cy. In addition, the power density
of the fuel cell stack is increased by
30%, boosting the car’s range significantly.
The new concept car is more
than simply beautiful and innovative;
it is highly capable too. The car is designed
to run for more than 800 kilometers
between refueling, acknowledging
the current limited hydrogen
infrastructure.
The cutting-edge technology and design
of the car, inspired by nature and
water, reflect the increasingly aspirational
6 F O C U S
appeal of the Hyundai brand.
By investing significantly in ecovehicle
design and production, we
are attracting ever-greater numbers
of sophisticated, technology-aware
consumers. Elements of the FE Fuel
Cell Concept will influence an
SUV Fuel Cell model set for launch
in 2018, which will feature advanced
‘Hyundai Smart Sense’ driver assistance
technologies, alongside an extensive
hydrogen-powered range.
‹F.›: AVL recently successfully conducted
the first test drive with an
autonomous driving vehicle on an
Austrian motorway. Hyundai also
presented two vehicles that autonomously
navigated test routes
through the streets of Las Vegas.
Do you think that the first full autonomously
driven vehicle could be
developed by Hyundai?
‹Dr. Yang›: The Autonomous
IONIQ is currently an advanced
concept model, providing an outlook
to the future of self-driving. Hyundai
was the first to present a level 4
autonomous electric vehicle for testing
by journalists on the city roads
in Las Vegas during the Consumer
Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
However, we are still in the pilotphase.
Our models currently navigate
a series of test routes in the USA and
Korea, using the very latest LiDAR
technology – a laser and radar-based
detection system – to identify the
precise position of surrounding vehicles
and objects to navigate through
its surrounding landscape safely.
Our technology allows these cars to
navigate the most challenging situcover
story
>
The Autonomous IONIQ is currently
an advanced concept
model, providing a glimpse into
the future of self-driving vehicles.
Hyundai presented a SAE level
4 autonomous electric vehicle at
the Consumer Electronics Show
in Las Vegas.
DR. WOONG CHUL YANG
VICE CHAIRMAN AND HEAD OF R&D, HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP
Dr. Woong Chul Yang obtained a B.S. in Mechanics and Design from Seoul
National University, a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of
Texas, Arlington and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University
of California, Davis.
Yang began his engineering career as a research engineer for the Korea
Institute of Science and Technology and then joined Ford Motor Company
as a Senior Staff Technical Specialist. In 2004, Dr. Yang joined Hyundai Motor
Company as the Head of Electronics R&D Center. Since then, as a senior
executive he took significant roles as the CEO of Hyundai Carnes (a Hyundai
Motor Group affiliate), Head of the Eco Technology Center, and the President
of R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Company. During his years at Hyundai, Yang
has contributed to the development of eco-friendly vehicles including Hybrid
Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles and Pure Electric Vehicles.
Since 2011, Dr. Woong Chul Yang has held the position of Vice Chairman of
Hyundai Motor Group(HMG) and leads the Research & Development Division
of the Automotive Sector.