[CES2020] Chung Eui-sun, Vice Chairman, "Personal Flying Vehicles to be Commercialized by 2028" (Comprehensive)

On the 6th, Future Mobility Vision Presented at US CES 2020

[Las Vegas (USA) = Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Chung Eui-sun, Executive Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, expressed his ambition to commercialize Urban Air Mobility (UAM) around 2028. UAM is one of the core solutions for Hyundai Motor's future mobility vision. The Hyundai Motor Group is accelerating its transformation into a smart mobility solutions company.

On the 6th (local time), after the media conference at 'CES 2020' held in Las Vegas, USA, Executive Vice Chairman Chung told reporters, "We are thinking about commercializing UAM around 2028," adding, "Since legal regulations and other issues must progress together, we need to continue discussions with the government." He also added, "UAM will be developed both overseas and domestically."

On the same day, Hyundai Motor unveiled its next-generation brand blueprint summarized as a "human-centered dynamic future city." The three core mobility solutions are Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV), and Mobility Hub. Among these three solutions, Hyundai places particular emphasis on UAM. UAM refers to a solution that combines Personal Air Vehicles (PAV) and urban air mobility services to utilize aerial routes.

At the event, Hyundai Motor revealed the PAV concept 'S-A1' for the first time. The S-A1 is designed with electric propulsion vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) capabilities and can accommodate five people including the pilot. Using this, urban travel without runways becomes possible. Hyundai plans to develop it further to enable autonomous flight. Shin Jae-won, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor's UAM Business Division, said, "UAM will free people from ground traffic congestion and create time for meaningful and valuable activities that people enjoy."

In particular, the S-A1 is significant as it was completed through collaboration with Uber, the world's largest mobility company. Eric Allison, Head of Uber Elevate, emphasized on the day, "Hyundai Motor is Uber's first partner in the UAM field among global automakers," adding, "Combining Hyundai's manufacturing capabilities with Uber's technology platform will achieve a major leap in building an urban air network."

Another mobility solution, PBV, provides customized services to passengers while traveling on the ground to their destinations. It incorporates personalized design, enabling it to function not only as an urban shuttle but also as various spaces ranging from leisure areas like restaurants and cafes to essential facilities such as hospitals. The Hub serves as a focal point connecting UAM and PBV. The top floor features a PAV takeoff and landing pad, and the first floor has a docking station connected to PBVs. UAM connects the sky and ground, PBV connects people on the road, and the Hub links these two mobilities to realize a unified mobility ecosystem.

Along with building an integrated mobility ecosystem, Hyundai Motor's future mobility strategy is expected to accelerate. Executive Vice Chairman Chung said, "Hyundai is investing and collaborating extensively with excellent partners," adding, "I believe it is important to bring in more outstanding talent to create more convenient solutions."

When asked about the differentiation from competitors in the future mobility service sector, he cautiously replied, "Since it is still the early stage, it is difficult to discuss pros and cons," adding, "Each has its own strategy, so it will take about 4 to 5 years to know."