Hyundai Motor and Kia showcased their vision for future mobility and technological competitiveness in the European market.
The companies announced their participation in the 'Aachen Colloquium 2026,' which began on October 5 in Germany.
The Aachen Colloquium is a leading European automotive technology conference where global automakers, research institutions, parts suppliers, universities, and industry experts discuss the future of automotive technology and industry development.
Hyundai and Kia shared their future growth strategies and next-generation core technologies through keynote speeches, technical sessions, technology exhibitions, and vehicle test drives with global automotive industry stakeholders.
On the second day of the event, October 6, Manfred Hara, Head of R&D at Hyundai Motor and Kia, delivered a keynote address titled 'Expanding a Sustainable Future Beyond Boundaries.' This marked the first time Hyundai and Kia have been invited to give a keynote speech since the conference's inception in 1987.
In his address, Hara introduced the xEV strategy, which encompasses EVs, HEVs, EREVs, and FCEVs, and outlined how to leverage the strengths of various electrification technologies to respond to market changes and customer demands.
He also emphasized that the integration of engineering technology and AI-based digital capabilities will determine the competitiveness of future vehicle development. Hara noted that AI should not be seen as a replacement for engineers but as a tool to enhance their capabilities and maximize creativity.
Hara stated, "Future mobility cannot be realized through a single technology or solution. Connecting various technological strengths will be key to the competitiveness of future mobility."
Meanwhile, Hyundai and Kia are expanding the practical application of AI and software-based future mobility technologies, recently collaborating with the city of Seoul to commercialize Level 4 autonomous city buses and build an industrial ecosystem.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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