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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Fifteen models. Fifteen different reasons why Hyundai Motor Group has become synonymous with safety. From the everyday practicality of the Hyundai ELANTRA to the opulent gravitas of the Genesis GV80, the group’s portfolio spans across needs, budgets, and personalities, and now across a row of IIHS accolades too.

These were hard-won awards under a stricter 2025 rulebook. To earn a TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) this year, cars had to be built like vaults but without the weight.

Among the Hyundai roster, seven models claimed TSP+ status. The 2025 ELANTRA and SONATA, fresh off the assembly line, led the charge. Joining them were the IONIQ 5 and 6, the KONA and TUCSON, and the SANTA FE.

Even five models from Genesis made the cut. Four walked away with the full-fat TSP+ award: the stylish GV60, the environmentally-conscious Electrified GV70, the well-rounded GV70, and the commanding GV80. Even the flagship G90, despite not hitting the TSP+ tier, earned a Top Safety Pick.

If Hyundai is the jack-of-all-trades and Genesis the luxury savant, then Kia is the artist. The new K4, EV9, and Telluride clinched TSP+ ratings, rounding off the Group’s performance with flair.

In a world where carmakers are racing to build the fastest, most connected, and most electric machines, Hyundai Motor Group adds something deeply human to the mix: care. Not just for drivers, but for passengers, pedestrians, and peace of mind.

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Let’s start with Luc Donckerwolke, President, Chief Design Officer, and Chief Creative Officer. Under his stewardship, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have become rolling expressions of futuristic ambition.

Donckerwolke’s résumé has everything from Skoda and Audi to Lamborghini, SEAT, and Bentley, before landing at Hyundai in 2016. It wasn’t long before his creative fingerprints were all over the Group’s design language.

In his words, “This recognition showcases Hyundai Motor Group’s belief in design as a driving force for innovation and identity.”

Beside him was Peter Schreyer, a design elder statesman whose influence is probably parked outside your house right now. You know that Kia “tiger nose” grille? That’s his.

Schreyer joined Kia in 2006 after cut-and-polish stints at Audi and Volkswagen, and gave the South Korean brand a bold new identity at a time when most people didn’t give their cars a second glance.

When he became President and Chief Design Officer of the Hyundai Motor Group in 2013, Schreyer’s impact deepened. Hyundai’s SUVs were reborn, Genesis gained swagger, and a global audience started whispering the once-unthinkable: “Hyundai looks… cool.”

Even in retirement, Schreyer hasn’t drifted far from the sketchpad. He’s now mentoring students through the Group’s partnership with the Royal College of Art, shaping the hands that will draw the future.

“It is an incredible honour,” he said of the award, “but it belongs to the many creative and dedicated teams I’ve had the privilege to work with.”

Completing the triumvirate was Giorgetto Giugiaro. If Donckerwolke and Schreyer are the torchbearers of today’s vision, Giugiaro is the man who lit the flame. His 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept, with its crisp wedge lines and avant-garde profile, turned tides. It remains a spiritual benchmark for the brand, revisited and revived as Hyundai continues to honour its past while sprinting into the electric age.

KC Crain, President and CEO of Crain Communications, summed up the mood best: “Peter Schreyer and Luc Donckerwolke have helped redefine what modern automotive design means. Their bold creativity and leadership have elevated the role of design as a strategic force.”

The next time you glance at a Hyundai or marvel at the lines of a Genesis, you’ll see the handiwork of visionaries who have made it their life’s mission to blend form with future, style with sustainability.

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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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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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Fast forward to December 2024, and the centre is celebrating its first anniversary in a style befitting its visionary ambitions.

This milestone was commemorated with a town hall meeting led by Executive Chair Euisun Chung, who lauded HMGICS for its pivotal role in reimagining mobility, manufacturing, and customer experiences.

At the town hall, Executive Chair Chung set an optimistic tone, describing the centre as a hub for groundbreaking ideas and sustainable solutions.

“Our journey has been impressive so far, but the best is yet to come,” he declared, crediting the centre’s success to its people and their unwavering commitment to progress for humanity.

Jaehoon Chang, Hyundai Motor Company’s CEO and incoming Group Vice Chair, reinforced this vision by emphasising the strategic importance of HMGICS in Hyundai’s long-term plans.

He noted, “We will proactively develop essential technologies for future factories, such as AI, robotics, and automation, and verify their effectiveness through concrete projects.” These innovations will soon find their way into Hyundai’s global operations, including facilities in Georgia and Ulsan.

In its first year, HMGICS has become a testbed for state-of-the-art technologies, from intelligent cell-based production systems to AI-powered logistics and digital twin technology. 

The centre has also pioneered the production of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Singapore’s first locally built EV, and the debut of the IONIQ 6 in 2024. Both models have earned accolades for their cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious manufacturing processes.

The centre offers visitors immersive Discovery Tours that showcase its advanced EV production process, complete with VR experiences and test rides on its Skytrack. Adding a touch of culinary artistry, its on-site smart farm supplies produce to Na Oh, a Korean restaurant helmed by three-Michelin-starred Chef Corey Lee.

True to its mission of creating shared value, HMGICS has increased its local workforce by 30% in 2024, focusing on R&D and engineering roles. The centre also partners with universities and research institutions to provide internships and practical learning opportunities in advanced manufacturing and innovative technologies.

