Hyundai’s advanced air mobility subsidiary, Supernal, has halted operations following the departure of its CEO Dr. Jaiwon Shin and CTO, marking a significant setback amid the company's strategic realignment in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector. Dr. Shin stepped down from his role as CEO and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s AAM Division effective August 31, 2025, transitioning to an advisory position as the company shifts focus from early-stage research and development to operational business phases[5].
Supernal, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Irvine, Calif...
Supernal, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Irvine, California, had been a key player in Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitious plans for future mobility, developing a five-seat air taxi aimed for commercial launch by 2028. However, the company has faced mounting challenges including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure development issues, and a maturing but still nascent market ecosystem. These external pressures, combined with broader economic and geopolitical uncertainties, have compelled Hyundai to reassess and scale back investment across its future technology ventures, including robotics and autonomous driving[1][5].
Earlier in 2025, Supernal laid off approximately 53 employee...
Earlier in 2025, Supernal laid off approximately 53 employees—about 8-10% of its California workforce—across its Irvine headquarters, Fremont, and Mojave facilities. These layoffs were described as part of an organizational realignment to better align resources with the transition from technology development to certification and production of its flying taxi program. Following these cuts, Supernal’s workforce was reduced to roughly 500 employees[1][2][3].
The leadership exit and operational pause come as Hyundai Mo...
The leadership exit and operational pause come as Hyundai Motor Group recalibrates its strategy amid a cooling investment climate in the automotive and mobility sector. Hyundai has also downsized other future technology units, including Motional (its autonomous driving joint venture) and Boston Dynamics (robotics), reflecting a broader industry trend toward pragmatic resource allocation during a period often described as a “chasm” in demand and technology adoption[1].
While Hyundai continues to view the advanced air mobility se...
While Hyundai continues to view the advanced air mobility sector as strategically important, the company acknowledges the need for a sharper focus on business and operational development rather than early-stage innovation. Supernal’s leadership transition and operational halt underscore the difficulties faced by pioneering mobility firms navigating complex regulatory environments and market uncertainties[5].
In summary, Hyundai’s Supernal has effectively paused its op...
In summary, Hyundai’s Supernal has effectively paused its operations following the CEO and CTO departures, workforce reductions, and a strategic pivot by Hyundai Motor Group to tighten investment in future mobility technologies amid challenging market conditions.
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 7:30:50 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Hyundai’s Supernal halting operations and CEO Jaiwon Shin’s exit has been mixed, reflecting uncertainty about the future of the company’s eVTOL ambitions. Despite Hyundai’s $6 billion investment commitment, industry observers and potential users express concern over the lack of a full-scale prototype flight and commercial readiness, with some insiders noting the company is still far from market commercialization after spending over $1.5 billion[1][2]. A Supernal spokesperson emphasized the leadership change as a natural evolution toward commercial execution, yet the shift has raised questions about Supernal’s ability to compete amid growing urban air mobility competition[1].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 7:40:45 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Hyundai Supernal’s leadership shakeup and operational halt has been mixed, with industry observers expressing concern over the company’s slow commercialization and recent workforce reduction of over 50 employees (about 10% of its U.S. staff)[4]. Despite Hyundai’s $6 billion investment commitment through 2028, critics highlight that Supernal has yet to fly a full-scale eVTOL prototype, fueling skepticism about the timeline for their S-A2 air taxi[1][2]. A Supernal spokesperson framed the CEO and CTO exits as part of a strategic evolution toward commercial execution, though some in the advanced air mobility sector view the changes as a sign of struggles amidst intensifying competition[1][4].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 7:50:44 PM
Following Hyundai Supernal’s CEO and CTO departures and operational pause, there are no public statements or concrete regulatory or government responses reported as of September 7, 2025. Hyundai acknowledges ongoing challenges in the advanced air mobility sector, including regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development, but frames these as normal industry evolution rather than citing specific government actions[1][5]. No direct regulatory intervention or government reaction to the leadership changes or work halt has been disclosed.
