Motional, the autonomous vehicle company formed through a collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, has announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 5%, affecting fewer than 70 employees. The majority of the layoffs will impact administrative positions and some staff in Boston, where Motional conducts autonomous vehicle testing. This move follows a previous round of layoffs in December 2022, primarily affecting operations in Pittsburgh.
While Motional operates an autonomous taxi service in Las Vegas and a delivery pilot with Uber Eats in Santa Monica, the company is reassessing its resources to ensure long-term commercial viability. A Motional spokesperson confirmed the layoffs, emphasizing the company’s commitment to hiring critical talent for technology development and meeting commercial objectives.
The decision comes amid Aptiv’s announcement of discontinuing future capital allocation to Motional, leaving Hyundai as the sole financial supporter unless alternative funding is secured. Motional is actively seeking additional investment opportunities to sustain its operations beyond Q1 2024.