Hyundai auto group uses Naver content for mobility and connected cars

SEOUL -- South Korea's Hyundai auto group will work with Naver, a domestic portal service operator, to develop mobility technologies. Naver's services and content will be utilized for the development of connected cars. Hyundai has tied up with foreign and domestic firms to develop next-generation technologies, including an integrated infotainment system.

Infotainment systems are the heart of connected cars that provide various features such as navigation, self-diagnostics, entertainment and vehicle controls. "We will promote a new mobile convenience experience that can be felt practically by the combination of automobiles and ICT (information and communications technology)," said Hyundai's strategic division head Chi Young-jo.

Cooperation between Hyundai and Naver will be made in the field of purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), which are a ground-based eco-friendly mobility solution that provides customized spaces and services for passengers in transit. At CES 2020 in Las Vegas, Hyundai unveiled its first electric air vehicle concept, S-A1, through collaboration with Uber, the world’s largest mobility company, and presented its innovative vision for urban mobility solutions.

"As the mobility industry is an area that can make a lot of changes to various users, we will conduct various experiments with Hyundai Motor Group for mobility innovation," Naver CEO Han Seong-sook said. Naver is working on a three-dimensional map with precise information about traffic facilities that is vital for creating an environment in which self-driving cars can safely roam about.

In October, Naver joined hands with Continental Automotive Korea, the South Korean branch of German car parts maker Continental AG, and Drimaes, a domestic connected car software platform company, to develop an in-vehicle infotainment system that will provide differentiated services such as making restaurant reservations and remote digital payments.