Latest news with #LauraMajor
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Motional names president and CEO
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Laura Major was appointed president and CEO of Motional, the autonomous technology joint venture of Hyundai Motor Group and automotive supplier Aptiv, the company announced on June 12. Major, who has been the company's chief technology officer since its launch in August 2020, will lead the firm as it works with Hyundai and Aptiv to launch its driverless commercial ride-hailing service in 2026. She has served as interim CEO since September. As Motional's CTO, Major led its engineering team in developing and creating its machine learning-driven software stack. Motional is equipping Hyundai Ioniq 5 EVs with its technology and testing the vehicles in various driving conditions in Pittsburgh and Las Vegas, per its website. 'Leveraging our deep expertise in building fully driverless systems and our agility in realizing the latest AI breakthroughs, we are strongly positioned to unlock a future where safe autonomous vehicles are a practical part of daily life,' Major said in the announcement. Major has worked in the autonomous and AI fields since 2005, including time with Draper Laboratory and Aria Insights, according to her LinkedIn profile. She also co-authored the book What to Expect When You're Expecting Robots: The Future of Human-Robot Collaboration. Recommended Reading NHTSA revises exemption process for vehicles without driver controls
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Accelerating intelligence: Global moves and local shifts in auto tech
From advanced emissions control in India to virtual factories and AI leadership in autonomous mobility, this week's roundup highlights how global and local players are reimagining engineering, production, and sustainability in the automotive sector. Inside BYD's Electronics and Chip Strategy Beyond EVs, BYD's semiconductor and electronics divisions are powering everything from motor control to infotainment—within and beyond its own lineup. This vertical integration is helping the company buffer against global chip shortages. Detailed Feature » Tackling Evaporative Emissions in India With India's hot climate and rising vehicle numbers intensifying fuel vapor losses, stakeholders are exploring solutions like ORVR systems, improved sealing, and stricter compliance norms. These are critical to aligning with evolving BS-VI standards and urban air quality goals. Full Report » Volvo Cars Taps HCLTech for Engineering Partnership Volvo Cars has partnered with HCLTech to strengthen its EV and software engineering programs. The collaboration will support product development across embedded systems, mechanical design, and digital cockpits. Read More » Advancements in Steering and Vehicle Dynamics New steering technologies—like rear-axle assist and steer-by-wire—are transforming vehicle control and enhancing the synergy between handling and ADAS capabilities. These innovations aim to support smarter, safer driving systems. Explore the Trends » Laura Major Named CEO at Motional Amid US Push Motional, Hyundai's autonomous tech JV, has appointed AI and robotics veteran Laura Major as CEO to lead its expansion in the US. Her experience in human-machine systems is expected to drive innovation in autonomous driving platforms. Full Story » BMW Expands Virtual Factory Capabilities BMW is scaling its virtual factory platform globally to enhance production planning. Using digital twin technology , the automaker aims to simulate manufacturing workflows, reduce waste, and respond quickly to supply chain challenges. Learn More » Startup Aims to Disrupt ADAS with Radar Innovation An Indian startup is developing indigenous radar systems tailored for local road conditions. Targeting both commercial and passenger segments, it seeks to offer cost-efficient ADAS solutions with improved detection and response capabilities. Read at: We'd love to hear what you think about this edition of the newsletter! Your feedback and suggestions help us improve and deliver content that matters to you. Feel free to share your thoughts with us at: . Thank you for reading!
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Hyundai's Motional names AI veteran Laura Major as CEO amid major US expansion drive
Hyundai Motor Group announced the official appointment of robotics and artificial intelligence expert Laura Major as President and CEO of Motional, its autonomous driving joint venture based in the United States. Major, who had been serving as interim CEO since September 2024, was unanimously confirmed by Motional's board, the South Korean automotive giant said Friday, reports IANS. The leadership update comes amid a sweeping investment push by Hyundai Motor Group in the US economy. The company recently pledged $21 billion in US investments through 2028, including $8.6 billion for the automotive sector and $6.3 billion in future technologies such as AI and energy, as part of a broader effort to localise manufacturing and innovation. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung made the announcement earlier this month alongside US President Donald Trump and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, underlining the strategic alignment of the company's American expansion with rising domestic manufacturing priorities. Motional said Major's appointment comes at a critical juncture, as the company ramps up AI development efforts ahead of its planned commercial launch of autonomous driving services in 2026. 'In partnership with Hyundai, we're bringing embodied AI to transportation and introducing significant societal benefits,' Major said in a statement. 'Leveraging our deep expertise in building fully driverless systems and our agility in realizing the latest AI breakthroughs, we are strongly positioned to unlock a future where safe autonomous vehicles are a practical part of daily life.' Past experience A founding executive at Motional, Major previously served as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO), where she spearheaded the development of the Ioniq 5 robotaxi. The fully driverless vehicle is among the first in the world to receive certification under US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), marking a significant milestone in the commercialisation of autonomous mobility. Before joining Motional, Major held senior leadership roles at Draper Laboratory and drone-tech firm Aria Insight, where she contributed to AI and autonomy projects for national security and spaceflight applications. With Major now at the helm, Motional is expected to play a central role in Hyundai's vision for next-generation mobility and AI-led transport infrastructure in North America.
Korea Herald
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Hyundai names robotics, AI expert Laura Major as CEO of Motional
Hyundai Motor Group said Friday it has appointed Laura Major as new CEO of Motional, its Boston-based autonomous driving joint venture with Aptiv, to advance the future mobility business. Underscoring Major's previous position as chief technology officer of Motional, the automaker highlighted her new role in accelerating the company's artificial intelligence technology capabilities ahead of the commercial launch of its autonomous driving service next year. Since Motional's establishment in 2020, Major has served as CTO and has been acting as the interim CEO since September. Major previously led the team in charge of developing the Ioniq 5 robotaxi, one of the world's first driverless autonomous vehicles to receive US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards certification. She has also been instrumental in creating a machine learning-driven autonomous driving software stack. Before joining Motional, Laura Major worked at Draper Laboratory, a US-based nonprofit research and development organization, and drone specialist Aria Insights, drone manufacturer in the US, focusing on developing autonomous and AI solutions for astronauts and national security. She is also the co-author of the book 'What to Expect When You're Expecting Robots: The Future of Human-Robot Collaboration,' which explores the future of human and robot's coexistence. 'We are committed to working with Hyundai Motor Group to integrate 'Embodied AI' into transportation, delivering significant value to society,' stated Major. 'With our deep expertise in developing fully autonomous systems and our agility in rapidly implementing the latest AI technological innovations, we are dedicated to realizing a future where safe autonomous vehicles become a practical part of everyday life.'
