Hyundai and Kia have announced a strategic technology partnership with Samsung Electronics to enhance integration between software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and smartphones. This collaboration aims to secure a leading position in the rapidly evolving mobility service ecosystem.
Preparing for the SDV Era with Next-Gen Infotainment
Hyundai and Kia are gearing up for the SDV era by developing a next-generation infotainment system and an open mobility ecosystem in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group’s global software center, 42dot. This initiative aims to provide a user-centered vehicle environment, enhancing connectivity in the infotainment system set to be unveiled in 2026.
“Our goal is to enrich Hyundai Motor and Kia customers’ mobility experience by offering personalized services that extend beyond transportation, seamlessly integrating vehicles with smartphones.” said Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group AVP Division.
Integrating with Samsung’s SmartThings Platform
As part of the agreement, Hyundai and Kia will develop technology to organically link SDVs with the smartphone ecosystem using Samsung Electronics’ SmartThings platform. By integrating with this global Internet of Things (IoT) platform, they aim to enrich customers’ mobility experiences and accelerate the transition to true SDVs.
“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. We will continue to expand the SmartThings ecosystem, offering new lifestyles and value to even more customers.” said Paul (Kyungwhoon) Cheun, President and CTO of DX Division at Samsung Electronics.
Introducing Global Vehicle Location Tracking
Leveraging the strengthened connectivity, the partnership will introduce a vehicle location verification service integrated with SmartThings Find. This global vehicle location tracking service utilizes a crowdsourced network of hundreds of millions of Samsung Galaxy devices employing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, ensuring functionality without cellular coverage limitations.
Customers can easily check their vehicle’s location through the Connected Car Service app in situations like forgetting where they parked or in case of theft. Even those without a registered Connected Car Service can access vehicle location via the Samsung SmartThings app.
Enhancing User Experience and Future Services
Hyundai and Kia plan to simplify the new member registration process by linking user accounts with Samsung Electronics. Future services will be optimized for customers’ lifestyles, including healthcare, pet care, and personalized vehicle interiors. Continuous cooperation with Samsung Electronics will aim to provide innovative mobility experiences.
Open Ecosystem for Developers
Together with 42dot, Hyundai and Kia plan to share vehicle data application programming interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs) with various business partners. This initiative aims to develop services that offer convenient and enjoyable mobility experiences through a next-generation infotainment system based on an open ecosystem.
The companies also intend to hold the ‘2025 Developer Conference’ in the first half of next year to announce plans for building an SDK. This platform will allow external developers to participate directly in developing innovative applications and contribute to a burgeoning vehicle app market for SDVs.
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between Hyundai, Kia, and Samsung marks a significant milestone in the convergence of automotive and smartphone technologies. By integrating SDVs with the IoT ecosystem, the collaboration aims to redefine mobility experiences, offering seamless, user-centered services that extend beyond traditional transportation.
