Hyundai Motor Company has commenced the local assembly of its Ioniq 6 electric sedan in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in the company's regional operations. The assembly takes place at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) in Jurong, a facility that represents a $400 million investment and is equipped with advanced robotics and production technologies.

Key Details of the Local Assembly

• Facilities and Investment: The HMGICS, located in the Jurong Innovation District, is Hyundai's first EV factory in Singapore. Officially opened in November 2023, the facility features 179 robots and integrates cutting-edge technologies that have been adopted in Hyundai's plants in the United States and Korea.

• Production Capacity: The factory is capable of producing up to 30,000 vehicles annually, reflecting Hyundai's commitment to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities in Singapore. The Ioniq 6 follows the Ioniq 5 SUV, which began local assembly in May 2023.

Specifications and Pricing

• Models and Trims: The locally assembled Ioniq 6 is available in four trims, including two with 53 kWh batteries and two with 77 kWh batteries. The 53 kWh variants fall under Category A COE, while the 77 kWh variants require Category B COE. The long-range, two-wheel drive version can travel up to 614 kilometers (382 miles) on a single charge.

• Pricing: Prices for the Ioniq 6 start at S$192,150, inclusive of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which is a mandatory permit for vehicle ownership in Singapore. This makes the locally assembled Ioniq 6 more accessible compared to the previously imported versions, which were priced around S$262,000.

Technological Advancements

• Bluelink Services: The Singapore-made Ioniq 6 introduces Hyundai's Bluelink Internet-connected services, allowing users to update the car's software over the Internet and use voice control for certain functions. This feature will also be available in future Singapore-made Ioniq 5 models.

• Charging Infrastructure: Hyundai is expanding its charging options in Singapore. An agreement with SP Mobility adds a second provider of destination charging, and a flexible charging credit scheme with OCBC Bank has been expanded to include 17 charge point operators. Additionally, local firm Power Up Tech continues to offer mobile EV charging services, providing up to five charges per month for 12 months.

Strategic Importance

The local assembly of the Ioniq 6 aligns with Singapore's broader goals of bolstering its manufacturing sector and transitioning to cleaner energy sources by 2040. The HMGICS facility not only enhances Hyundai's ability to respond quickly to local market trends but also supports Singapore's ambition to become a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies.

Hyundai's initiation of local assembly for the Ioniq 6 in Singapore represents a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the region, leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies and aligning with Singapore's sustainability goals.