Kia and Hyundai Bring Google Search to DriversCars News

In-car telematics is important in every segment. While automakers like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla are quickly bringing the familiarity of Google Maps to their vehicles, Kia and Hyundai may be getting the leg-up. The Korean brands have announced a new partnership with Google that will bring the search giant’s Google Send-to-Car, local search and voice search, to each of their telematics systems.

 
The first vehicle to receive the second generation UVO eServices telematics system with Google functionality will be the new 2014 Kia Sorento, which is expected to go on sale during Q1 of 2013. With features like Send-to-Car, drivers will be able to send a point of interest or destination to their car directly from Google Maps via their smartphone UVO app.

 
“The newest iteration of the UVO platform is a breakthrough as one of the industry’s first mobile pure app-based telematics systems, and now with the Google solutions and APIs, we take the platform to yet another level of enhancement for the Kia customer,” said Henry Bzeih, head of the connected car program and chief technology strategist, KMA.  “Due to the popularity and ease-of-use of Google Maps, owners can remain confident in the technology and information being delivered to them.”

 
Other UVO enhancements include improved music control thanks to the system’s Digital Jukebox. Other UVO eServices features include 911 Connect, enhanced Roadside Assist, Automatic Diagnostics, Manual Diagnostics, Scheduled Diagnostics, vehicle maintenance, and eServices Guide, many of which are run through the owner’s Smartphone equipped with the UVO eServices app available at no charge.

 
Hyundai is also brining Google Maps application programming interfaces (APIs) to its Blue Link telematics platform. The automaker will show its latest telematics system at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next week. With Google’s help, Hyundai believes it can elevate its position as a technology and infotainment leader. Likewise, Google sees the addition as a way to make Hyundai and Kia vehicles more user-friendly.

 
“We’re always looking for ways to make it easier for people to discover more relevant information to help them make informed choices — whether that’s where to go for a coffee, or where to take dry cleaning,” said Tarun Bhatnagar, head of Enterprise Geo at Google. “It’s great to see that more drivers now have access to fresh, web-based content while on the go with the Hyundai Blue Link Google Maps integration.”

 

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