Global Automakers Focus on the 'K-Infotainment System'

Increase in Domestic System Investments and Collaboration with Korean Companies in Telecommunications and Navigation

As autonomous vehicles transform into living room-like spaces, automakers are focusing on enhancing infotainment systems. Photo by Getty Images

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] As global automakers continuously advance connected car and autonomous driving technologies, collaboration with K-Infotainment companies is gaining attention.

According to industry sources on the 16th, as autonomous vehicles transform into moving living rooms, automakers are focusing on strengthening infotainment systems. Infotainment is a compound word of information and entertainment, referring to in-vehicle systems that provide various entertainment options such as navigation information, music, and videos.

According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association, the number of connected cars in Korea, which was around 3.64 million units in 2020, surpassed 5 million units in 2021.

Leading connected car company Tesla has early partnerships with Netflix and offers over-the-air (OTA) software updates and Autopilot updates for autonomous driving. Hyundai Motor Company has built a dedicated connected car software platform (ccOS) and started developing vehicle online video services (OTT) with CJ EnM. Accordingly, the global automaker industry is seeking collaboration with various K-Infotainment companies in telecommunications, navigation, and content platforms that can create synergy to meet the rising expectations of domestic customers.

Mappls Supplies Map Data and Connectivity Technology to Toyota, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz

Mobility map solution company Mappls provides various connectivity solutions based on abundant data and expertise related to in-vehicle navigation, including ▲ map data, ▲ real-time data such as search and routing, ▲ hybrid navigation usable both online and offline, and ▲ high-definition map (HD Map) data, collaborating with imported car brands.

Mappls supplied real-time online routing services to the flagship 7th generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class launched last year. This technology helps drivers navigate the fastest and most accurate routes to their destinations by analyzing real-time traffic conditions. Volkswagen’s new Passat GT and T-Roc models are equipped with Mappls’ domestic map data. Volkswagen has closely collaborated with Mappls to develop next-generation infotainment systems and applied Mappls’ map data to the latest 'MIB3' platform. When using Volkswagen navigation in Korea, drivers receive guidance through Mappls’ map data.

Lexus, Toyota, and Honda have invested in developing Korean-style navigation for several years and equipped domestic models with Atlan navigation software. Honda Korea cited differentiated real-time navigation technology, premium 3D graphics, and stable operation as reasons for choosing Atlan.

Kim Myungjun, CEO of Mappls, said, “Automakers’ demands for map-based real-time data and services, which are core to infotainment such as search, traffic information, and route guidance, are increasing. There is also growing demand for reservation payment systems and electric vehicle services for brand differentiation. We plan to supply more advanced infotainment systems through future collaborations with telecom and content platform companies.”

T Map Mobility Supplies Integrated SKT Infotainment System to Volvo

Navigation service T Map recently attracted attention by partnering with Volvo. The integrated SKT infotainment system, developed with a 30 billion KRW investment for Korean consumers, implements the familiar T Map smartphone interface directly on the Volvo dashboard, greatly enhancing convenience.

Additionally, collaboration with AI platform NUGU allows easy operation of the infotainment system through voice recognition alone. Saying “Aria” followed by a destination starts navigation, and commands like “Aria, play music” or “Aria, it’s cold” operate the system autonomously. NUGU smart home users can control smart appliances such as lights, air conditioners, and robot vacuum cleaners at home through the SKT infotainment system in Volvo vehicles.

Industry insiders expect, “Demand for data and services optimized for domestic roads and user environments will increase more than ever,” and anticipate that K-Infotainment systems will gain more opportunities in the global automaker supply market in the future.