Hyundai Motor Group plans to begin Level 4 autonomous driving trials for heavy-duty trucks on designated logistics routes in South Korea in 2027, partnering with two domestic autonomous driving software developers.
Level 4 technology enables vehicles to operate autonomously without human intervention under specific driving conditions, although human supervision may still be required outside those conditions. The initiative forms part of Hyundai’s broader efforts to advance and commercialize autonomous driving technology across both commercial and passenger vehicles.
Hyundai Motor and Kia, the group’s two main automakers, have signed an agreement to conduct the trials alongside key group affiliates Hyundai Mobis, its components supplier, and Hyundai Glovis, its logistics arm. The initiative will also involve two South Korean autonomous-driving software developers, Mars Auto and RideFlux.
Hyundai will deploy two Xcient heavy-duty trucks, one powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and the other by diesel, for the Level 4 autonomous driving trials. Scheduled to begin in early 2027, the tests will continue through most of the year across two designated routes. These will include a 100-kilometer route covering both highways and urban roads, and a 400-kilometer route consisting primarily of highways.
Mars Auto and RideFlux will each install their respective hardware and software systems in one of the trucks, including customized control units and autonomous-driving interfaces.
HMG said the trials will focus on improving autonomous-driving software, testing its integration with vehicle control systems under real-world conditions, and developing backup systems to take control in the event of primary system failures. The program will also gather data to support the future commercialization of the technology.
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