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• Hyundai Motor's new campaign film shows the IONIQ 5 robotaxi successfully completing a process similar to an actual U.S. driver's license test 
• Based on Hyundai's 'Progress of Humanity' vision, the film also conveys values of inclusicity, aiming to provide freedom of mobility to all 
• Hyundai Motor's AI-based autonomous driving technology, powered by Motional, is expected to bring positive change to the everyday lives of the brands's customers

SEOUL, March 31, 2024 - Hyundai Motor Companu has released a campaign film showing the all-electric, self-driving IONIQ 5 robotaxi, developed by Hyundai Motor's autonomous driving technology partner Motional, successfully completing a simulated process similar to a U.S. driver's license test. 

Created to convey the developments made in the IONIQ 5 robotaxi’s autonomous technology, the video features a simulation of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi completing a series of public-level driving tests, including road driving in Las Vegas, U.S., demonstrating outstanding performance. This achievement underscores the IONIQ 5 robotaxi’s potential for reliability as well as the inclusivity of its autonomous vehicle technology, highlighting its potential to safely provide freedom of mobility to all.

The film starts with an interview with Pearl Outlaw, a visually impaired American woman, and her mother, Ruth. Pearl faces mobility limitations due to her condition, called Retinitis Pigmentosa, which hinders her from obtaining a driver’s license — an essential symbol of independence and freedom for many people.

Pearl’s story highlights everyday mobility challenges for the physically impaired, emphasizing the significance of autonomous driving technology in providing independence. Hyundai Motor Group’s work in the area of autonomous vehicle technology can help fulfill her dream of independent mobility while offering the freedom to explore without reliance on others.[1]

“I’m a DMV Certified Driving Examiner with 25 years of experience. In that time, I’ve failed thousands and thousands of students in the interest of public safety,” said Kandice Jones, the examiner who tested the IONIQ 5 robotaxi. In the simulation of the driving test on a closed course, which was observed by Ms. Jones, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi excelled, impressing with its speed control, lane changes and maneuvering, its ability to accurately stop at a stop sign, perform left turns, and its reaction time to developing hazards.[2]

Captured in the video, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi effortlessly navigated the Las Vegas Strip, as well as the city’s suburban areas.[3]

The IONIQ 5 robotaxi is the embodiment of transformative technologies in mobility coming together in one vehicle. It signifies the extensive collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and autonomous driving technology developer Motional, spanning years of development and rigorous testing of advanced automotive platforms and self-driving technology. The IONIQ 5 robotaxi has thus far achieved consistent driving performance in various driving environments thanks to its suite of advanced sensors, combining LiDAR, radar and cameras.

“As a company that pursues freedom of mobility, we at Hyundai aim to exhibit the safety and trustworthiness of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi through this campaign,” said Sungwon Jee, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company. “We will continue our efforts to communicate our AI-based autonomous driving technology, which is being developed to provide positive changes to out customers' everyday lives.” 

The film ‘Hyundai gets its driver's license’ can be seen on Hyundai Motor Company’s official YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHLVt5s30i0)

**Note: the driver's license in the film and photo is not an actual license.

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[1] The IONIQ 5 robotaxi service is subject to limited availability in select areas of Las Vegas, Nevada at select times of day.  Customers in Las Vegas interested in taking a ride in a robotaxi can visit the Uber app and select UberX or Uber Comfort Electric options for a chance to be matched with the vehicle. If an autonomous vehicle is available to complete the trip, Uber will match the rider to the vehicle and they will receive an offer to opt-in before the autonomous trip is confirmed and dispatched to pick them up.  During the continued testing of this autonomous driving feature by Motional, the autonomous vehicles will be staffed with a vehicle operator in the driver’s seat, who can take over driving the vehicle during the trip if necessary.

[2] Ms. Jones was compensated for her participation in this video.  The simulated driving test administered by Ms. Jones in the campaign film is not sanctioned or certified by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.  The driver’s license issued by Ms. Jones during the campaign film is a replica driver’s license and is not sanctioned by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.

[3] Portions of the autonomous driving segments in the campaign film were simulated with a human driver.  The IONIQ 5 robotaxi has undergone thousands of hours of testing of its autonomous driving features, and Motional continues to test its autonomous vehicles on closed and open courses in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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