How Hyundai is using AI to drive manufacturing, mobility and customer experience
'We've integrated IoT, AI, and big data analytics into our production processes. This not only enhances efficiency but also propels HMIL towards the vision of becoming a smart factory of the future,' a Hyundai Motor India spokesperson told ET Enterprise AI.
AI is used across production, quality control, maintenance, and supply chain. Deep learning models help improve quality, while AI surveillance ensures safety by detecting human intrusions in critical zones.
Connected cars, local contexts
Hyundai's Bluelink platform is central to its AI-driven connected mobility strategy, with over 675,000 connected vehicles on Indian roads. The system uses AI-based diagnostics and customer data to offer personalised insights and features.
'We were among the first OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to introduce embedded connected car tech in India. The sales of connected cars rose from 4.7 per cent in 2019 to 25.7 per cent in 2024,' the spokesperson said.
Other than features like real-time vehicle tracking, remote climate control, and in-car payments, Bluelink also includes localised voice commands in 10 Indian languages, a move that's helped expand adoption beyond metros.
Voice, vernacular and virtual assistants
Hyundai's AI-powered virtual assistant, deployed on its website and WhatsApp, handles around one lakh conversations a month. 'Customers can explore cars, book test drives, check offers, book a service and calculate service costs, using our AI powered virtual assistant,' said the spokesperson.
The company has also focused on voice recognition in Hindi and Hinglish, with plans to expand into regional languages. In-car infotainment systems offer special greetings on special days and festivals, creating a more localised and human experience.
From R&D to real-world impact
The company's R&D hub in Hyderabad is building India-first features like multilingual clusters and infotainment interfaces, AI-driven song recommendations via JioSaavn, and Alexa integration for vehicle control.
'Our strategy revolves around simplifying decisions for customers and enhancing ownership experience at every stage,' the spokesperson said.
Hyundai has also partnered with IITs and startups to fuel its innovation agenda. The ₹100-crore HTWO Innovation Centre in Chennai (in partnership with IIT Madras) is developing a localised hydrogen mobility ecosystem in a bid to create clean, sustainable mobility solutions in India. Simultaneously, the Hyundai Center of Excellence at IIT Delhi is aimed at advancing battery and electrification research tailored for India.
Scaling CASE from India
As Hyundai pushes forward on its global CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric) vision, its Indian operations are playing a dual role, by not just serving as a manufacturing and export hub but also contributing locally-relevant AI innovations.
'With the help of AI tools and smart diagnostics, the company has been effective in analysing data and planning tailored solutions based on customer needs,' the spokesperson added.
From shopfloor automation to personalised post-sale experiences, Hyundai's AI playbook offers an example of how global OEMs can build with Bharat in mind.
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