Hyundai & Samsung Partner to Drive Software-Defined Vehicle Innovation

Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor Group have formed a technological alliance to enhance smartphone integration with in-vehicle infotainment systems. Announced on Wednesday, this partnership will allow Samsung Galaxy smartphone users to locate their vehicles and directly control functions such as air conditioning from their devices, tapping into the growing software-defined vehicle (SDV) market.

The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony. Hyundai and Kia will collaborate on the development of a next-generation infotainment system alongside Hyundai’s global software center, 42dot. The partnership seeks to leverage Samsung’s SmartThings, an Internet of Things platform, to advance connected vehicle technology.

Hyundai and Kia drivers will soon be able to control Samsung’s smart consumer electronics through their vehicle infotainment systems. Additionally, Galaxy smartphone users can monitor their vehicles’ real-time driving range and charging status directly from their devices.

This collaboration will help automakers transition into software-defined vehicle (SDV) manufacturers. 42dot, a self-driving software subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, will play a crucial role in enhancing this partnership.

Hyundai and Kia plan to use Samsung’s SmartThings IoT platform to create a global vehicle location tracking service. This service, based on the SmartThings Find platform, leverages a crowdsourced network of millions of Samsung Galaxy devices using Bluetooth Low Energy technology. This connectivity will enable drivers to locate their vehicles more easily in the event of loss or theft.

Cheun Kyung-whoon, head of Samsung Research, emphasized that this partnership will provide customers with the convenience of SmartThings at home and in their vehicles. The aim is to expand the SmartThings ecosystem, offering added value to customers.

The partnership seeks to enrich customers’ mobility experiences by offering personalized services that extend beyond mere transportation. By registering their vehicles within the SmartThings ecosystem, drivers can optimize their home environment—such as controlling air conditioning or air purifiers—while en route. Hyundai Motor Group aims to launch these innovative SDV features as early as 2026, paving the way for a more integrated automotive experience.

At this year’s CES trade fair, Hyundai and Kia showcased their ambition to become the leading manufacturers of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The companies aim to create a user-centered vehicle environment and enhance the connectivity of their next-generation infotainment system, set to debut in 2026. This latest partnership will also introduce additional services, including smart healthcare features that allow drivers to monitor their health through Galaxy’s wearable devices while on the move.

By integrating AI-based services, Samsung plans to expand the use of SmartThings for in-vehicle health monitoring. This will involve utilizing in-vehicle cameras and Galaxy wearables to track the driver’s health and ensure optimal conditions for pets traveling in the vehicle. The collaboration also aims to strengthen connections between vehicles and smart home solutions, enabling seamless “home-to-car” and “car-to-home” services that link smartphones, vehicles, and home appliances.

Hyundai Motor Group will host its 2025 Developer Conference in the first half of next year to further deepen its technological ties. This event will unveil plans for developing software development kits (SDKs), allowing external developers to participate in creating innovative applications for SDVs. The goal is to establish a vehicle app market that enhances the overall in-vehicle experience and solidifies the partnership’s position in the connected car and smart home sectors.

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