Hyundai, Nvidia chiefs discuss future mobility ties
June 7 (Asia Today) -- Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang held a surprise lunch meeting in Seoul, where they were believed to have discussed cooperation in future mobility and artificial intelligence.
The meeting followed their earlier private discussions at CES 2026 and a previous gathering in Seoul with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong. Industry officials said the repeated meetings suggest their relationship has moved beyond personal ties and toward strategic cooperation in autonomous driving, robotics and AI infrastructure.
Chung and Huang met around noon Sunday at Woo Lae Oak, a well-known Pyongyang-style cold noodle restaurant in central Seoul. The lunch was informal but drew attention because Hyundai and Nvidia have overlapping interests in next-generation vehicles, robotics and physical AI.
Chung did not attend a pork belly and soju dinner Friday near Hongdae with Huang and other Korean business leaders because of scheduling issues. His separate meeting with Huang two days later was seen as a sign of close communication between the two executives.
The two are also expected to meet Monday at Hyundai Motor Group's headquarters in Yangjae, southern Seoul. Industry watchers said the meeting could mark a key step in shaping a more detailed cooperation roadmap.
Autonomous driving is expected to be a major focus. Hyundai has been developing its own autonomous driving technology while also using Nvidia's AI platforms. Analysts said the companies could expand cooperation in next-generation software-defined vehicles and advanced driving systems.
"Companies leading autonomous driving, such as Tesla and Waymo, are mostly information technology companies and approach the field differently from automakers," said Lee Ho-geun, a professor of future automotive studies at Daeduk University. "There is a strong possibility they will discuss how to combine Hyundai's vehicle manufacturing capability with Nvidia's AI technology."
Robotics is also expected to be a core agenda item. Hyundai's Boston Dynamics unit has been developing the humanoid robot Atlas, while Nvidia operates Isaac, an AI and robotics development platform. Industry officials said the companies may expand cooperation in robot learning, simulation and AI model development.
Hyundai plans to begin mass production of Atlas in 2028 with an annual target of 30,000 units.
The companies may also discuss an AI and robotics research and development hub in Saemangeum. Hyundai and Nvidia signed a memorandum of understanding last October to pursue about $3 billion in investment for an AI technology center, a physical AI application center and a data center.
No detailed implementation plan has been announced since the agreement. Industry officials said the latest meeting could help clarify the investment timeline.
AI factories and digital twins are also seen as likely areas of cooperation. Hyundai has been adopting Nvidia's AI and simulation technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
"Hyundai Motor Group is one of the companies best positioned to apply Nvidia's physical AI across real industrial sites," an industry official said. "The Yangjae meeting is likely to include discussions on a concrete cooperation roadmap in AI, autonomous driving and robotics."
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.
Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260608010002242
Copyright 2026 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 6:19 PM.