In a major push toward the future of mobility, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have announced a strategic collaboration with Samsung Electronics. This partnership is set to strengthen the integration between software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and smartphones, enhancing the mobility ecosystem by creating personalised, user-centred experiences.
The announcement took place at the Samsung Electronics R&D Campus in Seoul, with senior executives from all three companies in attendance, underscoring the importance of this alliance in advancing the automotive and tech industries.
A Vision for the Future of Mobility
As the automotive world shifts towards SDVs, Hyundai and Kia are positioning themselves at the forefront of this transformation. Their collaboration with Samsung Electronics marks a significant step in the evolution of in-vehicle services, placing an emphasis on personalisation and seamless connectivity. Central to this effort is the development of a next-generation infotainment system, in partnership with Hyundai’s global software centre, 42dot.
Set for unveiling in 2026, this system aims to integrate vehicles with users’ smartphones and the broader Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. “Our goal is to enrich Hyundai Motor and Kia customers’ mobility experience by offering personalised services that extend beyond transportation,” said Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform Division. The vision is clear: a future where cars are no longer mere transportation, but hubs of personalised digital experiences.
The Power of SmartThings Integration
At the heart of this initiative is the integration with Samsung’s ‘SmartThings’ platform, which allows Hyundai and Kia vehicles to seamlessly interact with smartphones. This move underscores the growing importance of connectivity in modern vehicles, where customer expectations are increasingly shaped by the tech-driven, interconnected world they live in.
Samsung’s Paul Cheun, President and CTO of the Device eXperience (DX) Division, expressed excitement over the possibilities. “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,” he said.
One of the standout features of this collaboration will be a global vehicle location tracking service, made possible through integration with SmartThings Find. Utilising a crowdsourced network of Samsung Galaxy devices, this service will offer real-time tracking of vehicle locations via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, even in areas without cellular coverage. Whether for recovering a stolen vehicle or simply locating a misplaced car, the service offers peace of mind with unprecedented ease.
Building a User-Centred Mobility Ecosystem
Beyond the next-generation infotainment system, Hyundai and Kia are committed to developing an open mobility ecosystem that integrates seamlessly with users’ daily lives. By sharing vehicle data application programming interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs) with business partners like Samsung, they aim to continuously introduce services that make mobility more convenient and enjoyable. These services will range from healthcare and pet care to vehicle interior customisation, providing tailored solutions to meet diverse customer needs.
The collaboration also includes plans to host the ‘2025 Developer Conference,’ where external developers will be invited to participate in the creation of ‘killer apps’ for SDVs. This open approach to innovation will culminate in the development of a dedicated vehicle app marketplace, offering a wide array of applications designed to enhance the driving experience.
Accelerating the Transition to Software-Defined Vehicles
This partnership comes at a pivotal moment in the automotive industry, where the shift toward software-driven functionalities is reshaping vehicle design and customer interaction. Hyundai and Kia’s strategic alliance with Samsung not only strengthens their position within the mobility service ecosystem but also accelerates their transition to SDVs.
By seamlessly connecting vehicles with smartphones, integrating IoT solutions, and creating an open, user-centred ecosystem, Hyundai, Kia, and Samsung are setting the stage for a new era of automotive experiences—one where the lines between transportation, technology, and daily life blur into a seamless, connected whole.
As this ambitious collaboration moves forward, the automotive world will be watching closely to see how these innovations reshape the future of mobility.
