Representatives of the member organizations of the Next Urban Mobility Alliance, a public-private mobility cooperative body, pose for a commemorative photo at a launch ceremony of the alliance held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul hotel in eastern Seoul on Sept. 1, 2025. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. on Monday launched a new public-private consultative body aimed at fostering cooperation in the future mobility sector together with government agencies, businesses and research institutions to address transportation challenges.
The launch ceremony for the alliance, named the Next Urban Mobility Alliance (NUMA), was held at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul hotel in eastern Seoul, attended by Second Vice Minister of Land and Transport Kang Hee-up, Song Chang-hyeon, head of Hyundai’s autonomous vehicle platform (AVP) division, and representatives from other public-private partners.
The event marked a follow-up to Hyundai and Kia’s announcement in March to launch the initiative.
The establishment of the alliance was based on a shared understanding that issues such as regional mobility gaps and the needs of socially disadvantaged groups require joint solutions that combine corporate innovation, government policy and academic expertise.
Hyundai Motor headquarters in Yangjae-dong (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
A total of 31 public and private organizations have so far joined the initiative, including the transport ministry, Gyeonggi Province, KT Corp., CJ Logistics Co. and Naver Cloud, as well as Seoul National University and Yonsei University.
Hyundai and Kia said they will lead the initiative while supporting cooperation and project development among partners. The government also plans to push for new policies, including the enactment of a basic mobility law, to guarantee universal access to transportation and to strengthen the nation’s future mobility industry.
Kang pledged that the government and the private sector will work together to create a nation where everyone can move freely and safely, adding, “Transportation is no longer just infrastructure but an essential service that connects people’s daily lives.”
“As organizers and partners, Hyundai and Kia will work toward inclusive mobility rights for vulnerable groups and communities through technology, and create a global mobility transition that connects cities worldwide,” Song said.
(Yonhap)
