• IONIQ 6

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury arm, was not far behind, securing four TSP+ awards for:

• GV60 
• Electrified GV70 
• GV70 (built after April 2024) 
• GV80

The Genesis G90 large luxury sedan also received a TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) award, adding yet another feather to the brand’s cap.

Meanwhile, Kia made waves with two TSP+ wins, thanks to the:

• EV9 – The electric behemoth redefining SUV standards
• Telluride – A full-sized powerhouse that’s all about road presence and security

The IIHS made significant changes to its award requirements for 2025, raising the bar yet again. The new criteria place greater emphasis on second-row passenger safety, demanding advanced seat belt technology and superior crash protection. 

Only 48 vehicles made the cut this year, a sharp drop from 71 winners in 2024. This highlights just how selective and rigorous the evaluation process has become.

Crash tests, pedestrian safety, small and moderate front overlap impacts, and new rear passenger safety standards all played a role in determining which vehicles stood up to the challenge.

With safety innovations taking centre stage, Hyundai Motor Group’s stellar performance in the 2025 IIHS awards is nothing short of impressive.

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In fact, he topped the prestigious MotorTrend Power List, joining an elite club of industry changemakers. 

MotorTrend lauded Muñoz as a “driving force” behind Hyundai’s record-breaking growth in North America, acknowledging his pivotal role in boosting sales, market share, revenue, and profitability.

But what makes this recognition particularly significant is that Muñoz is the first non-Korean executive to lead the conglomerate that includes both Hyundai and Genesis.

“This recognition is due to the vision and support of our Executive Chair, the hardworking men and women of Hyundai, our outstanding dealer partners, our customers, and so many others who work tirelessly for Hyundai and Genesis in this competitive and dynamic industry. It’s a great time to be with Hyundai!”

José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company

His achievements place him in esteemed company, alongside Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor Group’s Executive Chair, as well as other Hyundai power players like SangYup Lee (Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design), Luc Donckerwolke (Hyundai Motor Group Chief Creative Officer), Claudia Marquez (Hyundai Motor America Chief Operating Officer), and Karim Habib (Head of KIA Global Design).

Hyundai was once synonymous with affordability, a brand that gave buyers bang for their buck. But under Muñoz’s leadership, Hyundai has evolved into a name that carries prestige, innovation, and top-tier quality. 

Beyond record-breaking sales figures, Muñoz has been instrumental in Hyundai Motor Group’s rise to becoming the third-largest automaker in the world. His leadership has driven major investments in new technologies, particularly in electrification, smart cities, and sustainable mobility. 

He credits much of Hyundai’s progress to Executive Chair Euisun Chung’s “Progress for Humanity” vision, which integrates advanced air mobility, autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, and a hydrogen economy.

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Hyundai’s design renaissance is in full swing, and the Tucson is a prime example. It was already one of the boldest-looking family SUVs around, and the facelift keeps that edge sharp while refining what matters inside.  

The first-generation model from 2004 was quirky and functional, while the next two generations played it safe, blending in rather than standing out.

But now that Hyundai has figured out the basics (handling, build quality, reliability) it is leaning into boldness again.

With competitors like the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan, the Tucson is in a hotly contested segment. Fierce rivals, but Hyundai is ready to bring the fight to them.

Hyundai Is Now… Cool?

If the striking Parametric Hidden Lights caught your attention back in 2020, rest assured they are still here, along with minor tweaks to the bumpers, lighting, and grille.

It feels strange to say, but Hyundai has been on a roll lately. Once a brand known primarily for value, it has transformed into a styling powerhouse, pushing bold designs with surprising confidence.

Hyundai has clearly put effort into making the Tucson feel premium, and it shows.

This Is Jam-Packed With Features  

Inside, the Tucson continues to impress, with plenty of storage, cubby holes, and passenger-friendly features. 

Up on the flight deck, climate controls are integrated into a dedicated haptic touch panel. 

The dual 12.3-inch screens across the dash are cleanly integrated, providing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging.

Everything you might need on a journey is included, including heated and ventilated seats. Your passenger princess even gets a little shelf to put their items, while you two can comfortably lounge in the N Line’s plush front seats.

Rear passengers have not been forgotten, with the N Line offering tri-zone climate control and integrated sun blinds.

A particularly thoughtful feature is the “sleep mode,” which separates front and rear audio, allowing parents to enjoy their music while children doze off. Two USB-C plugs in the back also ensure that no one’s device runs out of battery on long trips.  

The rear seats split 40/20/40, allowing for flexible cargo arrangements. Boot space is also sizeable at 620 litres with the seats up and 1,799 litres with them folded. 

Effortless To Drive

If there are two words to sum up the Tucson’s driving experience, it would be extremely competent. That might sound like faint praise, but it is a big step up from the Hyundai we knew ten years ago.

Everything is smooth and intuitive. The drive selector now sits behind the steering wheel in the bottom right, and drive modes can be toggled via the centre console. 

