Hyundai Mobis’ new holographic display has the potential to replace the digital instrument cluster, infotainment system, and front passenger display
The battle for larger screens has escalated, with the Cadillac Escalade showcasing a massive 55-inch display and the Lincoln Navigator following closely with a 48-inch screen. However, both installations feel somewhat lacking, as they are merely mounted on the dashboard and do little to enhance the overall design. This raises the question of when automakers will move past this trend of digital competition.
Change may be on the horizon, thanks to Hyundai Mobis, which has partnered with optics expert Zeiss to create a “holographic windshield display.” This innovative system effectively transforms the windshield into a high-tech head-up display that can replace the digital instrument cluster, infotainment system, and front passenger display. Additionally, since it projects information directly onto the windshield, drivers can access multiple data points without taking their eyes off the road.
Although it may sound like a distant fantasy, the companies stated, “This dream technology, which has previously existed only in movies or advertisements, is on the verge of becoming a reality.” If all goes according to plan, mass production could start as early as 2027.
While specifics are still a bit unclear, Hyundai Mobis explained that the display utilizes a high-tech projector along with a transparent film applied to the windshield. Remarkably, the film is only slightly thicker than a human hair, measuring just 100 micrometers.
Preliminary product development is already in progress, and the technology was recently showcased to “domestic global automaker customers,” likely referring to Hyundai and Kia. Nonetheless, the company has expressed its interest in attracting new clients and cited a market research firm predicting that the “worldwide holographic HUD market is expected to reach around 7 million units by 2030, positioning itself as a new trend in next-generation display technology.”
While it’s uncertain whether holographic displays will be the next major innovation, Hyundai Mobis noted that this represents a significant advancement from current head-up displays, allowing for more open and spacious interior designs.