Hyundai and Kia have entered into a new technology partnership that will ensure future Santa Fe and Sportage models will have sophisticated infotainment systems. The strategic alliance with Samsung Electronics will reportedly improve the way software-defined vehicles (SDVs) integrate with smartphones, creating a more holistic experience for users.
Importantly, the Korean automakers are working on a next-generation infotainment system that will boast an open mobility ecosystem. And this isn’t some far-fetched system out of the pages of Tomorrow’s World – no, Hyundai plans to unveil the system as soon as 2026, but has not said when it will debut in production vehicles.
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Part of the agreement stipulates that Hyundai and Kia will develop technology that will link SDVs and the greater smartphone ecosystem through Samsung’s SmartThings. The outcome is to provide customers with a more connected experience, with the “entire process of vehicle use” connected to smartphones. One of the nifty features to come from this is a new vehicle location verification system.
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Using Samsung’s SmartThings Find tech, the global vehicle tracking service will allow owners to check the location of their vehicle in certain situations, such as when a theft is suspected or if they’ve simply forgotten where the car is parked. The automakers note that customers not registered for Connected Car Service can locate their vehicles through the aforementioned Samsung app.
“Our goal is to enrich Hyundai Motor and Kia customers’ mobility experience by offering personalized services that extend beyond transportation, seamlessly integrating vehicles with smartphones.”
– Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Advanced Vehicle Platform Division
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Furthermore, the Korean companies intend to make “daily experiences” with vehicles more user-centered. Hyundai doesn’t go into detail, but this is likely to encompass oft-used features such as the infotainment system, climate controls, and more, allowing owners to connect these functions to their phones and making life easier for occupants. The duo also intends to develop in-car services “for convenient and enjoyable mobility experiences,” which will be done by sharing vehicle data application programming interfaces and software development kits with unspecified business partners.
“Through our collaboration with Hyundai and Kia, customers will experience the convenience of SmartThings not only at home but also in their vehicles, transcending space. We will continue to expand the SmartThings ecosystem, offering new lifestyles and value to even more customers.”
– Paul (Kyungwhoon) Cheun, President, CTO of DX Division at Samsung Electronics and Head of Samsung Research
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