Hyundai has decided to revive a non-fungible token (NFT) initiative originally launched in 2021, combining it with real-world offerings.
At that time, the company introduced the Santa Cruz pickup and released ten Santa Cruz NFTs, which were given away through a sweepstake on X (formerly Twitter).
On September 30, Hyundai announced that Santa Cruz NFT holders could enter for a chance to exchange their NFT for a real 2025 Santa Cruz vehicle.
Hyundai highlighted this initiative in a video on Instagram and X, stating, “We’re making NFTs relevant again.”
The post was then updated on October 8 to say, “The Offer has been claimed. Thank you for your interest in the promotion.”
This move may serve to revive the company’s NFT efforts while also promoting its vehicles. Yet, it’s not Hyundai’s first venture into Web3.
In 2022, the company released the “Shooting Star” NFT collection, which consisted of 10,000 Ethereum-based NFTs. These were later transformed into “MobED (Mobile Eccentric Droid),” marking Hyundai’s entry into metaverse mobility experiences.
In 2022, Hyundai continued its NFT efforts by launching a new collection tied to the global premiere of the IONIQ 6. The company later unveiled an NFT membership club to provide special benefits and experiences to NFT holders.
Beyond NFTs, Hyundai has leveraged blockchain technology to address real-world challenges. Last year, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation introduced a Supplier CO2 Emission Monitoring System (SCEMS) based on Hedera blockchain technology.
Additionally, Hyundai’s Innovation Center in Singapore has incorporated robotics, artificial intelligence, and the metaverse to enhance electric vehicle production and improve customer interactions.
