SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – At the “We, Robot” event on October 11 in Burbank, California, CEO Elon Musk revealed the futuristic, minimalist CyberCab—promising mass production by 2026 and a price tag below USD30,000.
While Tesla remains a leader in electric vehicles and self-driving tech, the recent unveiling of its CyberCab robotaxi that has electrified the industry left many questions unanswered – particularly how the CyberCab will navigate complex urban environments and meet the strict regulatory requirements, offering an opportunity for competitors to close the gap.
It may have generated plenty of buzz, but the absence of key details leaves room for rivals like Hyundai Motor Group to gain ground in the competitive autonomous vehicle market.
Too soon to write off Tesla
Despite scepticism, many believe Tesla’s vision remains ambitious. Beyond self-driving cars, Tesla aims to reshape urban transit with robotaxis that generate revenue while idle. The path forward, however, requires navigating safety concerns and regulatory challenges.
Hyundai’s strategic play
Hyundai is also making strides, partnering with Waymo to integrate self-driving tech into the Ioniq 5 for a 2025 launch. This more cautious approach—keeping traditional controls like steering wheels—may better align with evolving regulations, offering a potential edge over Tesla’s bold design.
Challenges ahead for all
The industry faces a harsh reality: no automaker has yet achieved a commercially viable, fully self-driving vehicle. Incidents like GM Cruise’s fatal accident highlight the risks of rushing. Meanwhile, Waymo has quietly built its expertise through years of testing, operating robotaxi services in US cities.
For Hyundai and Tesla alike, the tech is ready, but the regulatory landscape lags. Automotive analyst Lee Sang-hyun summarises the challenge: “It’s not a matter of technology, but of who’s willing to shoulder the legal risks.” As the race continues, patience and steady leadership may prove the ultimate keys to success.
