Hyundai Motors America CEO David Zuchowski has forecast that a car will eventually evolve into a smart device combining the know-how of both tech firms and automakers.

“We need to embrace technology like everybody else is,” Zuchowski said in a recent interview with CNBC.


He shared insights on the changing landscape of the auto industry. In the face of growing competition from tech giants, such as in the area of self-driving cars, carmakers will have to cooperate with tech companies, rather than intensify rivalry, said Zuchowski.

Tech companies can focus on making software, leaving automakers to produce automobiles, Zuchowski said, adding that manufacturing a car involves costs and complexities that are often more than what tech firms expect.

By Hong Sung-pyo (hong1@heraldcorp.com)