Who is the New CEO of Hyundai Motor-Backed US JV Motional?
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Synopsis
In a major move for the future of autonomous driving, Hyundai Motor Group has appointed Laura Major as CEO of Motional, its US joint venture. With a strong background in AI and robotics, Major is set to lead the charge in AI development as Motional prepares for the launch of its driverless services next year.
Key Takeaways
- Laura Major has been appointed as CEO of Motional.
- She previously served as the Chief Technology Officer since 2020.
- Motional is preparing for the launch of autonomous driving services.
- Major was instrumental in developing the Ioniq 5 robotaxi.
- Hyundai plans to invest $21 billion in the U.S. by 2028.
Seoul, June 13 (NationPress) Hyundai Motor Group announced on Friday that its autonomous driving joint venture in the United States, Motional, has appointed Laura Major, a leading expert in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), as its president and chief executive officer (CEO).
Major, who has been the company's chief technology officer (CTO) since its inception in 2020, was recently confirmed by the board as the official CEO. She has been serving in an interim capacity since September, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Motional emphasized that Major's appointment is a strategic move to enhance AI development in preparation for the anticipated commercial rollout of its autonomous driving services next year.
As CTO, Major was instrumental in the creation of the Ioniq 5 robotaxi, which stands as one of the first fully driverless vehicles to achieve certification under U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
Prior to her role at Motional, Major held significant positions at Draper Laboratory, a U.S. nonprofit research and development organization, and Aria Insight, a drone technology firm, where she contributed to AI and autonomy solutions for space exploration and national security.
"In collaboration with Hyundai, we aim to integrate embodied AI into transportation, offering substantial societal advantages," Major stated. "With our extensive knowledge in developing fully autonomous systems and our adaptability to harness the latest AI advancements, we are uniquely positioned to usher in a future where safe autonomous vehicles become an everyday reality."
Recently, Hyundai Motor Group revealed its plan to invest $21 billion in the United States by 2028, coinciding with increased tariff pressures from U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing.
The group's Executive Chair Euisun Chung, along with Trump and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, unveiled the multifaceted investment strategy, which includes $8.6 billion for the automotive sector, $6.1 billion for the steel industry, component parts, and logistics, and $6.3 billion for emerging industries and energy.
Point of View
The appointment of Laura Major as CEO of Motional signifies a pivotal moment for Hyundai Motor Group. Her expertise in robotics and AI positions the company to lead in this competitive landscape. With substantial investments planned for the United States, it's clear that Motional aims to play a critical role in shaping the future of transportation.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Laura Major?
Laura Major is a robotics and AI expert who has been appointed as the CEO of Motional, Hyundai Motor Group's autonomous driving joint venture in the US.
What role did Laura Major hold prior to becoming CEO?
Before her appointment as CEO, Laura Major served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Motional since its founding in 2020.
What is Motional's focus?
Motional focuses on developing autonomous driving technologies and plans to launch its driverless services in the near future.
What significant vehicle did Laura Major help develop?
Laura Major led the development of the Ioniq 5 robotaxi, one of the first fully driverless vehicles certified under U.S. safety standards.
What is Hyundai Motor Group's investment plan?
Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest $21 billion in the United States by 2028 to enhance its manufacturing capabilities across various sectors.
