Hyundai Partners with Google: What's the Motive behind Their Partnership?

We often see the partnerships of automotive companies with other auto manufacturers, but this time a car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group has collaborated with the tech giant Google LLC. Initially, the objective of this partnership is to gain extensive information from Google Maps for drivers of Kia passenger vehicles in North America. In addition, the collaboration primarily aims to enhance the company’s software capabilities and accelerate the development of SDVs (Software Defined Vehicles).

But you may be thinking the collaboration is between Hyundai and Google, so why are Kia passenger vehicles included? The answer to this simple question is Hyundai Motor Group owns Kia Motors, but they both operate independently.

Details of the Partnership

Due to this partnership, the drivers of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles will get access to information about 250 million places worldwide through the Google Maps Platform. This includes up-to-date details on business hours, contact information, ratings, and reviews, which will significantly enhance navigation accuracy. The integration will utilise Google Maps’ Places API to ensure that drivers have access to comprehensive and current information.

Chang Song, President of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform Division, emphasised the importance of this partnership in providing customer-centered values and expanding technology in the mobility market. He stated that collaborating with Google will enhance the overall driving experience.

Moreover, Jorgen Behrens, Vice President at Google Maps Automotive, highlighted that Google Maps undergoes over 100 million updates daily, to ensure users have access to fresh information about their destinations. By incorporating this data into Hyundai/Kia vehicles, drivers can navigate in unknown locations with confidence.

Expanding Software Ecosystem

In addition to integrating Google Maps, Hyundai has adopted Google’s Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS). Due to this move, Hyundai is expected to gain a competitive edge in the fast-developing SDV technology sector. As per the reports, the automotive giant is also expected to further explore innovative ways to enhance the driving experience through AI and advanced technologies in partnership with Google.

Also read: How Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Grabs ‘Performance Car of the Year’ in China?