Hyundai Motor, Kia & Samsung Electronics Join Forces to Advance SDV User Experience

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have announced a strategic technology partnership with Samsung Electronics to enhance the integration between software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and smartphones. The aim is to secure a leading position in the mobility service ecosystem.

As a result of the agreement, Hyundai Motor and Kia will develop technology to organically link SDVs and the smartphone ecosystem using Samsung Electronics’ ‘SmartThings’.

By integrating with the global Internet of Things (IoT) platform, they aim to enrich customers’ mobility experiences, seamlessly connecting the entire process of vehicle use to smartphones and accelerating the transition to true SDVs.

Hyundai Motor and Kia are working on a next-generation infotainment system and an open mobility ecosystem, in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group’s global software center, 42dot.

This development aims to provide a user-centered vehicle environment, enhancing the connectivity of the infotainment system set to be unveiled in 2026.

Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division, says: “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.”

Paul (Kyungwhoon) Cheun, President, CTO of DX Division at Samsung Electronics and Head of Samsung Research, adds: “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."

Hyundai Motor and Kia, together with 42dot, plan to seamlessly connect vehicles and smartphones and continuously introduce new services, aiming to make all daily experiences user-centered.