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Hyundai to Launch 100 Models Amid Company-Wide AI Transition

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Date Published
26 Aug 2026
Priority Score
2
Australian
Yes
Created
29 Aug 2026, 10:02 am

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Artificial intelligence and robots will become the core focus of Hyundai, despite a plan to introduce dozens of new models in the next four years.

Summary

Hyundai has announced a strategic pivot to transform into a 'technology and physical AI company,' integrating advanced robotics and agentic AI across its global fleet by 2030. The transition involves the deployment of 'Gleo,' an agentic AI assistant, and leveraging the capabilities of Boston Dynamics to merge physical hardware with sophisticated software. While the article highlights industrial and consumer AI advancements, it lacks depth regarding the safety protocols or governance frameworks necessary to mitigate risks associated with autonomous systems and embodied AI. The development is significant for the global AI landscape as it represents a major industrial player committing to high-stakes frontier AI integration in the transportation sector.

Body

Hyundai says it will launch more than 100 new or refreshed models by 2030, but the focus of the organisation is set to shift.At the company’s 2026 Investor Day, President and CEO José Muñoz said Hyundai would transform “into a technology and physical AI company that also produces cars”.Along with artificial intelligence (AI), Hyundai will also move further into robotics.Minwoo Park, President and Head of Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division at Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of 42dot.In 2021, the Korean automaker acquired a controlling stake in Boston Dynamics – perhaps best known for its robotic canine – before purchasing the technology start-up fully in July 2026.Hyundai’s latest Pleos Connect infotainment system appears to be one of the first major steps in this new company direction, featuring an agentic AI agent named Gleo. This was developed with 42dot, Hyundai's global software centre.Australia and the Asia Pacific region account for just four per cent of Hyundai’s regional vehicle sales, while Europe contributes to 15 per cent of its annual sales, South Korea and India make up 16 per cent, and 32 per cent of sales come from North America.José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.Of the 100-plus new Hyundai and Genesis models coming, 58 of those launches will occur in North America, 49 in South Korea, and 41 in Europe.These will include an all-new Tucson, a new i30 Sedan, a large commercial van, and a body-on-frame vehicle – potentially spawning a ute.Hyundai says that with those new launches, the brand will be entering more than 18 new product and market segments.India and China are also a key focus of Hyundai’s growth, with 26 and 22 new vehicles coming to those markets, respectively.Though there was no specific mention of Australia, there’s no doubt the local market will benefit from the refreshed product range – likely taking several models from South Korean production facilities, as well as the forthcoming i20 N from Europe.MORE: Explore the Hyundai showroomReady to find the right new car at a great deal?Research cars in our Showroom, compare your options or let our New Car Specialists do the running around to find you a great deal.View showroomBen ZachariahRoad Test EditorBen ZachariahRoad Test EditorBen Zachariah has 20-plus years in automotive media, writing for The Age, Drive, and Wheels, and is an expert in classic car investment.Read moreYou might also likeWilliam StopfordFord Mustang recalledA defect may see the windscreen wipers in almost 5000 Ford Mustangs only work at their highest speed setting.32 Minutes AgoBen ZachariahTop Gear to return, comedian Jimmy Carr rumoured – reportThe biggest car show in the world is coming back, and UK comedian and TV host Jimmy Carr is said to be in talks with the BBC.52 Minutes AgoDerek FungBYD Mako: Brand's first car-based ute revealed in Brazil to slot under SharkA new car-based plug-in hybrid ute will join the BYD range in Latin America, but its availability elsewhere has yet to be confirmed.2 Hours AgoWilliam StopfordRacy Lexus RX prototype spied, may be brand’s next Morizo RR modelLexus looks to be turning up the heat on its popular RX, with a prototype previewing a hot new hybrid that could take on AMG- and RS-badged rivals.3 Hours AgoMax DaviesWhy Volkswagen's new performance model is a dieselVolkswagen has stuck with diesel power for its latest Walkinshaw collaboration, citing the balance between performance and capability as a priority.4 Hours AgoMatt Campbell2026 MG 4 EV reviewThe updated MG 4 EV range has been simplified, but the options that remain have been greatly improved – especially inside.11 Hours AgoWilliam StopfordFord Mustang recalledA defect may see the windscreen wipers in almost 5000 Ford Mustangs only work at their highest speed setting.32 Minutes AgoBen ZachariahTop Gear to return, comedian Jimmy Carr rumoured – reportThe biggest car show in the world is coming back, and UK comedian and TV host Jimmy Carr is said to be in talks with the BBC.52 Minutes AgoDerek FungBYD Mako: Brand's first car-based ute revealed in Brazil to slot under SharkA new car-based plug-in hybrid ute will join the BYD range in Latin America, but its availability elsewhere has yet to be confirmed.2 Hours AgoWilliam StopfordRacy Lexus RX prototype spied, may be brand’s next Morizo RR modelLexus looks to be turning up the heat on its popular RX, with a prototype previewing a hot new hybrid that could take on AMG- and RS-badged rivals.3 Hours AgoMax DaviesWhy Volkswagen's new performance model is a dieselVolkswagen has stuck with diesel power for its latest Walkinshaw collaboration, citing the balance between performance and capability as a priority.4 Hours AgoMatt Campbell2026 MG 4 EV reviewThe updated MG 4 EV range has been simplified, but the options that remain have been greatly improved – especially inside.11 Hours AgoRelatedHyundai ute to spawn family of new models, including 4WD SUV1 Day Ago2026 Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid vs Hyundai Kona Hybrid: Spec battle 2 Months AgoHyundai's new performance line to sit below its hot N models2 Days Ago2026 Hyundai Staria Lounge hybrid review2 Months AgoFord Mustang recalled32 Minutes AgoTop Gear to return, comedian Jimmy Carr rumoured – report52 Minutes AgoDon't let Google decide who you trustAdd CarExpert as a Preferred Source on Google so your search results prioritise writing by actual experts, not AI.Add Preferred Source