Hyundai Mobis has announced a partnership with German optical giant ZEISS to develop Holographic Windshield Display (Holographic HUD) technology. This next-generation innovation will transform vehicle windshields into full-screen transparent displays, allowing drivers and passengers to access driving data, entertainment, and video calls directly on the glass.
The Holographic HUD, expected to enter mass production by 2027, aims to revolutionize automotive displays by seamlessly integrating digital content into the driver’s line of sight, eliminating the need for traditional dashboard displays. It promises to enhance driving safety by minimizing distractions and providing essential information—such as speed, navigation, and infotainment—without requiring drivers to look away from the road.
Joint Efforts for a Next-Generation Display System
Hyundai Mobis and ZEISS signed a business cooperation agreement at Hyundai’s research center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership. With ZEISS’s expertise in optical technologies and Hyundai Mobis’s experience in automotive systems, the companies plan to develop a system that uses projectors to display content on a specialized, ultra-thin holographic film applied to the windshield.
The holographic film, thinner than a human hair (under 100 micrometers), creates images by manipulating light through photochemical properties. Hyundai Mobis will develop the projector system, focusing on miniaturization, noise reduction, and heat management, while ZEISS will supply the optical technology required for the transparent display.
Changing the Future of Vehicle Interiors
The new technology offers both practical and aesthetic advantages. Drivers can view all driving-related information directly on the windshield, reducing eye movement and increasing situational awareness. Additionally, by replacing physical displays on the dashboard, the technology provides a sleek, unobstructed cabin design. Passengers can also use the windshield for entertainment, including watching videos or attending video calls.
This innovation aligns with Hyundai Mobis’s focus on autonomous driving, infotainment, and future mobility, and reflects ZEISS’s leadership in holographic projection and optoelectronics. The two companies recently demonstrated a working prototype to global automakers, generating significant interest.
Mass Production Targeted for 2027
The collaboration aims to launch the first mass-produced Holographic HUD units by 2027, positioning Hyundai Mobis and ZEISS as pioneers in a rapidly growing market. According to OMDIA Research, the market for holographic HUD systems could reach 7 million units by 2030, making it a dominant trend in automotive display technology.
Jung Soo-kyung, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Mobis’s Automotive Electronics Business Unit, expressed optimism about the partnership: “Starting with this new technology collaboration with ZEISS, we plan to expand into other fields, such as holographic interior and exterior displays, and 3D rear lamps.”
This collaboration marks a new era where optical and automotive technologies converge, setting the stage for a futuristic, immersive driving experience.