Hyundai Motor Group Announces Pleos Brand and Strategy for SDVs, Autonomous Driving

After teasing an all-new brand called Pleos for its next-gen automotive software and AI efforts, Hyundai Motor Group has formally disclosed key details of its strategy. Pleos will encompass a new in-house operating system for vehicles’ infotainment and performance features; a Pleos Connect suite and in-vehicle app marketplace; an open development platform for apps called Pleos Playground; and a series of initiatives and partnerships to create a software-defined vehicle (SDV) and connectivity ecosystem. The company hosted a “Pleos 25” developer conference in South Korea to share these announcements. 

According to Hyundai, it is evolving from an automobile manufacturer into a mobility tech company. Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division, stated “In the rapidly changing automotive industry, Hyundai Motor Group has been dedicated to SDV development since 2023. Today, starting with Pleos 25, we are transforming into a company providing software-centered mobility experiences. Our ultimate goal is to achieve Cloud Mobility, where all forms of mobility are connected through software on the cloud, and continuously evolve over time.”

Pleos will be Hyundai’s framework for vehicle management, encompassing dedicated silicone and software, a modern infotainment system, and cloud infrastructure. It will govern a connected mobility experience across individual vehicles and fleets including autonomous vehicles, ultimately expanding to city-scale mobility infrastructure, real-time data analysis, and logistics optimisations. This also forms the basis of a roadmap towards L2+ autonomous driving by the end of 2027, utilising radar, cameras and AI.

Hyundai’s Pleos vehicle operating system, developed fully in-house, will further the company’s SDV and autonomous driving ambitions. The infotainment subsystem is set to debut in Q2 2026, and the company says it will be shipped with more than 20 million vehicles by 2030. Hyundai has outlined the use of a high-performance vehicle computer along with multiple zone-specific controllers, aiming for a standardised modular architecture. Hardware and software, while integrated, will be developed separately to allow for continuous updates. 

Pleos Connect will be based on Android Automotive but with several customised elements. Compatibility with a huge number of Android smartphone and tablet apps will make for a familiar user experience and help grow the open ecosystem. The UI will have a split-screen view and multitasking. Hyundai will offer developer tools and software kits along with design guides and sample code to help them develop apps. Connectivity for physical accessories will also be supported. 

Users will need a Pleos ID account, which will help the company deliver a personalised environment that can be applied to any compatible vehicle they occupy. Moreover, a personalised AI-powered voice-recognition assistant called Gleo AI will allow for hands-free vehicle control.