At Hyundai Motor Group‘s global forum dubbed “Unlock the Software Age,” the Korean automaker announced plans to transform its entire lineup of vehicles into software defined vehicles, or SDVs, by 2025.
The changes will apply to both gas-powered and electric vehicles across all brands and will allow Hyundai to use over-the-air (OTA) updates to improve and evolve its cars. The group has already committed to spending 18 trillion Won, roughly 12.5 billion USD, to accelerate SDV development and fund a new Global Software Center.
Over-the-air updates are a common feature of many vehicles but often have limited capabilities, like simple infotainment system upgrades. Only a handful of companies, such as Tesla and NIO, use OTA updates for software and firmware.
Hyundai says its planned improvements will provide owners personalized services, safety, and software subscriptions. The automaker says it can use connected car data for future mobility applications, including Purpose Built Vehicles, Advanced Air Mobility, robotaxis, and robots.
The South Korean company expects to transform every vehicle by 2025 and aims for 20 million vehicle registrations to its Connected Car Services by that date. Additionally, all new vehicles from 2023 onward will be equipped with OTA capabilities. Starting next year, drivers will have access to Feature On-Demand services and a menu of customizable functions.
Hyundai says that upgrading vehicle connectivity will enable the automaker to collect data throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle.
“Hyundai Motor Group’s data platform will not only be simply for driving. It will also play an important role in enhancing the convenience and diversity of the customer’s mobility experience by engaging throughout the vehicle’s entire life cycle,” explained Eunsook Jun, Executive Vice President and Head of the ICT Innovation Division at Hyundai Motor Group.
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