"Grandfather" Chung Euisun: "My One-and-a-Half-Year-Old Granddaughter Will Enjoy Hydrogen Cars in 50 Years"

First Public Mention of Granddaughter at Official Event
Emphasizes Zero Carbon Emissions for the Environment

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun publicly mentioned his granddaughter for the first time at an official event, reaffirming his commitment to eco-friendly mobility businesses for future generations.

He also announced plans to introduce 'Level 4' autonomous driving technology in the near future. Level 4 autonomy refers to a stage where a vehicle can operate without a driver seated behind the wheel.

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun (left) is being interviewed by the leading American automotive magazine Automotive News on the 11th (local time). Photo by Automotive News

In an interview video released by the leading American automotive magazine Automotive News on September 17, Chairman Chung, when asked about his vision for future mobility, stated, "The development of electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles is important for the next generation." He added, "Fifty years from now, my granddaughter will be able to enjoy not only electric vehicles but also hydrogen vehicles, and by then, trucks, trams, railways, and ships will all be powered by hydrogen."

He introduced his granddaughter as currently being "one and a half years old."

Chairman Chung emphasized, "We must protect the environment for future generations," and highlighted, "Better products and zero-carbon products are the answer for the next generation."

He continued, "Achieving this requires significant costs, especially since hydrogen is expensive." However, he projected, "If we supply hydrogen through nuclear power plants, we can lower the price, and thirty years from now, hydrogen fuel will be easily accessible."

Chairman Chung also stated that 'Level 4' autonomous driving technology would be introduced soon, explaining, "Younger generations are more interested in their phones than in cars, so we need to make cars easier to use." However, he did not specify a concrete timeline for the introduction of autonomous driving technology.

He added, "However, autonomous driving is still a distant goal, requiring significant investment and presenting many challenges."

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun is being interviewed by the prominent American automotive magazine Automotive News on the 11th (local time). Photo by Automotive News

In the interview, Chairman Chung also expressed his respect for Tesla CEO Elon Musk within the automotive industry. He commented, "(Musk) has never changed his thinking about batteries or electric vehicles and has continuously improved the related technologies."