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 8:00:53 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Hyundai’s Supernal halting operations following CEO Jaiwon Shin’s exit has been mixed but largely skeptical. Industry observers cite concerns over the company’s slow progress despite a substantial $6 billion investment through 2028, with some noting that Supernal has yet to fly a full-scale eVTOL prototype after more than $1.5 billion spent, fueling doubts about its commercial viability[1][2][4]. A former insider commented that the leadership change "reflects evolving business needs," but the scale of recent layoffs—over 50 U.S. positions cut—has heightened public unease about Supernal’s future[4].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 8:10:43 PM
Hyundai’s eVTOL startup Supernal has **halted its aircraft program** following the recent departures of CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride, amid a turbulent period marked by staff cuts and operational challenges[1]. The company laid off 53 employees—about 8-10% of its workforce—in California as part of a strategic realignment shifting focus from R&D to production, scaling back ambitions for its planned 2028 commercial air taxi launch[2][3]. Hyundai stated the newly appointed leadership will reassess the timeline moving forward, reflecting broader industry uncertainty in the electric air taxi sector[1][5].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 8:20:44 PM
Following Hyundai’s Supernal CEO and CTO departures and subsequent pause in operations, no direct regulatory or government responses have been publicly reported as of September 7, 2025. Hyundai acknowledged ongoing external challenges to the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector, including regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development, describing these as part of the natural evolution of the pioneering industry but did not cite any specific government intervention or regulatory action regarding Supernal’s operational halt[1][5].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 8:30:47 PM
Hyundai’s electric air taxi startup Supernal has halted its aircraft program following the departures of CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride, marking a significant leadership shakeup amid a challenging development phase. The company, which had conducted only tethered test flights and planned a commercial launch in 2028, is now under new leadership that will reassess its timeline, as the pause comes after staff cuts including 53 layoffs in California earlier this year[1][2][4]. Hyundai emphasized this move aligns with Supernal’s transition toward production and operational phases but declined to comment specifically on the CTO’s exit[1][4].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 8:40:44 PM
Hyundai’s Supernal has paused its eVTOL program and experienced the departure of CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride amid significant workforce reductions, including cutting 53 employees—about 8-10% of its staff—as it shifts focus from early development to certification and production phases[1][2][3][5]. This move contrasts with competitors like Toyota-backed Joby, which continues aggressive expansion, highlighting increasing turbulence and consolidation in the electric air taxi sector[1]. Industry experts note this reflects a broader pragmatic recalibration across major automakers investing in future mobility amid economic uncertainties, with Hyundai and General Motors downsizing their advanced mobility ventures to optimize resources[2].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 8:50:44 PM
Hyundai’s eVTOL startup Supernal has halted operations following the departures of CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride, coinciding with a broader leadership transition that shifts focus from R&D to business and operational development. The company had planned a commercial service launch in 2028 but is now pausing to let new leadership reassess the timeline amid industry upheaval and recent layoffs affecting about 10% of its California workforce[1][2][4]. Interim COO David Rottblatt is currently overseeing business operations during this transition[4][5].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 9:00:59 PM
Hyundai’s eVTOL startup Supernal has halted its aircraft development program following the recent departures of CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride, according to insiders. The company, which had planned a commercial flying taxi launch in 2028 after its first test flight earlier this year, is now under new leadership that will reassess the timeline for progress[1][4]. This pause comes amidst prior workforce reductions, including 53 layoffs earlier this year as Supernal shifted focus toward production and certification phases[2].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 9:10:51 PM
Following the departures of Supernal’s CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride, Hyundai’s eVTOL startup has paused operations amid a strategic leadership transition, with Interim COO David Rottblatt now overseeing business operations. Hyundai Motor Group acknowledges ongoing challenges in the regulatory framework for advanced air mobility (AAM) but regards these as part of the sector’s natural evolution, emphasizing continued investment despite the pause[1][4][5]. No specific government regulatory actions or responses to Supernal’s operational halt have been reported.
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 9:20:48 PM
Hyundai's eVTOL startup Supernal has halted operations following the recent departures of CEO Dr. Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride, according to insiders. The company, which recently paused work before achieving its first untethered test flight, is now under new leadership that will reassess the timeline for its planned 2028 commercial flying taxi service[1][4]. This move comes after earlier layoffs of 53 employees in California, reflecting significant restructuring as Supernal shifts focus amid industry challenges[2].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 9:30:44 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Hyundai’s Supernal halting operations after the CEO and CTO exit has been marked by concern and skepticism, with industry observers noting the challenges ahead. Reports highlight that despite Hyundai’s $6 billion commitment through 2028, there has been limited visible progress, sparking doubts about Supernal’s readiness for commercialization[1][3]. A significant reaction came with news of a 10% US staff reduction, over 50 jobs, fueling worries about the company’s stability and the viability of its electric air taxi ambitions[5].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 9:30:49 PM
Hyundai’s eVTOL startup Supernal has paused operations globally following the departures of CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride, amid a leadership shakeup and strategic reassessment. The company, which had planned a 2028 commercial launch of its electric air taxi, laid off 53 employees—about 8-10% of its U.S. workforce—as part of a broader global scale-back in future mobility investments due to economic and geopolitical uncertainties[1][2][3]. Industry observers note this reflects a wider contraction in the international advanced air mobility sector, with competitors like Lilium shutting down and others like Joby consolidating through partnerships[1].
🔄 Updated: 9/7/2025, 9:40:45 PM
Hyundai’s Supernal has halted operations following the departures of CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride, amid layoffs of about 8-10% of its workforce, roughly 53 employees in California alone. This move reflects broader industry challenges, including geopolitical uncertainty and a tightening investment climate affecting advanced air mobility globally, with competitors like Toyota-backed Joby expanding while others, such as Lilium, have exited the market[1][2][3]. Hyundai’s recalibration echoes wider automotive sector trends of resource realignment amid demand plateaus, signaling cautious international responses to the evolving commercial viability of electric air taxis[2].