[CES2022] Motional "Ioniq 5 Robotaxi, Focusing on Cost Optimization for Global Supply"

Kal Yagnemma, Motional CEO Written Interview
"Starting next year in Las Vegas, supplying Ioniq 5 Robotaxi worldwide"
"Offering customer experience through accumulated autonomous driving technology and Ioniq 5 spaciousness"

Karl Iagnemma, CEO of Motional, is taking a commemorative photo with the Ioniq 5 Robotaxi in front of the Aptiv booth at CES 2022, set up outside the Las Vegas Convention Center on the 6th (local time). Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

[Las Vegas (USA) = Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Motional, a joint venture established by Hyundai Motor Group and the American autonomous driving technology company Aptiv, is focusing on cost optimization to supply the Ioniq 5 robotaxi to the global autonomous driving market. Based on autonomous driving test operations and delivery services so far, the plan is to become a top-tier player in the autonomous driving market by ensuring safety and customer satisfaction.

Karl Iagnemma, CEO of Motional, expressed confidence in the autonomous driving vision during a written interview held on the 6th (local time) at CES 2022 in Las Vegas, USA, stating, "The fully autonomous Ioniq 5 robotaxi is scheduled to launch in Las Vegas next year and then expand worldwide," adding, "Autonomous driving will be a turning point that completely changes our lives."

Motional, which succeeded in crossing the United States with a fully autonomous vehicle in 2015, has been commercializing robotaxi services for the general public in Las Vegas, the largest scale in the world, since 2018, providing over 100,000 rides. In November last year, Motional also received permission to conduct test operations of Level 4 autonomous vehicles, which correspond to conditional full autonomy according to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards, in Nevada, USA.

Regarding some skeptical views on the autonomous vehicle market, CEO Iagnemma said, "Ten years ago, this industry did not even exist, but now industry leaders have demonstrated fully autonomous driving and proven the feasibility of the technology. Now, it is necessary to optimize product costs to scale up," emphasizing, "We will focus on cost optimization for the global production of the Ioniq 5 robotaxi."

To build a profitability model, Motional partnered with Uber Eats in December last year to launch an autonomous food delivery service, the first in the industry. CEO Iagnemma said, "We can establish a dual-purpose strategy by alternating between ride-sharing and autonomous delivery services according to demand," adding, "This will contribute to generating revenue by maximizing robotaxi operations."

Kal Yagnemma, Motional CEO, is taking a commemorative photo with the Ioniq 5 Robotaxi in front of the Aptiv booth at CES 2022, set up outside the Las Vegas Convention Center on the 6th (local time). Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

He particularly emphasized that not only technological capability but also customer experience is important for autonomous vehicles to receive consistent love from customers and to form a related market. CEO Iagnemma said, "From customer feedback during the robotaxi demonstration service, it was found that there was less interest in the technology itself," adding, "Customers' concerns were no different from general ride services, such as having enough trunk space to store luggage." He continued, "To provide commercial robotaxi services, it is necessary to focus on the overall customer experience rather than solely on autonomous driving technology."

He further stated, "The Ioniq 5 robotaxi offers fast charging and long driving range due to powertrain efficiency, and features a spacious and comfortable interior suitable for work or rest during travel," emphasizing, "Given the nature of ride-sharing, it will provide convenience to millions of customers."

Regarding the psychological barriers the public has toward autonomous driving, he said, "Motional has showcased autonomous driving technology to hundreds of thousands of customers while operating robotaxi services in the Las Vegas area for over four years," adding, "Based on extensive experience and years of research, it has been developed to ensure customers have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable ride experience. I am confident that customers will become 'early adopters' through their first ride experience."