Manufacturing

Hyundai-Kia drives innovation

6 May 2008

Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) and Microsoft are to co-develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems.

Martin Thall, general manager of Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit, and Hyun Soon Lee, president and chief technology officer of HKAG, signed the agreement in Seoul, South Korea.

The two companies plan to deliver new and innovative in-car technology solutions, based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, to Hyundai-Kia drivers worldwide.

“These new systems will redefine consumer experiences in the car,” Thall said. “Since the spring of 2006, HKAG and Microsoft have been sharing their vision for the future of in-car technology. We’re now aligned to develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems.”

The first product, a next-generation infotainment system that provides voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices, will be introduced in the North American market in 2010. It will later be rolled out to the Asian and European markets, and expand into multimedia and navigation devices. Even after product launch, new functions can be added or upgraded in the form of software program updates.

“We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to deliver high-performance infotainment solutions to our customers,” Lee said. “The advanced capabilities, flexibility and low price point make the Microsoft Auto software platform an attractive solution for us.”

In a related announcement, Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia, along with the Institute for Information Technology Advancement (IITA), signed a memorandum of understanding to co-establish an automotive IT innovation centre, with the goal of promoting innovation and opportunities for Korean software and device vendors in the global market.