With its focus on technological innovation, customer-centric solutions, and community development, the centre embodies Hyundai’s ethos of “progress for humanity.”

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Hyundai Motor Group has recently inked a new research collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to focus on exploring advanced energy solutions.

Over the next three years, this partnership will zero in on hydrogen energy technologies and energy systems, with the goal of carbon neutrality.

This partnership fits neatly into Hyundai’s broader strategy to develop sustainable mobility solutions worldwide. And here in Singapore, a city-state heavily reliant on natural gas for power generation, the need for alternative energy sources is particularly pressing.

Hyun Sung Park, CEO of Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), summed it up: “Through this partnership, we aim to accelerate our research in innovative technologies, ultimately enhancing the commercial viability of our sustainable mobility solutions.”

In simpler terms, Hyundai and NTU are set to investigate two particularly intriguing hydrogen production technologies; Plastic-to-Hydrogen (P2H) and Waste-to-Hydrogen (W2H). If you’ve ever wondered what happens to non-recyclable plastics or organic waste like food and sewage sludge, Hyundai’s answer is to turn them into hydrogen.

The collaboration also delves into advanced energy systems tailor-made for dense urban environments like Singapore. These modular, easy-to-install energy systems could become a cornerstone of how cities tackle the carbon challenge in the future.

On the same day, Hyundai also signed a tripartite research agreement with NTU and A*STAR (the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), targeting innovative manufacturing fields like AI, robotics, and 3D printing.

As Professor Lam from NTU puts it, “The research partnerships between NTU and Hyundai Motor Group reflect how close collaboration with industry is vital in developing innovative and relevant solutions to address real-world issues, including the race to carbon neutrality.”

With groundbreaking research and cutting-edge technologies, this collaboration might just be what it takes to unlock the next wave of sustainable mobility solutions.

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This year, it’s happening at Wheeler’s Estate in Seletar, from 31 August to 1 September 2024.

If you missed out last year, here’s your chance to jump behind the wheel of the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. Throughout the event, attendees can take these electric vehicles for a spin. Plus, there’s a little something extra for those who complete a test drive; complimentary Hyundai merchandise and free drinks and dessert to enjoy.

This year’s Ioniq Brews & Drives promises much more, blending technology, fun, and a bit of friendly competition. Explore interactive displays featuring the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, and get your cameras ready because the Ioniq Brews & Drives photo contest is back.

Snap your best shot with any of the Ioniq vehicles or stations, post it on Instagram, tag @hyundai.innovation.sg, and don’t forget to include the hashtag #HMGICS.

Not only could you win bragging rights, but you might also walk away with some fantastic prizes. Make sure your account is set to public to qualify, and keep an eye out on 9 September 2024 for the winner announcement.

Attendees who decide to purchase an Ioniq 5 or Ioniq 6 during the event also stand a chance to win retail vouchers worth up to $300, along with exclusive Hyundai merchandise like Ioniq 5 diecast models and diffusers.

Event Details

Date: 31 August – 1 September 2024
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Venue: Wheeler’s Estate, 2 Park Lane, Singapore 798386
Parking: On-site visitor parking is available

And don’t worry about leaving anyone behind. Ioniq Brews & Drives is designed to be kid- and animal-friendly, so bring the whole family along for a weekend of entertainment and electric excitement.

For more information about the event, and to sign up for a test drive, visit this helpful bit of highlighted text.

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With President Tharman Shanmugaratnam gracing the event, HMGICS unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation through education and enriching local society.

Partnering with key members of Singapore’s social fabric, including educational institutions, arts and design establishments, and community organisations, HMGICS is rolling out initiatives that span student education, electric vehicle donations, food aid, and monetary contributions. 

“The spirit of progress for a better future is embedded in Hyundai Motor’s DNA,” says Dr Hyun Sung Park, CEO of HMGICS. “We believe in supporting communities in Singapore through partnerships that align with our commitment to sustainable future mobility innovations. Our CSR initiatives are about helping local youth and communities grow together, contributing to Singapore’s society and economy.”

HMGICS will be collaborating with educational institutions to provide learning opportunities at every stage of a student’s journey.

Learning Journeys

HMGICS will host educational visits, bringing the world of smart factory innovation to young minds. Special programs for students with intellectual disabilities and autism will also be offered in partnership with MINDS and Rainbow Centre.

Work Experiences

To give students a taste of real-world engineering and science careers, HMGICS is partnering with schools like Boon Lay Secondary, School of Science and Technology, and River Valley High for three-day work experience programs.

Internships

HMGICS is offering internships with top polytechnics and universities, including NTU, NUS, and Temasek Polytechnic, providing students with hands-on experience in a cutting-edge environment.

Collaborative Projects

Supporting projects from NUS, NTU, and LASALLE College of the Arts, HMGICS is fostering real-world industrial applications. A special IONIQ 5 vehicle, Singapore’s first locally manufactured EV, will be handed over to Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Singapore Institute of Technology for educational and research purposes.

All proceeds from private tours will be donated to the President’s Challenge too. Excess produce from the HMGICS Smart Farm will be donated to communities in need via The Food Bank Singapore.

To commemorate the significance of the first EV made in Singapore, HMGICS will also donate a vehicle to the National Museum of Singapore, adding a piece of history to the National Collection.

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