Kia had its CEO Investor Day 2026 on 9 April
- In the high‑volume B‑SUV segment, Kia will focus on expanding sales of the Seltos and Sonet SUVs, targeting annual sales of more than 200,000 units by 2030 for each model respectively.
- Disclosed granular SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) milestones and a concrete deployment roadmap, targeting completion of its first SDV model with Level 2+ highway autonomy by end-2027, followed by Level 2++ capabilities – extending to urban environments – by early 2029.
- Plans to establish a “data union” through sensor standardization while leveraging its global fleet of several million vehicles to build a data flywheel, where real-world driving data continuously improves model performance and is deployed back into production vehicles.
- Strategy follows a two-track framework, combining swift market penetration via global partnerships with sustained in-house model development, establishing a synergistic loop between commercialization and technological capability building
- First SDV model will integrate the Group’s own architecture – CODA (Computing &I/O Domain-based Architecture) – with Pleos Connect (next-gen infotainment platform) and Gleo AI (in-vehicle Agentic AI). NVIDIA will provide the standardized ADAS stack and compute infrastructure, while AVP is responsible for mass production, safety, and regulatory compliance. 42dot will serve as the core innovation hub for operating systems (OS), software platforms, and AI model development
- Is investing USD500mn+ in AI infrastructure and talent to strengthen Physical AI and VLA (Vision-Language-Action) capabilities, while leveraging its global manufacturing footprint to secure initial demand and collect real-world data. Atlas production is expected to be carried out through a new entity, Robotics America’, with the ownership structure yet to be finalized. Deployment will begin at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in 2028, followed by expansion to Kia Georgia (KaGA) in 2H29 and subsequently to global facilities. Beyond internal manufacturing use, Kia aims to expand into external markets, including last-mile delivery through integration of PBVs (Purpose-Built Vehicle) with robotics solutions.
Hyundai is trying to take e leading position in Robotics
- The group’s near-term robotics strategy is focused on internal industrial deployment first, with external commercialization likely to follow applications that have been proven in real manufacturing environments.
- Its robot commercialization roadmap seems more realistic than Tesla’s. It also has a multi-pronged autonomous driving strategy, consisting of Plan A (in-house development), Plan B (external system adoption), and Plan C (focus on foundry)
- Planning to open robot meta plant application centre (RMAC), which generates and refines the behavioral datasets robots need, in late 3Q26
- Focusing on resumption (after recall) and ramp-up of Palisade production and the roll-out of affordable BEVs in Europe could be tailwinds
Honda is cancelling the launches and development of some EV models in response to a slowdown in the North American EV market.
- Related expenses and losses associated with the program could total as much as Y2.500 trillion, equivalent to $15.69 billion
- Honda aims to strengthen its hybrid electric vehicle models to improve profitability of its car business. It also plans to capitalize on solid earnings from its motorcycle and financial services businesses to maintain stable returns to shareholders.
- It will renew product lineup in its automobile business, mainly in North America, Japan, and India. It plans to launch large HEVs for North America and new-generation HEVs for the global market
Ford announced the establishment of a new end-to-end organization,
- Product Creation and Industrialization, to deliver one of the most intensive products, software, and services rollouts in Ford’s history.
- Creating the Product Creation and Industrialization team, Ford aims to be be able to turn its highest volume vehicles into platforms for digital growth.
- By 2029, Ford will refresh 80% of its North American portfolio by volume and 70% of its global portfolio by volume. This includes the first vehicle on the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, a mid-sized pickup, and the next-generation F-150 and F-Series Super Duty.
- UEV design will utilize “unicasting” to reduce weight and complexity, enabling a new, more efficient assembly process
Nissan has announced its “long-term vision” on April 14.
- Streamline its lineup to 45 models from 56 while expanding powertrain options per model, implementing component standardization, and cutting development times.
- 3 product families to cover at least 80% of global volume. All models aimed to be upgraded accordingly by end of 2027
- Streamlining lineup from 56 to 45 models while expanding powertrain options per model
- Next-gen ProPILOT using Wayve’s E2E AI stack targeted by fiscal year 2028; aims to equip ~90% of models with AI-based Autonomous Drive
- Open to explore “options” and may look to work with Honda for a stronger play in India
Stellantis is considering a production partnership with Dongfeng in Europe and scale down EVs
- talks about giving Dongfeng access to underused Stellantis factories in Europe
- Scaled down BEV investments under “Dare Forward 2030”; multiple EV cancellations
Geely launched an AI-based hybrid gas-electric platform, claiming superior fuel efficiency compared to Japanese competitors, consuming 2.22 liters per 100 kilometers
Isuzu and Toyota to Jointly Develop Japan’s First Mass-produced Light-duty Fuel Cell Electric Truck
- The new vehicle will be based on the ELF EV, launched in 2023 and designed using I-MACS*3, Isuzu’s product development platform. It adopts Toyota’s next-generation fuel cell stack
- Main challenge to the widespread adoption of FCEVs is the high vehicle price point. Isuzu is working to reduce costs by optimizing the vehicle body structure and reviewing manufacturing processes. Meanwhile, Toyota is undertaking similar efforts through innovations in fuel cell design and manufacturing processes
The main agenda of the new Toyota management is lowering the breakeven point.
- Earnings structure that supports the entire supply chain even during deterioration in the external environment or sudden changes, and that enables continued investment for the future is aimed for.
- Cross-shareholdings are being eliminated to priorities ROIC, and it is unlikely to fully integrate group companies with low-profit manufacturing businesses as wholly owned subsidiaries
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