Dive Brief:
- Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Corp. and Samsung Electronics have announced a strategic partnership to connect software-defined vehicles to smartphones and create new mobility experiences for customers, per a Sept. 25 press release.
- The companies will collaborate with Hyundai’s global software center, “42dot” to create a next-generation open infotainment system and mobility ecosystem. The companies aim to eventually create a "user-centered vehicle environment," which they expect to unveil in 2026.
- As they develop the new technology, Hyundai and Kia aim to eventually build a software development kit and share vehicle data application programming interfaces with business partners, so developers can create in-vehicle features that will run on Samsung’s “SmartThings” internet-connected platform.
Dive Insight:
As vehicles become more like smartphones, some studies have suggested automakers lack the ability to internally develop advanced technology for software-defined vehicles.
As a result, automakers are turning to the expertise of companies that traditionally operate outside the automotive industry. In February, for example, Volkswagen launched an artificial intelligence lab that could partner with tech companies in key markets to identify new product ideas. Meanwhile, General Motors teamed up with Magna and Wipro to launch a digital marketplace that could match buyers and sellers of embedded automotive software.
By integrating with Samsung’s SmartThings global internet-connected platform, Hyundai and Kia said they aim to accelerate their transition to true software-defined vehicles and enrich the customer experience.
“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,” said Chang Song, president and head of Hyundai Motor Group's advanced vehicle platform division, in the release.
Earlier this year, Hyundai and Kia reorganized their research and development divisions to better prepare for a future of software-defined vehicles. The reorganization included establishing a new advanced vehicle platform division to support their development.
Now, the two companies are integrating Samsung’s technology into their advanced vehicle platform. As an example, the three companies will introduce a global vehicle location tracking service through integration with Samsung’s “SmartThings Find.”
In the future, Hyundai and Kia plan to offer new services for customers, including healthcare, pet care and vehicle interiors. The two automakers plan to continually work with Samsung Electronics to deliver new mobility experiences.
"Customers will experience the convenience of SmartThings not only at home but also in their vehicles, transcending space,” said Paul (Kyungwhoon) Cheun, president, CTO of Samsung’s device experience division and head of research, in the release. “We will continue to expand the SmartThings ecosystem, offering new lifestyles and value to even more customers."
