Hyundai and Kia Team Up with Samsung for Connected Car Technology

Published On: 10 January 2024
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Hyundai and Kia aim to enhance connectivity between homes and mobility spaces with the help of Samsung’s Internet of Things platform, also known as SmartThings.

Hyundai Motor and Kia Corporation have teamed up with well-known smartphone manufacturer Samsung Electronics for connected car technology, which will provide both Home-to-Car service and Car-to-Home facilities. Along with its Korean partner Kia, Hyundai made it official that they had finally signed an agreement with Samsung. The deal was confirmed on January 3 and aims to enhance connectivity between homes and mobility spaces with the help of Samsung’s Internet of Things platform, also known as SmartThings.

As part of this new agreement, Kia and Hyundai customers will now be able to remotely manage digital devices by using touch and voice commands via infotainment systems equipped in their vehicles. With this new technology, customers will get remote vehicle control through televisions, artificial intelligence speakers, and smartphone apps to manage several car functions.

This new technology will aid customers in connecting their homes with cars by activating 'Home Mode' from their cars. This can remotely start the air purifier and registered air conditioner at home. Also, it can activate the robotic vacuum cleaner to keep the place clean, switch on the lights, and create a pleasant living environment. Additionally, while leaving their homes, users can select 'Away Mode' to switch off unnecessary lights.

Electric car owners can utilize SmartThings integrated home energy management service to figure out the energy usage of their vehicle and house and manage the optimal charging times. Both automakers have already been offering Home-to-Car and Car-to-Home services via collaborations with construction and telecommunication companies. The Home-to-Car service for cars connects features such as remote start, air conditioning, and charging of EVs. The Car-to-Home service provides connectivity with home appliances including ventilation, gas, lighting, air conditioning, plugs, and heaters.

The Vice President of Hyundai and Kia Infotainment Development Center, Haeyoung Kwon, stated that “this is an opportunity to make connected car Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services more convenient in various fields. We plan to accelerate the development of our technology to continuously make the journeys of Hyundai and Kia global customers meaningful.”

Both brands will develop service-providing infotainment systems and offer these features via USB-based updates and over-the-air (OTA) for existing vehicles as well.