"Big Tech Can't Replicate Us": Hyundai Motor AI Strategy 2026 and the Power of Physical Data

There's a powerful advantage that big tech companies can't easily replicate. Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, declared on January 5, 2026, that the AI-driven industrial transition won't just be a challenge—it'll be the group's greatest growth catalyst.

Hyundai Motor AI Strategy 2026: The Manufacturing Edge

According to Yonhap News, Chung highlighted the group's extensive data on "moving physical assets," such as vehicles and robots, as its core competitive edge in the artificial intelligence era. He noted that for a group possessing data, capital, and manufacturing capabilities, AI is a game where they have a strong chance of success. This strategy marks a shift from following tech trends to leading with physical-world data that pure software companies lack.

Chung also called for an organizational overhaul to combat global uncertainties. He emphasized that reports shouldn't just list facts; they must include the employee's own analysis and be shared instantly with the right stakeholders. This push for agility is designed to keep Hyundai ahead as the global automotive industry faces intense competition and geopolitical fragmentation.

Investment of 125.2 Trillion Won in Mobility

To secure its future, the group is committing massive capital. Hyundai Motor Group previously announced plans to invest 125.2 trillion won ($86.5 billion) over a five-year period through 2030. Chung clarified that this capital isn't just for expansion but for "qualitative growth"—focusing on the depth and value of their technological integration.

• Acceleration of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV)
• Strategic AI partnerships with global leaders
• Enhanced situational awareness for supply chain risks