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Hyundai Motor Group Robots Get Rolling with Pilot Programs to Advance Last-mile Delivery

New pilot programs demonstrate Hyundai Motor Group’s new Plug & Drive (PnD)-based robots with integrated autonomous driving technology and Group insights

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  • New pilot programs demonstrate Hyundai Motor Group’s new Plug & Drive (PnD)-based robots with integrated autonomous driving technology and Group insights
  • Pilot service at Rolling Hills Hotel uses PnD-based robot to deliver amenities and food and drinks directly to customers’ rooms
  • Deep-learning technology enables PnD-based robot to recognize customers; autonomous driving technology and connectivity with elevators enables movement between floors without human help
  • The Group to also pilot outdoor delivery services within a residential/commercial complex through a partnership with Korean delivery company Woowa Brothers
  • A food delivery service robot to pick up restaurant orders made by customers through an application and deliver the orders to customers’ doors
  • Based on the pilot program results, the Group plans to expand the use and operating hours as well as the number of robots                                    
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SEOUL
 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) has started two pilot delivery service programs using autonomous robots based on its Plug & Drive (PnD) modular platform at a hotel and a residential-commercial complex located in the outskirts of Seoul.

The delivery robot consists of a storage unit integrated on top of a PnD driving unit. Alongside the loading box used to deliver items, a connected screen displays information for customers.

First shown at CES 2022, the Group’s PnD modular platform is an all-in-one single wheel unit that combines intelligent steering, braking, in-wheel electric drive and suspension hardware, including a steering actuator for 360-degree, holonomic rotation. It moves autonomously with the aid of LiDAR and camera sensors. An integrated storage unit allows the robot to transport products to customers.

By adding the autonomous driving capability, the PnD-based robot can find the optimal route within the area to deliver packages to recipients. It can recognize and avoid fixed and moving objects and drive smoothly, providing a fast delivery time.

“PnD-based delivery robots allow quicker delivery times with improved safety through the use of autonomous driving technology, including fast obstacle avoidance capabilities,” said Dong Jin Hyun, Head of Robotics LAB of Hyundai Motor Group. “We plan to keep upgrading mobility services, convenience, safety and affordability for customers through our pilot programs.”

Rolling Hills Hotel, one of the businesses participating in the Group’s pilot programs, is using the robot for room service from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, delivering amenities, food and drinks. Hotel guests can place their room service orders using Kakao Talk, a popular messaging app, without installing any additional apps, and use real-time tracking to follow the delivery’s progress.

The robot in service at the hotel uses a deep learning-based algorithm to recognize the surrounding environment and people. When the robot arrives at the room it recognizes the opening of the door, and once it perceives the recipient, it automatically opens the storage compartment for them.

The robot can communicate appropriate screen messages and in a befitting tone of voice based on the recipient. In addition, when moving between floors, the unit can determine the number of people boarding an elevator and wait for the next elevator if the first one is crowded.

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The autonomous driving robot is also adept at avoiding obstacles and collisions, even in narrow hotel corridors, and can move between floors without human help due to electronic connectivity with the elevators, enabling it to deliver goods along an optimal route.

The Group has also partnered with Woowa Brothers, a Korean delivery company operating the Baemin food delivery app, since March 2021 to further advance the technology and service capabilities of last-mile outdoor delivery robots.

As part of a new program with Woowa Brothers, the Group’s delivery robot is being used for door-to-door (D2D) food services at a residential/commercial complex in the outskirts of Seoul. After a customer places an online order through Baemin, the robot finds the exact item at a shopping center connected to a residential-commercial complex and delivers it to the customer’s front door.

To enable the service, the Group uses wireless communication to access communal front doors and elevators, an issue which was previously an obstacle to commercializing robot delivery service. The service robot can enter the apartment complex, access upper floors through the elevator control system and deliver food to the customer’s home.

