![[On the Road] "Ten Times Safer Than Humans"... Pony AI Robotaxi Fleet to Reach 3,000 by Year-End](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/306/2026042711145641612_1777256096.gif)
Automobile
[On the Road] "Ten Times Safer Than Humans"... Pony AI Robotaxi Fleet to Reach 3,000 by Year-End
"Our Robotaxi is fully driverless and has been developed so that, even if one sensor group fails, the other groups continue to operate reliably. We estimate it is about ten times safer than a human driver." On April 23, I visited the Pony.ai Research Center located in the Yizhuang Economic and Technological Development Zone in Beijing, China. Throughout the explanation of the history and technological achievements of Pony.ai, the pride on the staff's face was evident. Pony.ai is a Chinese autonomous driving company that was listed on the NASDAQ in the United States two years ago, and on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange last year. Currently operating 1,100 Robotaxis, Pony.ai plans to run 3,000 Robotaxis in the global market by the end of this year. After touring the research center, I had the opportunity to ride in a Pony.ai Robotaxi. Sitting in the passenger seat, I fastened my seatbelt and pressed the 'Start' button, and the car began its journey to the destination. Through the map inter
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BYD Korea Opens Pohang Service Center, Strengthening Accessibility in the East Coast Region
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Deutsche Motors Posts KRW 10.4 Billion Operating Profit in Q1, Up 32% Year-on-Year
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Kumho Tire Launches Premium Comfort "Majesti Solus Edge"
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BMW Korea Trains Specialists for Electrified Vehicle Maintenance... Builds AS Infrastructure
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Korea & Company Engages in 1 km Mural Painting Volunteer Work Over Four Years
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Nexen Tire to Supply Original Equipment Tires for Jeep "Cherokee"
![[Beijing Motor Show 2026] Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz: "We Became Complacent in China... Learned Humility"](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/93/2026042608353540323_1777160135.png)
[Beijing Motor Show 2026] Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz: "We Became Complacent in China... Learned Humility"
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled a roadmap to achieve annual sales of 500,000 units in the Chinese market by 2030 and to release a total of 20 new models. The company plans to use its recent underperformance in China as a foundation for crafting a new strategy with a humble approach. Jose Munoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, announced these plans at a press conference held during Auto China 2026 (Beijing Motor Show 2026) on April 24, 2026, stating, "The Chinese market is the most important in the global electric vehicle (EV) market." He went on to explain the reasons for Hyundai's struggles in China, saying, "We thought we did quite well by selling about 12 million units in China, but I believe we became complacent." He added, "We have learned the importance of humility and have gained valuable know-how by continuously listening to customers and the market. I think we are different from the past, and this can give birth to a new strategy." On this day, Hyundai Motor Co
Hyundai Motor Group to Invest KRW 8 Trillion in Establishing 'AI Research Hub' near Bokjeong Station
Hyundai Motor Group has acquired a site near Bokjeong Station in Songpa-gu, Seoul, for a mixed-use development project to establish a new research hub. On the 24th, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Steel, and Hyundai Rotem?key affiliates of Hyundai Motor Group?simultaneously disclosed their acquisition of investment securities in a corporation tentatively named HMG Future Complex, which will operate a real estate leasing business. The investment amounts by affiliate are as follows: Hyundai Motor Company KRW 2.8886 trillion, Kia Corporation KRW 2.3635 trillion, Hyundai Mobis KRW 1.0988 trillion, Hyundai Steel KRW 516.4 billion, and Hyundai Rotem KRW 460.8 billion. The total investment by the group amounts to KRW 7.3281 trillion, and if future investments by other affiliates are included, the total investment is expected to expand to around KRW 8 trillion. This work facility will serve as a research hub focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and software (S
Kia Achieves Record Quarterly Revenue in Q1... Operating Profit Down Due to Tariff Burden (Update)
Kia announced on April 24 that its operating profit for the first quarter was KRW 2.2051 trillion, a decrease of 26.7% compared to the same period last year. Revenue reached KRW 29.5019 trillion, up 5.3% year-on-year, marking a record high for a single quarter. Pre-tax income (ordinary profit) was KRW 2.6352 trillion, while net profit was KRW 1.8302 trillion. The operating margin stood at 7.5%, down 3.2 percentage points. A Kia official stated, "Not only was the impact of tariffs on imported finished vehicles in the United States fully reflected, but profitability was also affected by external factors such as increased incentives due to intensified competition in the North American and European markets, and a rise in sales warranty provisions caused by a sharp surge in exchange rates at the end of the quarter." The official added, "Nevertheless, we maintained solid fundamentals, achieving record revenue through an improved product mix centered on high-profit models and an increase in
![[Breaking] Kia's Q1 Sales Reach 29.5018 Trillion Won... Up 5.3%](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/93/2026041211011322355_1775959272.png)
[Breaking] Kia's Q1 Sales Reach 29.5018 Trillion Won... Up 5.3%
Kia's first-quarter sales reached 29.5018 trillion won, up 5.3%.
