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Automotive heads up displays (HUDs) have been around since 1988, and while they’ve gotten brighter and more colorful over the years, even today’s most sophisticated implementations still feel a little dated. But after seeing what Hyundai Mobis (which makes auto parts for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis) is calling the world’s first full-windshield holographic display at CES 2025, I felt like I was looking at a major evolution of in-car infotainment.
Unlike traditional reflective HUDs, the holographic windshield display (HWD) of the Hyundai Mobis has two main components: a projector (or in this case several projectors) hidden under the dash and a special optical film with a carefully tuned wavelength sensitivity that is inside the windshield itself. . This combination allows the HWD to pump out brighter and more colorful images with shallower viewing angles. Unless you are sitting in the right place, you may not be able to see the HUD.
In the Hyundai Mobis Kia EV9 demo vehicle, HWD is not limited to a small corner under the windshield. Instead, it is divided into three different zones that span the entire width of the car: two for the driver and one dedicated to the passenger. For the driver, the HWD can display basic things like the car’s speed, direction and more. But where things get interesting is when it displays holographic 3D maps that can adjust in real time based on your position, adding a new dimension to help you reach your destination.
For passengers, their dedicated HWD section can be used independently for checking vehicle information or simply watching a video or playing a game. Critically, due to the limited viewing angles of the Hyundai Mobis technology, the driver cannot see the passenger side of the HWD, so there is no risk of distraction. The whole system is very impressive, since most of the technology is hidden under the dashboard. The only evidence that this HWD differs from more traditional implementations is that if you look closely at the windshield when it’s off, you can see a blurry outline of where the optical film is between the glass.
After checking out the Hyundai Mobis demo, I also got a chance to speak with one of the engineers behind HWD, Dr. Minho Shin, who adds more context and insight about the technology. Through a translator, Dr. Shin told me that the company envisions its HWD as a way to supplement the main display found in most modern cars, which will likely serve as the main control center for maneuvering what you see on the windshield. And for passengers, it’s possible for them to control what they see on their side of the HWD just by casting content from their phones. In addition, the placement and size of the holographic display makes it easier for the driver to see and interact with helpful tools such as real-time 3D maps compared to current tech. Dr. said. Shin made it possible to create an HWD version that would cover the entire width and vertical height of the windshield, which looks like something straight out of every sci-fi or cyberpunk movie ever made. However, due to the laws of many countries, that type of functionality is not widely allowed.
Now it should be mentioned that at CES 2025, BMW demoed the same technology with it . The approach of the Bavarian automaker may be a bit forward, at least when it comes to the integration into its existing infotainment system and its availability, which is scheduled to come in all new models. at the end of 2025. However, when you look closely, it seems like BMW cheated a little by using a black film that goes down the windshield instead of being completely transparent like HWD, which may provide Hyundai Mobi’s tech significantly improved driver visibility and awareness.
While BMW’s panoramic HUD is set to arrive first, Hyundai Mobis is not far behind as the company hopes to put its HWD into production by the end of 2026.
