Euisun Chung, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, and Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors (GM), are scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Automotive News Congress forum in Detroit on September 11, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. The forum, anticipated as a convergence of industry giants, will explore the theme "Driving the Future: Innovation and Transformation in the Global Automotive Industry." Executives from companies like LG Energy Solution, Group 1 Automotive, and S&P Global Mobility are also expected to contribute their insights as speakers.

In September of last year, Chung and Barra met at the Genesis House in New York, where they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) symbolizing a comprehensive cooperation between Hyundai Motor and GM. This MOU marked the first comprehensive partnership between Hyundai Motor and another global automaker, with both companies committed to advancing eco-friendly energy technologies, such as electric and hydrogen. They outlined plans to pursue collaboration in strategic areas including automotive powertrain technologies, such as internal combustion engines, electric vehicles, and hydrogen.

Hyundai Motor and GM further solidified their alliance with an initial agreement in December aimed at the joint production of passenger cars. This partnership goes beyond joint production and includes joint sourcing of critical battery raw materials and essential vehicle materials like steel. This collaboration is seen as a strategic effort to explore ways to reduce production costs and increase efficiency, aligning both companies toward a shared vision of innovative automotive solutions.

During the upcoming forum, Chung and Barra are expected to articulate their thoughts on pivotal areas, including electrification, mobility transition strategies, and approaches needed to address challenges faced by the global automotive industry. Their insights will be relevant in the context of ongoing global changes as the industry continues its shift toward sustainable practices.

The forum will also host panel discussions on key topics, including North American and global automotive sales forecasts, changes in global trade and tariffs, capital investment for electric vehicle production, and future automotive revenue models. These discussions are anticipated to provide comprehensive insights into the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, catering to the interests of attending executives and decision-makers.

The collaboration between Hyundai Motor and GM reflects a growing trend of alliances within the automotive sector, underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships in driving innovation and achieving economies of scale. By participating in such forums, industry leaders like Chung and Barra share their vision and insights, setting the stage for future collaborations that could redefine industry standards and expectations.

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