Hyundai, Kia and Genesis to launch over-the-air updates across entire line-up by 2025

The parent company for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis has announced its vehicle line-up will feature a new connected infotainment system by 2025 – even those as affordable as Kia’s tiny Picanto.

In a global software event this week, the Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the upcoming system, known as the Connected Car Operating System – or ccOS for short.

It will be capable of receiving over-the-air software updates, with improvements to vehicle performance and functionality – particularly for electric cars.

5

The first models running the new infotainment suite will launch next year, with “all of the Group’s vehicle segments sold worldwide” to support over-the-air updates by 2025.

This includes internal-combustion vehicles; however, electric cars will benefit from enhanced support, including performance upgrades, with a modular electrical architecture.

Much like upcoming operating systems from Toyota, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz – known as Arene, VW.OS and MB.OS, respectively – the Hyundai Motor Group has developed ccOS in-house, with assistance from technology company Nvidia.

5

Nvidia will design and manufacture the graphic processing units (GPUs), branded as Nvidia Drive, for ccOS.

The high-performance semiconductor chip – said to allow for “computations at blazing speeds” – will control various aspects of the vehicle, including the infotainment, driver assistance systems, electrical architecture, and integrated cockpit.

“From entry-level to premium vehicles, these fleets will feature a rich, software-defined AI user experience that is continuously updatable through the life of the car,” said Ali Kani, vice president of Nvidia’s automotive division.

Similarly to Tesla and BMW, the Hyundai Motor Group will launch feature-on-demand services in 2023.

5

This will allow customers to purchase selected vehicle functions on subscription after it is manufactured, potentially including heated seats or real-time satellite navigation.

“[The] constantly upgradeable software will provide diverse, stable revenue streams while offering fresh functionality and features to keep customers’ vehicles up to date,” said Hyundai Motor in a statement.

In addition, the company says the evolving and customisable software will bring higher resale values for its vehicles.

The shift to ‘software-defined vehicles’ will see the Hyundai Motor Group invest 18 trillion won (AU$20 billion) into its R&D headquarters by 2030, including a new global software centre.

5

It expects 20 million vehicles will support connected services by 2025 – including vehicles running the existing Hyundai Bluelink, Kia Connect and Genesis Connected Services.

Hyundai Bluelink and Kia Connect launched in Australia earlier this year, supporting remote smartphone access, vehicle tracking, emergency calling and destination send-to-vehicle – but not over-the-air software updates.

The services are currently limited to the 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Kia Niro and Kia Seltos, with the roll-out likely to continue with new software allowing for remote upgrades from next year – including the Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan.