Motional

Motional is a self-driving technology developer established as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, a global automotive technology company. Motional retrofits all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5s with its self-driving technology capable of Level 4 autonomy (i.e., fully autonomous but limited to specific locations or conditions). Its self-driving software is equipped with 30+ sensors—a combination of cameras, radar, and LiDAR for autonomous navigation.

The company’s primary focus is on robotaxi operations, with some presence in the last-mile delivery automation space as well. For delivery applications, it has adapted its taxis by integrating a specialized compartment designed for food transportation. Customers can place orders via the partnering company’s app and collect the package by confirming via the same upon arrival.

The company laid off employees in February 2024 (5% of staff; less than 70 employees) and in December 2022 (numbers undisclosed) citing the need to reallocate resources to meet long-term commercial success. 

Key customers and partnerships

Motional partnered with Uber in December 2021 to pilot autonomous food deliveries for Uber Eats customers from select restaurants in Santa Monica, California (went live in May 2022). 

Funding and financials

In January 2024, Aptiv announced plans to reduce its stake in Motional and stop further funding the JV due to the high costs and long timeline associated with launching a robotaxi service. In March 2024, the company secured a bridge loan to meet temporary financial needs while it looked for long-term funding possibilities.