Company Presents Self Driving Vehicle with Hidden LiDAR
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2016 – Hyundai Motor Company announced the introduction of the Autonomous IONIQ concept during its press conference at Automobility LA (Los Angeles Auto Show). With a sleek design resembling the rest of the IONIQ lineup, the vehicle is one of the few self-driving cars in development to have a hidden LiDAR system in its front bumper instead of on the roof, enabling it to look like any other car on the road and not a high school science project.
The goal of the autonomous IONIQ concept was to keep the self-driving systems as simple as possible. This was accomplished by using the production car’s Smart Cruise Control’s forward-facing radar, Lane Keep Assist cameras and integrated them with LiDAR technology. Hyundai Motor is also developing its own autonomous vehicle operating system, with the goal of using a lot less computing power. This will result in a low-cost platform, which can be installed in future Hyundai models the average consumer can afford.
The car’s hidden LiDAR system also allows the Autonomous IONIQ to detect the absolute position of surrounding vehicles and objects. In addition, the Autonomous IONIQ features:
- Forward Facing Radar which detects the relative location and speed of objects in the vehicle’s forward path to aid in route planning
- A three camera array which detects pedestrian proximity, lane markings and traffic signals
- A GPS antenna to determine the precise location of each vehicle
- High definition mapping data from Hyundai MnSoft which delivers location accuracy, road grade/curvature, lane width and indication data
- A Blind Spot Detection radar to ensure even simple lane changes are executed safely
These features build upon the capabilities of the production IONIQ, which offers Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Assist. The vehicle also incorporates all autonomous controls into existing systems to ensure that drivers can have a seamless transition between active and self-driving modes.
- High levels of pedestrian traffic
- Stop lights, stop signs and school zones
- Road construction and roadblocks
- Speed bumps
- Dogs without a leash
- Children at play
- Shopping centers
- Intersections without traffic signals
Hyundai Motor is currently testing three autonomous IONIQs and two Autonomous Tucson Fuel Cell vehicles at Hyundai Research and Development Center in Namyang, South Korea. Navigating Namyang for a self-driving car is a challenge because of the more than 11,000 engineers and designers on site every day.
HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES NEW “IONIQ UNLIMITED” SUBSCRIPTION-BASED OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE AT THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
New Subscription-based Ioniq Electric Vehicle Ownership Experience Creates a Truly Carefree and Affordable Means of Clean, Emissions-free Transportation
Negotiation-free Process includes One Monthly Installment for the Ioniq Electric, Unlimited Mileage, Electric Charging, Scheduled Maintenance and No Down Payment
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2016 – Today, Hyundai Motor America announced its new “Ioniq Unlimited” electric vehicle subscription-based ownership experience at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. This innovative new ownership experience offers a truly worry-free means to drive Hyundai’s newest zero-emission, eco-focused vehicle, the 2017 Ioniq Electric. Ioniq Electric shoppers will be able to select one fixed payment that includes unlimited mileage, electric charging costs, scheduled maintenance, wear items and all typical purchase fees such as registration. The Ioniq Unlimited ownership experience begins availability in California in early 2017.
NEW OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE
“We’re excited to offer Ioniq Unlimited as an innovative, worry-free means of clean, zero-emission vehicle ownership along with our new Ioniq Electric vehicle,” said Dean Evans, vice president of marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “This new ownership experience adds to the satisfaction of driving a no-compromise, clean vehicle with unlimited mileage and zero hidden costs. It was time to make clean vehicle ownership easy for everyone.”
Ioniq Unlimited, besides offering a negotiation-free single-payment method, offers an entirely new concept in vehicle ownership that eco-focused owners will appreciate. It includes a unique online buying experience, where customers can select their exact vehicle from their preferred dealer’s inventory, choose a 24- or 36-month term, and preview their all-inclusive monthly payment online. Once they complete a credit application and are approved, they go directly to the dealership to complete the purchase. Once at the dealer, there’s no haggling; just sign a few forms and drive away in an advanced emissions-free electric vehicle. Hyundai carefully designed the entire process to be the most transparent, stress-free and enjoyable ownership experience on the market today.