In a significant development for the autonomous driving industry, South Korea’s HL Group, formerly known as Halla Group, has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with U.S.-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Lucid Motors. Through its subsidiary HL Klemove, HL Group will be providing cutting-edge autonomous driving solutions for Lucid’s highly-anticipated large electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Gravity.
As per the terms of the agreement, HL Klemove will supply Lucid Motors with essential components such as the virtual engine sound system (AVAS), all-around radar, and forward-facing cameras for the Gravity. The AVAS system is designed to emit distinctive sounds at low speeds, enhancing pedestrian safety by making EVs more noticeable.
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While the exact size of the order remains undisclosed, it is expected to be substantial, given Lucid Motors’ ambitious plan to mass-produce 50,000 units of the Gravity on an annual basis.
Founded in 2007 by former Tesla executive Bernard Tse and other industry experts, Lucid Motors has emerged as one of the key players in the North American EV market, with an impressive annual production capacity reaching hundreds of thousands of units. The company’s Arizona factory alone can produce up to 350,000 units per year.
Lucid Motors gained industry-wide recognition in 2020 with the release of its high-performance sedan, Lucid Air, boasting impressive power output and an extended range. The forthcoming Gravity SUV, featuring seven seats, is anticipated to surpass its competitors with an impressive driving range of about 400 miles (644 kilometers) per charge.
See also: Lucid Gravity is launching soon, combining sporty style and luxury
Peter Rawlinson, the CEO of Lucid Motors, expressed confidence that the Gravity SUV will be a game-changer in the highly competitive SUV segment.
With the partnership with Lucid Motors, HL Group has now expanded its clientele to include all major North American EV manufacturers. HL Klemove is already supplying autonomous driving solutions to Rivian Automotive Inc., another prominent U.S. EV company, equipping approximately 80,000 vehicles, including electric pickup trucks R1T.
HL Klemove came into existence through the merger of HL Mando’s autonomous driving division and Mando-Hella Electronics Corp. in 2021, solidifying its position as the sole Korean company capable of manufacturing products for all aspects of autonomous driving.
See also: Lucid Gravity will become brand’s first electric SUV
The company boasts an extensive portfolio of over 2,180 patents related to autonomous driving and has set its sights on completing the development of fully autonomous driving core products by the following year. In the previous year, HL Klemove recorded an impressive operating profit of 67.9 billion won ($52.1 million) on sales amounting to 1.36 trillion won.