The technology enabling service robots to move autonomously indoors and outdoors and deliver food without human assistance has created a game-changing last-mile delivery innovation that is attracting significant attention from the logistics and retail industries. The Group expects last-mile delivery robots to greatly increase the efficiency of the entire delivery process.

Based on the results of these pilot programs, the Group plans to upgrade its PnD-based delivery robot services and gradually expand the number of robots and their operating hours. It also plans to expand its business into commercial areas that require delivery services to connect with customers.

Hyundai Motor Group unveiled a video of the delivery robot put into service at Rolling Hills Hotel on its official YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/VDsmoGpnqP8).

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Source: Samsung

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Consumer Corner

Hyundai Vehicles Available to “Add to Cart” on Amazon Autos

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  • Customers in the U.S. can buy new Hyundai vehicles directly on Amazon Autos and schedule pickup through participating dealers
  • Hyundai is the first and currently only brand available on Amazon Autos
  • National program launch kicks off with all-new marketing campaign highlighting the convenience of “Add to Cart”

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Car buyers around the U.S. can browse, order and finance any new Hyundai vehicle through a participating Hyundai dealer directly on Amazon Autos, and schedule a pickup from the dealer. Amazon’s online vehicle sales experience is available nationally in 54 markets, representing 71 percent of Hyundai’s sales volume.This creates another way for Hyundai dealers to build awareness of their inventory and offer more convenience to their customers. Additional dealer participation, markets and functionalities will continue to roll out throughout the year.

“At Hyundai, we put the customer at the center of everything we do, and we are always looking for ways to improve the vehicle purchasing experience,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. “We’re thrilled to be the first brand enabling our dealers to sell vehicles through Amazon Autos. This collaboration allows customers to conveniently discover, learn about, and purchase their preferred Hyundai model from their local dealer through one of the world’s most trusted shopping experiences. It represents the future of automotive retail and our commitment to redefining how cars are marketed and purchased.”

National Marketing Campaign

To support the launch, Hyundai is announcing an extensive marketing campaign that includes integrated partnerships, TV and digital video advertising, social extensions and more. All-new ads highlighting the joy and simplicity of “Add to Cart” begin airing across television, social and digital channels today.

The ad, set in an Amazon fulfillment center, showcases iconic toys and merchandise typically ordered from Amazon, culminating in the reveal of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe from an Amazon shipping box. The creative then fades into showing how seamless it is to add the Santa Fe to an Amazon Cart on your phone via Amazon Autos.   

The content will air nationally, including during upcoming professional football and basketball games, and on Amazon Prime Video properties. Beyond video, Hyundai is diversifying the channel mix to demonstrate the ease of purchase on Amazon through out-of-home (OOH), audio, website content, paid search and media partnership integrations.

Furthermore, Hyundai is also spotlighting key consumer benefits such as ease and convenience in a mini-campaign series titled “In the Time it Takes”, which will run on digital and social channels beginning in mid-January through March. The creative highlights various scenarios in life that should be simple but take longer than expected (i.e. finding the remote or teaching your parent the newest slang term) and then shows how purchasing a Hyundai vehicle on Amazon Autos is even easier than these tasks and could have been completed in this time.

The integrated program was developed in collaboration with Hyundai’s creative agency of record, INNOCEAN USA, while its media agency, Canvas, coordinated the media buys.

Amazon Autos Vehicle Purchase Experience

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The following Amazon Autos information is from About Amazon.

With Amazon Autos, customers have a simple, end-to-end online experience to purchase their next Hyundai vehicle, allowing them to:

  • Browse and search for available vehicles at their local dealer by make, model, trim, color, and features
  • Get an instant valuation and trade-in their existing vehicle toward the price of the new car
  • Select their preferred car
  • Secure financing or pay in full
  • Complete the checkout process online with their chosen payment option
  • Schedule a pick-up time at the dealership

All of this is done within the convenient Amazon experience that customers know and trust, providing a streamlined and transparent car buying process from search to purchase.

