Hyundai eyes 2028 launching for urban air taxis

South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co. is looking to launch its first urban air taxis in partnership with Uber Technologies in 2028, according to Jose Munoz, president/CEO and Hyundai Motor North America.

Munoz forecasts that the urban air taxis would be in operation at such major US airports as JFK in New York and LAX in Los Angeles by 2028 or earlier.

Hyundai's “flying devices” will be powered by electric motors and batteries and could transport five to six passengers.

But before the company comes up with its air taxis, it hopes to pique the interest of car lovers next year with the all-new Santa Cruz, a compact utility vehicle with a pickup bed, and the all-electric Ioniq 5 crossover.

The Hyundai’s Montgomery, Alabama plant will begin producing the redesigned Tucson compact crossover early next year followed by the Santa Cruz in late spring as part of a $410 million expansion.

Hyundai will work with the Biden administration to develop infrastructure to support battery-electric and hydrogen-electric vehicles.

Munoz is also excited by Hyundai's work with Motional, a $4 billion self-driving technology joint venture with Aptiv PLC.