Hyundai to supply Waymo with Ioniq 5 robotaxis

Hyundai is pivoting its production strategy in the United States to address slowing consumer demand for electric vehicles. The company plans to manufacture tens of thousands of Ioniq 5 models specifically for Waymo’s robotaxi fleet.

CEO José Muñoz identified autonomous vehicle fleets as a significant new sales channel. The first vehicles are expected to roll out from the Hyundai Metaplant America in Georgia during the fourth quarter of 2026, equipped with Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving system. Reports suggest the order could reach up to 50,000 units by 2028.

This partnership aims to bolster utilization at the Georgia plant, which operated at only 38.2% capacity in the first quarter of 2026. While the facility was designed for electrification, Hyundai has also integrated hybrid models to adapt to shifting market trends.

Separately, Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis, has secured U.S. design patents for the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible. These models, derived from the G90 sedan, represent the brand’s ambition to enter the rare luxury coupe and convertible markets, following the unveiling of similar concepts at the Seoul Mobility Show.