[Breaking] Kia Q1 Operating Profit 2.205 Trillion Won... Down 26% YoY
Kia reports operating profit of 2.205 trillion won in Q1, down 26% year-on-year
KGM Reports 21.7 Billion Won Operating Profit in Q1...Six Consecutive Quarters of Profitability
KG Mobility (KGM) announced on April 24 that its operating profit for the first quarter reached 21.7 billion won, marking a 104.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue totaled 1.1365 trillion won, surpassing the 1 trillion won mark for the fourth consecutive quarter since the second quarter of last year. Net profit for the period was 37.6 billion won. KGM has continued to post profits for six consecutive quarters since the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by increased domestic sales volume following the launch of the Musso, favorable foreign exchange rates, and improved profitability. In the first quarter, total sales volume reached 27,077 units, including 11,469 units sold domestically and 15,608 units exported. This represents a 4.1% increase compared to the same period last year, with a significant rise in domestic sales volume. For domestic sales, the Musso (4,370 units) and Musso EV (2,153 units) together accounted for 6,523 units, making up more than 50% of the
![[Beijing Motor Show 2026] "In China, For China, Toward the World"... Hyundai Bets on China-Specific Ioniq](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/93/2026042409374339037_1776991063.png)
[Beijing Motor Show 2026] "In China, For China, Toward the World"... Hyundai Bets on China-Specific Ioniq
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its first mass-produced Ioniq model tailored specifically for the Chinese market. This move demonstrates the company's determination to regain its market share in China, which has not recovered since the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) crisis, through a full-fledged electrification strategy. On April 24, Hyundai Motor Company held the world premiere of the "Ioniq V" at the 2026 Beijing International Motor Show (Auto China 2026), which took place at the China International Exhibition Center Shunyi Hall. The Ioniq V is the production version of the "Venus Concept" that was unveiled on April 9. As the first China-strategy model under the Ioniq brand, it is optimized for the lifestyle of Chinese customers and offers market-leading features tailored to their needs. The Ioniq V boasts Hyundai's advanced electrification technology and expertise, resulting in a refined and quiet driving experience with outstanding product value. Through technolo
Mercedes-Benz Launches Business Sedan "E 200 Exclusive"
Mercedes-Benz Korea announced on the 24th that it will launch a new trim of its business sedan, the E-Class, called the "E 200 Exclusive." With a history spanning over 75 years, the E-Class has ranked as the best-selling imported car model in the Korean market for 11 consecutive years from 2014 to 2024. Last year, it also recorded the highest sales among imported internal combustion engine vehicles. The E 200 Exclusive replaces the previous E 200 Avantgarde model. The E-Class entry-level lineup is now composed of two trims: the E 200 Exclusive and the E 200 AMG Line. Currently, a total of eight trims are available: E 200 Exclusive, E 200 AMG Line, E 220 d 4MATIC Exclusive, E 300 4MATIC Exclusive, E 300 4MATIC AMG Line, E 350 e 4MATIC Exclusive, E 450 4MATIC AMG Line, and E 450 4MATIC Exclusive. The main feature is the use of the "Exclusive" design, which emphasizes a sense of luxury both inside and outside the vehicle. Three horizontal twin louvres on the radiator grille and a vertica
![Even With a 900 Million Won Deposit and 2.5 Million Won Monthly Living Expenses, Residents Say "It's Good to Be Taken Care Of"... Inside a Luxury Silver Town [Opening Silver Housing]](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/303/2026042010015932171_1776646918.gif)
![Data Centers Reshape the Power Order... Integrated Design and Modular 'DC Solutions' on the Rise [Era of DC] ③](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/303/2026042117554135003_1776761741.jpg)
![Nvidia's DC Transition Roadmap... Korean Power Industry Responds With Voltage Scaling and DC Infrastructure [Era of Direct Current]②](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/303/2026042111594534305_1776740386.jpg)
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