Hyundai Motor, Kia deliver first-ever keynote at Aachen Colloquium, outline xEV and AI strategy

Hyundai Motor and Kia unveiled their future vehicle strategy at a leading European automotive technology conference, presenting a roadmap spanning electric vehicles, hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The companies also outlined plans to integrate AI into vehicle development — not to replace engineers, but to sharpen their analytical capabilities and creativity.

Hyundai Motor and Kia said Wednesday they participated in the Aachen Colloquium 2026, held in Aachen, Germany, from Monday through Wednesday.

The Aachen Colloquium is a major European automotive technology event that brings together automakers, parts suppliers, research institutions and universities to discuss the future of vehicle technology and industry direction. Organized by a research institute affiliated with RWTH Aachen University, the conference held its 35th edition this year.

At this year's event, Manfred Harrer, president and head of Hyundai Motor and Kia's R&D division, delivered the keynote address at the opening session on Tuesday. It marked the first time Hyundai Motor and Kia had given a keynote at the Aachen Colloquium since the event launched in 1987.

Harrer presented the companies' research and development strategy combining electrification and AI under the theme "Beyond Boundaries, Expanding a Sustainable Future."

He emphasized an "xEV strategy" that deploys a range of electrification technologies simultaneously — including battery electric vehicles, hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles that use an engine to charge the battery and extend driving range, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Rather than concentrating on a single powertrain, the approach calls for combining technologies in response to market conditions and customer demand.

The companies also plan to expand AI use in vehicle development. Harrer described AI as a tool to enhance engineers' analytical capabilities and creativity, not a technology that takes over human roles. The plan includes building a "data flywheel" system that feeds real-world vehicle data and customer experience back into product development, while using digital twins and virtual verification to improve development speed and efficiency.

The companies also envision vehicles that evolve continuously rather than arriving as finished products. The idea is to learn from users' driving patterns and preferences to offer personalized features, and to improve performance and service through software updates and accumulated data.

"Future mobility cannot be realized through a single technology or solution," Harrer said. "Connecting the strengths of diverse technologies will be the key to competitiveness in future mobility."

Key technologies currently under development were also on display at the venue.

In the hydrogen segment, exhibits included a proton exchange membrane water electrolysis stack that produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water, hydrogen storage tanks and the fuel cell system used in the all-new Nexo.

On the electrification side, the companies showcased battery cells and packs, a two-stage motor system, a transmission called TMED-II for next-generation hybrid systems, and a power module.

A hands-on driving program was also available. Participants test-drove the hydrogen fuel cell all-new Nexo and the Genesis high-performance electric vehicle GV60 Magma on an approximately 11-to-12-kilometer course around the venue.

On Wednesday, the final day of the event, Hyundai Motor and Kia are also taking part in technical sessions on hydrogen, electrification and batteries. The companies plan to share their perspectives on hydrogen fuel cell technology, strategies for expanding electrification systems and future vehicle development using next-generation batteries with global automotive industry participants.