The initiative promises access to details about 250 million places worldwide, including business hours, contact information, and customer reviews. Kia models in North America will debut these updates, with global rollouts to follow across all three brands.
Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform Division, described the collaboration as part of the company’s broader push into software-defined vehicle (SDV) technology. “Hyundai Motor Group is developing technologies in the field of SDV and mobility to provide customer-centered values,” he said. “Our partnership with Google broadens our technological capabilities and delivers greater value to our customers.”
The Group is also integrating Google’s Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), a native software platform embedded into vehicles, unlike Android Auto, which mirrors smartphone functions. The system will provide seamless control of navigation, media, and in-car settings, further positioning Hyundai as a leader in future mobility solutions.
Jorgen Behrens, Vice President of Google Maps Automotive, emphasized Google’s commitment to innovation: “By integrating our extensive database of places into Hyundai Motor Group vehicles, we’re empowering drivers with the knowledge they need to navigate confidently.”
As the partnership evolves, Hyundai Motor Group intends to explore further innovations, incorporating artificial intelligence and next-generation software to enhance driving experiences worldwide.
Android Automotive is a fully embedded, open-source operating system developed by Google specifically for in-car infotainment systems and vehicle controls. Unlike Android Auto, which requires a smartphone connection, Android Automotive runs natively on the vehicle’s hardware, offering seamless integration with features such as navigation, music, climate control, and voice-activated commands. It allows automakers to customize the interface and add brand-specific features while leveraging Google’s ecosystem, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store. Designed to enhance the user experience, Android Automotive provides a dynamic, upgradeable platform that evolves with software updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest technologies and applications.
Android Automotive OS and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.