Hyundai Motor, Kia Corporation, and Samsung Electronics have entered into a groundbreaking strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing the mobility service ecosystem. By enhancing the integration between software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and smartphones, this collaboration seeks to establish a leading position in the rapidly evolving world of connected mobility.
The alliance was formalized at a signing ceremony held at Samsung Electronics’ R&D Campus in Seoul. Key figures in attendance included Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division; Haeyoung Kwon, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Infotainment Development Center; Paul (Kyungwhoon) Cheun, President and CTO of Samsung Electronics’ DX Division; and Jinhee Choi, Senior Executive Vice President of 42dot, Hyundai Motor Group’s global software hub.
Revolutionizing In-Vehicle Experiences
As the automotive industry transitions into the SDV era, Hyundai Motor and Kia are gearing up to offer an array of cutting-edge in-vehicle services. Collaborating with 42dot, the companies aim to develop a next-generation infotainment system and create an open mobility ecosystem. This initiative, set to debut in 2026, will provide a user-centered vehicle environment that seamlessly integrates vehicles with smartphones, enriching customer experiences.
Boosting Connectivity with Samsung’s SmartThings Platform
The centerpiece of this partnership is the integration of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s future SDVs with Samsung’s globally recognized SmartThings platform. By connecting vehicles to the Internet of Things (IoT), this integration will provide customers with an all-encompassing mobility experience. From managing daily tasks at home to monitoring vehicles on the go, SmartThings integration allows users to transition between these environments seamlessly.
Paul (Kyungwhoon) Cheun, President and CTO of Samsung Electronics’ DX Division, commented, “Through our collaboration with Hyundai and Kia, customers will experience the convenience of SmartThings not only at home but also in their vehicles, transcending space.”
In addition, the companies plan to introduce vehicle location verification through integration with Samsung’s SmartThings Find feature. This global vehicle location tracking service will be powered by a crowdsourced network of Samsung Galaxy devices using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, providing precise vehicle locations even in areas with poor cellular coverage.
Optimizing Services for Customer Lifestyles
Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Samsung Electronics are not stopping at vehicle connectivity. The partnership aims to create services optimized for various aspects of customers’ lifestyles, such as healthcare, pet care, and even custom vehicle interiors. These services will be integrated with users’ Samsung accounts, simplifying the registration process and providing a more personalized mobility experience.
In collaboration with 42dot, Hyundai and Kia will also work on sharing vehicle data application programming interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs) with various business partners, including Samsung. This open ecosystem will foster innovation, allowing external developers to create new mobility applications, known as “killer apps,” and expand the SDV app market.
Creating an Open Ecosystem for SDV Development
By sharing APIs and SDKs with industry partners, Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Samsung Electronics will fuel the creation of new services for convenient mobility experiences. This initiative will enable developers to build upon the next-generation infotainment system, creating a truly open ecosystem that can adapt to customer needs and preferences.
In a major move to support external innovation, Hyundai Motor and Kia will hold the ‘2025 Developer Conference’ in the first half of 2025, offering a platform for developers to engage with the SDV ecosystem. The conference will focus on building a robust SDK, enabling external developers to participate in the creation of innovative vehicle apps.
Conclusion: A Seamless Future for Mobility
This strategic alliance between Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Samsung Electronics marks a significant leap towards the future of mobility. By enhancing the integration between SDVs and smartphones, and creating a seamless connection through Samsung’s SmartThings platform, the three companies are reshaping the user experience for connected vehicles.
As SDVs become more prevalent, this partnership aims to create a future where mobility extends beyond transportation, integrating into every facet of customers’ lives. By focusing on open ecosystems, personalized services, and innovation, Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Samsung Electronics are set to become pioneers in the mobility service ecosystem, setting new standards for customer convenience and technological advancement.