Song Changhyun Resigns: "Challenge of Creating AI-Based Cars Was Not Easy"... Ripple Effects on Hyundai Motor Group R&D

Founded 42dot in 2019, Acquired by Hyundai Motor in 2022
Resignation Seen as Taking Responsibility for Underwhelming Autonomous Driving Progress

Song Changhyun, Head of the Advanced Platform (AVP) Division at Hyundai Motor Group, who has overseen software research and development (R&D) including Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV), has announced his resignation.

As it is being analyzed that he is taking responsibility for the lackluster performance in the autonomous driving sector, it is expected that this will have significant repercussions on Hyundai Motor Group's future mobility R&D organization.

According to industry sources on December 4, Song sent an email to employees the previous day, stating, "After a meeting with Chairman Chung Euisun, I have decided to step down as Head of the AVP Division at Hyundai Motor Group and as CEO of 42dot," formally announcing his resignation.

He reflected, "The challenge of embedding software DNA into a massive hardware-centric industry to create AI-based automotive devices has been a difficult journey," adding, "Whenever I faced countless invisible barriers, the passion of the 42dot team members helped me persevere."

Previously serving as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Naver, Song founded the mobility software development company 42dot after leaving the company in 2019. By entering the autonomous driving field early, he attracted significant attention from the industry, and after Hyundai Motor Group acquired 42dot in 2022, he expanded his influence within the group.

In January last year, Hyundai Motor Group completely reorganized its R&D structure, splitting it into the software-focused AVP Division and the hardware-focused R&D Division. Song led the AVP Division, while Yang Heewon led the R&D Division, maintaining a dual leadership system.

However, as Hyundai has been evaluated as lagging behind not only U.S. but also Chinese competitors in autonomous driving technology, it is being analyzed that Song is being held accountable. As a result, it is expected that the AVP Division will inevitably undergo organizational restructuring in the upcoming year-end personnel changes. Given that Chairman Chung has consistently emphasized advanced technologies for future mobility, it is reported that the group will focus on strengthening its technical talent pool to support this vision.

There is also interest in whether the AVP Division will be merged back into the R&D Division or if the current system will be maintained with the appointment of a new head for the AVP Division. Choo Kyoungwoong, who previously led the Infotainment Development Center and the Electronics Development Center, is reportedly being considered as a likely successor.

It is expected that the development of SDV, which has been led by the AVP Division, will inevitably face setbacks. Hyundai Motor Group had planned to unveil an SDV pace car (test vehicle) by mid-next year. The group’s plan for core future technology in autonomous driving was to apply 'Level 2+' technology to mass-produced vehicles starting in 2027 and to launch an SDV incorporating all ongoing developments in 2028.