Hyundai, Kia, Samsung to Develop Ecosystem Linking Cars With Smartphones

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have announced a strategic partnership with Samsung Electronics to develop a “mobility service ecosystem” that links software-defined vehicles (SDVs) with smartphones. The Korean carmakers are planning a number of connected features and services for future car models, centred around a next-generation infotainment and mobility system. The signing of this agreement follows an earlier announcement in January that the companies would explore opportunities to work together on automobile IoT integration.

The technology is currently being developed by 42dot, a software R&D firm acquired by Hyundai Motor Company in 2022, which leads the group’s SDV, AI, autonomous vehicle and transportation-as-a-service (TaaS) efforts. Set to be unveiled in 2026, the new vehicle ecosystem will be designed around connectivity and personalisation.

Hyundai and Kia have chosen Samsung’s SmartThings IoT framework to implement smartphone connectivity with the future vehicle platform. This will allow integration of Samsung’s device and service ecosystem, including home appliances and infrastructure. 

The integration will allow for personal experiences such as being able to track a lost or stolen vehicle, using a global crowdsourced Bluetooth LE network of hundreds of millions of existing Samsung Galaxy devices which will work even outside of cellular network coverage. 

Hyundai and Kia customers will be able to link their user accounts with Samsung’s SmartThings network and app. Future personalised lifestyle services could include healthcare, pet care and vehicle interior customisations. The companies have not yet indicated whether or how they plan to monetise these offerings, but subscription services and paid software-enabled upgrades are likely.