Naver and Kakao Navigation Apps Coming to New Hyundai and Kia Models

[Financial News] NAVER Map and Kakao Navi can now be installed in Hyundai Motor and Kia vehicles. This is the first time Hyundai Motor Group has opened its navigation system to third-party apps.
According to industry sources on the 1st, Hyundai Motor Group is introducing a new infotainment system, Pleos Connect, in its new cars. Three navigation apps, including NAVER Map, Kakao Navi and what3words, have recently been added to the Pleos Connect app market. Hyundai and Kia owners can install whichever apps they want, just as they would on a smartphone, and use them like the factory-installed navigation system, even if they choose not to use Hyundai AutoEver’s default navigation. TMAP, the country’s leading navigation service, was left out of the initial lineup. TMAP is reportedly developing an optimized app and is expected to join the platform later.
Pleos Connect is a new infotainment system that Hyundai Motor Group recently began installing in new cars. Apps such as NAVER Map and Kakao Navi can be downloaded and used from the Pleos App Market.
The introduction of Pleos Connect by Hyundai Motor Group is changing how Hyundai and Kia drivers use navigation. At present, unless they use the factory-installed navigation system, drivers connect their smartphone’s navigation app to the vehicle’s display through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Many also used to run TMAP or NAVER Map separately to collect driving records for auto insurance discounts. Now, they can download and run third-party apps from the vehicle’s app market. Pleos Connect is available in models including the New Grandeur, the All-New Avante and the All-New Hyundai Tucson, and will be included in all new Hyundai and Kia models launched in the future.
The navigation industry sees Hyundai Motor Group’s introduction of Pleos Connect as a new growth opportunity. Last year, Hyundai and Kia accounted for 75% of total domestic car sales.

[email protected] Yeon Ji-an Reporter