“Find the nearest gas station”... Hyundai Grandeur’s AI reads drivers’ intentions, too

[Financial News] Hyundai Motor Company’s in-vehicle artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving to understand not only drivers’ voice commands but also driving conditions and their intentions. When drivers look for a gas station or rest stop while driving, the system analyzes their current location and route to recommend a convenient place. 42dot, Hyundai Motor Group’s software affiliate, has launched efforts to strengthen its in-car AI services through its first over-the-air software update (OTA).
42dot said on the 30th that it would roll out the first OTA for Gleo AI, its large language model (LLM)-based in-car voice AI agent. The update will be delivered through Pleos Connect, which is installed in Hyundai’s The New Grandeur.
Gleo AI is an in-car voice AI service that 42dot first introduced last May in the New Grandeur. The update focuses on improving features drivers frequently use, including navigation searches, calls and text messages, by incorporating customer feedback gathered since launch.
The biggest change is the integration of AI with navigation. When drivers use voice commands to request a place they want to go while driving, the AI analyzes their intent and context to find a place that is easy to reach along their actual route.
In particular, for facilities where ease of access while traveling matters, such as rest stops, gas stations and restrooms, the system suggests suitable places based on the driver’s current location and distance, without requiring them to specify additional criteria. The service has been improved so drivers can search for a place and set it as their destination using voice commands alone, without operating the navigation screen themselves.
When searching for gas stations, the system also provides prices by fuel type, including gasoline and diesel. If multiple waypoints are set in the navigation system, drivers can use the AI to check information on all the waypoints and the remaining travel time.
In-car communication features have also been enhanced. The update newly supports an on-device feature that uses the vehicle’s text-to-speech (TTS) engine to read out the contents of a text message when requested by voice command. The message is read inside the vehicle without relying on an external server.
Calls and text messages initiated by rear-seat passengers via voice command are restricted to prevent unintended functions from being activated. Bluetooth music playback has also been improved so audio plays smoothly depending on the connection status.
The update is also aligned with Hyundai Motor Group’s software-defined vehicle (SDV) strategy. The aim is to enhance the vehicle’s appeal as a product by improving AI features and providing new services through OTA updates even after the vehicle has been delivered.
42dot has improved features and enhanced quality based on feedback from New Grandeur customers about their actual use of the service, and plans to continue expanding OTA updates, focusing on frequently used AI features.
The Gleo AI update will be distributed wirelessly to the New Grandeur. Once the latest Pleos Connect software is rolled out, drivers can update the system by following the instructions displayed when they start the vehicle, without visiting a service center.

[email protected] Dong-ho Kim Reporter