Hyundai Is Launching Its Own Robotaxi Service. Can It Win Where Cruise Failed?

"Hyundai's Motional autonomous division announced that it aims to launch a robotaxi service in Las Vegas by the end of this year. Motional has roots in startups launched in the 2010s and has been testing cars since 2021, but now it aims to get serious. The effort could boost Hyundai's own autonomy game, but it faces stiff competition from Waymowhich is also about to use Ioniq 5 AVs."

"The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been conscripted into robotaxi service before. It's the autonomous vehicle of choice for a few startups, and soon, it will provide necessary backup for Waymo's ubiquitous fleet of Jaguar I-Pace SUVs. But the Ioniq 5 may be deployed for its most crucial tour of duty yet, as its maker gets into the autonomous taxi game more directly."

"CES 2026 served as the coming-out party for Motional, Hyundai's long-simmering in-house autonomous vehicle division. At the tech trade show, Motional officials announced that they aim to launch their commercial robotaxi service in Las Vegas in partnership with one of the major ride-hailing networks by the end of this year. Motional will run Ioniq 5 cabs fitted with sensors, software, AI systems and hardware developed directly in concert with Hyundai."

"In doing so, Hyundai will try to accomplish what other automakers spent fortunes attempting, but ultimately failed at: building a successful in-house autonomous taxi division. On its face, that may seem like a folly, considering General Motors folded its cards on Cruise after losing $10 billion and Ford and Volkswagen pulled out of Argo AI right as its own robotaxi service seemed on the cusp of launching."

Motional, Hyundai's autonomous division, plans to launch a robotaxi service in Las Vegas by the end of this year in partnership with a ride-hailing network. Motional will operate Hyundai Ioniq 5 cabs equipped with sensors, software, AI systems and hardware developed with Hyundai. The effort could strengthen Hyundai's autonomy capabilities but will compete with Waymo and other companies deploying Ioniq 5 AVs. Several automakers previously abandoned in-house robotaxi efforts after heavy losses, including GM's Cruise and Argo AI partners Ford and Volkswagen. Hyundai aims to pursue a long-term strategy that connects robotaxi efforts with future bets such as humanoid robotics and factory robot workers via Boston Dynamics.

Read at insideevs.com