The Tucson is sharp enough, nimble enough, and happy to respond to enthusiastic driving, but it is far more at home cruising in comfort. The steering has a surprising amount of weight, though there is some inertia in the response. It is not razor-sharp, but it does make for a controlled, predictable drive.  

On highways, rocking the accelerator with a heavy foot doesn’t phase the Tucson’s engine one bit, with the hybrid system transitioning between modes smoothly.

It feels planted and stable, while on twistier roads or roundabouts, its deliberate, solid movement reminds you that this is a sturdy SUV, not a sports car.

For those interested in off-road capability, Hyundai includes Mud, Sand, and Snow Terrain Modes, but realistically, most Tucson owners will never use them.  

And The Safety Tech Is Done Right  

Hyundai deserves credit for its driver assistance systems, which are less intrusive than most rivals and easier to disable when needed.

One of the best features is the blind spot camera, which replaces either the speedometer or rev counter with a high-resolution camera feed whenever you flick the indicator.

It is a brilliant safety addition, particularly in cities where motorcycles tend to appear out of nowhere.  

A Confident Leap Forward  

If you love the way the Tucson looks, you will not be disappointed. It drives well, is loaded with clever features, and feels properly premium inside.

Hyundai has continued its streak of designing well-rounded, well-equipped SUVs that offer excellent value without feeling cheap.

This fourth-generation model shows just how far Hyundai has come. The first Tucson was quirky but unrefined. The next two generations were practical but forgettable. 

It’s a bold, confident SUV that refuses to blend into the crowd. And that’s what makes it so great.

Technical Specifications

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder 16-value DOHC
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Power: 158 kW (212 bhp)
Torque: 267 Nm
Gearbox: 6-Speed (A) Dual Clutch
0-100km/h: 8.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 186 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 52 litres
Fuel Consumption: 15.2 km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$244,999 (N Line) with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Hyundai Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The IONIQ 5, the first electric vehicle manufactured in Singapore, will now serve as a key learning tool for SIT students and faculty. It will be integrated into research projects and academic programmes, ranging from undergraduate studies to Continuing Education and Training (CET).

The inclusion of this EV in SIT’s curriculum will enable students to gain hands-on experience in crucial areas such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies, advanced diagnostics, energy storage systems, power electronics, and the development of EV charging infrastructure.

Beyond the vehicle donation, the partnership between HMGICS and SIT extends to industry attachment opportunities for both students and faculty members at HMGICS, alongside knowledge-sharing initiatives and the development of CET courses for HMGICS staff.

“At HMGICS, we believe that the future of mobility is shaped not only by technology but by the people driving progress forward,” said Dr Hyun Sung Park, CEO of HMGICS. “By integrating real-world applications into education, we aim to equip students and professionals with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving mobility sector.”

Professor Chua Kee Chaing, President of SIT, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the IONIQ 5 will enhance applied learning and research in sustainable mobility. “This state-of-the-art EV enables authentic learning experiences for our students while providing a valuable platform for our faculty to innovate sustainable mobility solutions further.”

This collaboration is part of HMGICS’ broader strategy to engage with local institutions and industry partners, supporting integrated workforce development and promoting knowledge-sharing.

By bridging academia and industry, HMGICS and SIT are creating a strong talent pipeline that will drive Singapore’s transition to sustainable mobility.

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Ms Min Ling Chan brings more than two decades of experience in digital transformation, process optimisation, and industrial automation across Asia Pacific, Europe, and Australia.

Before joining Hyundai, she was instrumental in shaping engineering and operational strategies at Ford Motor Company Asia Pacific, where she spearheaded regional process enhancements from Australia.

She has led digital transformation initiatives at Mondelēz and Schaeffler, championing Industry 4.0 technologies such as industrial automation, cybersecurity, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and data governance.

At HMGICS, her role will be pivotal in shaping the company’s digital infrastructure. She will focus on integrating data across Hyundai’s innovation ecosystem, driving automation and intelligent systems to enhance operational efficiency, and strengthening the backbone of Hyundai’s smart mobility solutions.

“I am honoured to join HMGICS at this transformative stage of its journey,” said Ms Chan. “I look forward to accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, redefining smart manufacturing, and contributing to Hyundai Motor Group’s vision towards innovative mobility solutions for the benefit of all.” 

HMGICS is Hyundai’s first global open innovation hub, dedicated to exploring next-generation EV business models, advanced R&D partnerships, and intelligent manufacturing solutions. The goal is to create a fully connected, autonomous, and data-driven production ecosystem.

Dr Hyun Sung Park, CEO of HMGICS, expressed his confidence in Ms. Chan’s leadership, stating that her expertise and ability to drive innovation will be key to advancing HMGICS’s mission of shaping the future of manufacturing and mobility. He emphasised that her leadership will ensure Hyundai remains at the forefront of industry transformation.

At the heart of this vision is Hyundai’s Industry 4.0-driven smart factory, where AI, IoT, and robotics work in harmony to create a seamless, efficient, and sustainable automotive production process.  

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