Convenient, streamlined experience

With Amazon Autos, customers can search available vehicles from local participating dealers by model, trim, color, features and more—all in one place. Once they select a vehicle, they can secure financing, e-sign paperwork, and complete their order in a matter of clicks. 

After finalizing their payment information, customers will select a day and time to pick up their new car at the local participating dealership.

Transparent, haggle-free pricing

Amazon Autos provides transparent, all-inclusive pricing set by the dealer, eliminating the need for negotiation. The price customers see at check-out is the price they pay, inclusive of all taxes and fees.

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Seamless vehicle trade-ins

Customers can get a firm trade-in value for their current vehicle by answering a set of questions about the vehicle’s condition and uploading images of their car. The value, which is provided by an independent third-party, can then be applied towards purchasing their new car through Amazon Autos – streamlining the upgrade process within the familiar Amazon shopping experience. At the dealership, customers complete the process by dropping off their trade-in when picking up their new vehicle.

Trusted Amazon shopping experience customers know and love

Vehicle shopping and purchases happen directly within the Amazon store with familiar features like customer reviews, seller (dealership) reviews, add to cart, and the simplicity of the Amazon checkout process.

“At Fred Beans Automotive Group, we take pride in making sure each customer vehicle delivery is a special occasion, in fact we refer to them as events,” said Beth Gilbert Beans, vice president of Fred Beans Automotive Group, which owns five Hyundai dealerships in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  “The decision to buy a car is significant, and no matter how many years I’ve been in this business, the thrill of handing over a set of car keys never fades. We’re excited to continue providing that feeling through this new sales channel and connecting with the millions of shoppers on Amazon through this new, convenient experience.”

More Hyundai dealers will continue to be added to Amazon Autos. Functionality like leasing and expanded financing options will continue to roll out early this year.

Visit Amazon.com/Autos and HyundaiUSA.com/Amazon to learn more.

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Hyundai Motor America 

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai’s 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

1 Amazon Autos is available at select Hyundai dealers in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Birmingham, Boston, Champaign/Springfield, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbia, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, El Paso, Fond Du Lac, Ft. Myers/Naples, Harrisburg-York, PA, Harrisonburg, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis St., Nashville, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Sheboygan, Springfield, MA, St. Louis, Tampa, Traverse City, MI, W. Palm Beach, Washington, D.C.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

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Consumer Corner

Honda Revives the Iconic Prelude: A Thrilling Return to the Sport Coupe Scene

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Exciting news for car enthusiasts! Honda Motors has officially announced the return of a beloved nameplate: the Prelude. Making its comeback in the U.S. market in late 2024, the sixth-generation Prelude is set to advance the joy of driving into the electrified future with Honda’s award-winning two-motor hybrid powertrain.

The Honda Prelude

Originally introduced in November 1978, the Prelude quickly became a favorite among driving enthusiasts, known for its sporty looks and dynamic performance. Honda is set to honor this legacy by integrating innovative features into the new model, including the revolutionary Honda S+ Shift. This sophisticated drive mode enhances Linear Shift Control to ensure an engaging and responsive driving experience—perfect for both longtime fans and new drivers.

Jessika Laudermilk, Assistant Vice President of Honda Auto Sales, stated, “The return of the Honda Prelude as a hybrid-electric sports model demonstrates our continued commitment to offer a variety of exhilarating products to meet the needs of our customers.” With the Prelude joining the ranks of the iconic Civic and Accord, Honda is reuniting its classic lineup, all backed by hybrid technology.

This news arrives at a momentous time, as Honda celebrates 25 years of hybrid sales in America, proudly introducing the nation’s first hybrid-electric model, the Honda Insight, in 1999. Today, Honda is pushing further on its electrification strategy, striving for all battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles to make up 100% of their sales by 2040. Hybrids are a crucial part of this journey, and Honda has already achieved impressive milestones, with electrified vehicles accounting for over a quarter of their total sales in 2024.

