Hyundai's Automated Car Strategy Prioritizes Cost -- And Realistic Timing

As tech and auto companies vie for leadership in self-driving vehicle technology, Hyundai Motor's top priority isn't how fast it can be perfected. Its bigger concerns are keeping costs low enough for the technology to be attainable by mass-market buyers; ensuring people wary of advanced driving-assist systems are comfortable with fully automated cars; and solutions for legal, regulatory and security issues that will dictate how soon robotic vehicles can be deployed. South Korea's largest automaker, which gained U.S. market share in the past decade by adding high-tech content ahead of (and often for less cost) than mass-market competitors, said it will be ready to go head-to-head with rivals in the autonomous vehicle space. And underscoring its approach, prototype vehicles being tested in Nevada and Korea look surprisingly similar to retail versions now hitting the market. "Some companies are announcing very aggressive timelines.