Waymo is reportedly in talks with Hyundai to manufacture its next generation of self-driving vehicles. This potential partnership could mark a significant shift in Waymo’s production strategy, moving away from its current collaboration with Chinese automaker Zeekr.
The rumored discussions between Waymo and Hyundai center around the possibility of using Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 electric vehicles as the base for Waymo’s 6-gen self-driving technology. This move would align with the growing trend of merging electric vehicle platforms with autonomous driving capabilities.
Waymo has unveiled its latest innovation in self-driving technology, marking a significant milestone in the autonomous vehicle industry, Waymo 6th-Gen driver, including 13 cameras, 4 lidar units, 6 radar systems, and external audio receivers. This comprehensive setup provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings, detecting objects up to 500 meters away in various weather conditions and lighting scenarios.
The timing of these talks is particularly intriguing, given the recent announcement of steep tariff hikes on Chinese imports by the Biden administration. With a 100% duty on electric vehicles set to take effect on September 27, Waymo’s potential pivot to a South Korean manufacturer could be seen as a strategic maneuver to navigate the complex landscape of international trade relations.
Should this partnership materialize, it could have far-reaching consequences for the autonomous vehicle industry. Waymo, long considered a leader in self-driving technology, would be signaling a vote of confidence in Hyundai’s electric vehicle platform.
When approached for comment, Waymo declined to speculate on the rumors, instead emphasizing their ongoing work with Zeekr. A Waymo spokesperson stated, “We’re hard at work validating the 6th-generation Waymo Driver on the Zeekr platform and intend to introduce it into our fleet when ready.”
Similarly, Hyundai Motor Group remained tight-lipped, noting that “nothing is determined at this stage about new businesses.” This cautious stance is typical in the early stages of high-stakes negotiations.