The Prelude will make its North American debut following its global unveiling at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, where it captured the hearts of many. Honda’s commitment to innovation is clear in the Prelude’s design and features, from introducing groundbreaking technologies like four-wheel steering and torque vectoring systems in its earlier iterations to the hybrid-electric capabilities of this new generation.

As Honda continues to pave the way for its electrified future with products like the Honda Prologue electric SUV and the forthcoming Honda 0 Series models, the return of the Prelude signifies not just a nostalgic revival but also a new era of exhilarating driving experiences.

Fair warning to enthusiasts: excitement is building as the Prelude prepares to hit the roads again, promising a blend of classic sports coupe design and the cutting-edge technology that defines Honda’s future. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates and prepare to embrace the joy of driving like never before!

Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to share your thoughts on the return of the Prelude below!

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For more information on Honda next-generation technologies, click here.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of clean, safe, fun and connected vehicles sold through more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The award-winning Honda lineup includes the Civic and Accord, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Prologue and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. The Honda electrified vehicle lineup, representing more than a quarter of total sales in 2024, includes the all-electric Prologue SUV, hybrid-electric Accord, CR-V, and Civic, and Fuel-Cell-electric CR-V e:FCEV, with a hybrid Prelude set to join the lineup in late 2025.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for over 40 years and currently operates 18 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2023, more than 99% of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, with about two-thirds made in America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

More information about Honda is available in the Digital FactBook

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

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Consumer Corner

Kia EV9 Crowned “2024-2025 Electric SUV of Texas” at TAWA Truck Rodeo

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Kia EV9
Image Credit: Kia America

Kia EV9

Irvine, California – December 6, 2024 – Kia’s all-electric, three-row flagship SUV, the EV9, has made a significant mark in the automotive world, earning the esteemed title of “2024-2025 Electric SUV of Texas” at the recent Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) “Truck Rodeo.” This prestigious award highlights Kia’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the electric vehicle segment, proving once again that in Texas, bigger often means better.

The annual Truck Rodeo is a highly anticipated event in the automotive calendar, attracting over 40 TAWA journalist members who meticulously evaluate the top contenders among trucks, EVs, SUVs, and CUVs. This year’s competition featured an impressive lineup of 28 vehicles, all put through their paces across more than 260 rigorous driver and vehicle excursions. Journalists assessed each vehicle’s performance, comfort, technology, and overall driving experience, ensuring that the results accurately reflect the best-performing vehicles on the market.

“Kia has a long history with TAWA, and we’re thrilled that the EV9 has been named ‘2024-2025 Electric SUV of Texas’ by this distinguished group of journalists,” remarked Steven Center, COO and EVP of Kia America. “This award is further evidence that Kia builds vehicles held in high regard by the press and desired by consumers. Texans love their SUVs, and the EV9 resonates with TAWA members for its design, interior space, range, technology, and dynamic driving performance. Winning this award adds to the EV9’s long list of accolades and demonstrates its success as the first mainstream three-row fully electric SUV.”

The Kia EV9 SUV

During the event, TAWA members drove the EV9 on both predetermined off-road and street courses, simulating real-world driving experiences to evaluate how well the vehicle meets the needs of consumers. The journalists praised the EV9 for its spacious interior, advanced technology features, impressive range, and overall driveability. The acknowledgment from such a respected group underscores Kia’s growing influence in the electric vehicle arena and reinforces the EV9’s position as a leader in the evolving SUV market.

As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, Kia’s EV9 stands out not just for its innovative design and functionality but also for its ability to cater to the diverse needs of modern drivers. With the recognition from TAWA, the Kia EV9 is poised to capture more hearts and minds in Texas and beyond, solidifying its place in the future of electric SUVs.

More information on the 2024 TAWA Truck Rodeo, including the full list of participating vehicles, can be found at www.texasautowriters.org.

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

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Source: Kia America

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner


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