Hyundai and KT to co-develop 6G connected technology

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is expanding its “strategic partnership” with local telecoms company KT Corporation to develop new technology and communication infrastructure for future mobility.

The automaker said the two companies planned to establish a “comprehensive and extensive partnership” to develop new IT and communications infrastructure, including joint development of 6G based autonomous driving technology and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) networks based on satellite communication.

HMG noted 6G data transmission was 50 times faster than the 5G currently [coming into] use, adding “the switch to 6G is expected to greatly contribute to enhancing the technical stability of various future mobility systems, including fully autonomous vehicles and AAM which need to process super large amounts of data more quickly, such as real time information collection within seconds”.

The two companies will also consider developing new services in line with the explosive data demand in the era of connected cars, as well as expanding their existing ties in 5G based, customised and connected car services, plus security communication module technology, by sharing respective core competency.

The pair have also agreed to acquire shares in each other through treasury stock exchanges to strengthen synergy and encourage future business deals.

HMG said KT was leading the way in establishing an ‘ecosystem’ of new, high speed communication networks. In addition to landline and wireless communication, its is engaged in convergence ICT and data services such as intelligent traffic control and integrated security which will allow HMG strengthen its connectivity business.

HMG was focused on the development of “hyper-connected cars that connect customers’ various lifestyles more safely, freely and conveniently beyond simply connecting wired and wireless communication”.

Hyundai said in a statement: “Advanced communication networks are critical in autonomous vehicles, as smooth and seamless data processes are required due to the increased connectivity of vehicles.

“Hyundai Motor Group and KT are planning to develop next-generation 6G communication-based autonomous driving technology that can process large amounts of data at a faster pace through demonstration projects and advanced joint research works.”

HMG and KT also planned to expand their electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by using KT’s business sites and networks across South Korea.

“KT’s facility sites are highly accessible, which is expected to help build and spread the charging ecosystem early,” the automaker added.

KT, which commercialized 5G for the first time in the world, is taking a lead in expanding the eco-system of next-generation high-speed communication networks. In addition to landline and wireless communication networks, KT is actively engaged in convergence ICT and data services such as intelligent traffic control and integrated security, which is expected to make Hyundai Motor Group an important partner in strengthening its connectivity business.

The two parties agreed to acquire mutual shares through treasury stock exchange in order to create synergy in future businesses, enhance the execution and sustainability of mutual cooperation, and strengthen long-term partnerships.

HMG will first proactively cooperate with KT to secure future autonomous driving technologies in preparation for the era of self-driving vehicles. The group plans to jointly develop 6G communication standards optimized for self-driving cars to preoccupy next-generation ultra-gap technologies.

Advanced communication network is critical in autonomous vehicles as smooth and seamless data processes are required due to the increased connectivity of vehicles. Hyundai Motor Group and KT are planning to develop next-generation 6G communication-based autonomous driving technology that can process large amounts of data at a faster pace through demonstration projects and advanced joint research works.

The data transmission speed of 6G is up to 50 times faster than that of 5G. It is expected that it will greatly contribute to enhancing the technical stability of various future mobility, including fully autonomous vehicles and AAM that need to process super-large amounts of data more quickly, such as real-time information collection within seconds.

Hyundai Motor Group and KT will also prepare a satellite-based AAM communication infrastructure. Hyundai Motor Group will take charge of developing AAM vehicles and construction of vertical ports, while KT will establish control and communication networks essential for AAM operations in conjunction with its own communication satellites.

In addition to long-term joint research, the company will expand its business partnership area based on its core capabilities. HMG and KT will expand its EV charging infrastructure by utilizing KT’s business sites and networks across the country. KT’s facility sites are highly accessible, which is expected to help build and spread the charging ecosystem early.

The companies will also consider developing new services in line with the explosive data demand in the era of connected cars.

KT, which has the No. 1 paid on-demand TV subscribers in Korea, will be able to provide optimized customer experiences through supply of high-quality contents, analysis of various big data, and link-age of vehicle and mobile data.

The companies will also explore new businesses based on data and software. HMG and KT will re-view the operation of future technology funds for cooperation in ICT technology development such as big data and plans to collaborate on technologies in the field of security and communication modules, which are essential for future business expansion. It will also conduct a demonstration operation of self-driving shuttles, at KT's future new buildings.

In addition, the company plans to cooperate in various ESG fields such as expanding the phased use of hydrogen fuel cells in KT's business areas, converting KT's corporate vehicles into EVs, and jointly responding to RE100 initiative.

Hyundai Motor Group has decided to expand and strengthen its strategic partnership in consideration of KT's ‘rich ICT infrastructure assets’ and active business vision in the future mobility sector.

The automotive industry is rapidly reorganizing around MECA (Mobility Service, Electrification, Connectivity, Autonomous). Among them, connectivity capability is a key factor in enhancing the competitiveness of MECA's other fields, such as mobility service, electrification, and autonomous driving.

Mobility service application development and operation, online charging and payment system to expand the EV charging ecosystem, communication network-based operation essential for commercializing autonomous driving, and vehicle to everything (V2X) In order to implement the technology (in which vehicles exchange information with objects such as other vehicles and roads through wired and wireless communication networks), it is possible only when connectivity capabilities linked to high-quality stable communication networks are supported.

Global automakers in other regions are also actively engaged in partnerships and equity exchanges with leading regional telecommunication operators, and are actively seeking to secure connectivity technology bases such as telecommunication infrastructure and ICT.

Hyundai Motor Group has been pushing to expand and distribute "hyper-connected cars" that connect customers' various lifestyles more safely, freely and conveniently beyond simply connecting wired and wireless communication.

Hyundai Motor Group aims to lead the future mobility market by combining core capabilities with KT to "advance vehicle technology as a connectivity device."

KT is considered the best partner for Hyundai Motor Group to lead the future mobility market based on its connectivity capabilities and push for various future new businesses for customers.

KT has a wide range of high-quality communication infrastructure - a total of 14 Internet data centers (IDCs), the largest number in Korea including five satellites - that can supplement shaded areas on autonomous driving and the AAM communication network. The advantage is that it can efficiently cooperate with future new projects promoted by Hyundai Motor Group by utilizing internalized large-scale network operation experts.