Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group to Develop Next Generation of In-Car Infotainment
Posted on May 6, 2008
Filed Under Microsoft, Tech Biz, cars
SEOUL, South Korea, May 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Today, Microsoft
Corp. and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) entered into a long-term
agreement to co-develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems.
Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, and Mongku Chung, chairman of HKAG, were
present as Martin Thall, general manager of Microsoft’s Automotive Business
Unit, and Hyun Soon Lee, president and chief technology officer of HKAG,
signed the agreement in Seoul.
Together, Microsoft and HKAG will deliver new and innovative solutions
based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, bringing the future of
in-car technology to Hyundai-Kia drivers worldwide.
“These new systems will redefine consumer experiences in the car,”
Thall said. “Since the spring of 2006, HKAG and Microsoft have been sharing
their vision for the future of in-car technology. We’re now aligned to
develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems.”
“We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to deliver high-performance
infotainment solutions to our customers,” Lee said. “The advanced
capabilities, flexibility and low price point make the Microsoft Auto
software platform an attractive solution for us.”
The first product, a next-generation infotainment system that provides
voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices, will be introduced in
the North American market in 2010. It will further apply to Asian and
European markets, and expand into multimedia and navigation devices. These
easy-to-use infotainment systems will allow consumers to enjoy music in
various digital formats.
The next-generation infotainment systems are comparable to mini-PCs.
Even after product launch, new functions can be added or upgraded in the
form of software program updates, an innovation to existing in-car
multimedia technology.
The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group’s adoption of the Microsoft Auto
software platform increases Microsoft’s presence in the Asian car market
and enhances the global automotive business. The engineering and marketing
teams of Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit in Redmond, Wash., will be
working directly with counterparts at HKAG in Seoul to support this goal.
Microsoft Auto-powered systems are currently available in Fiat Auto Group
vehicles in Europe and South America and Ford Motor Co. vehicles in North
America.
In a related announcement, Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia, along with the
Institute for Information Technology Advancement (IITA), signed a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) to co-establish an automotive IT
innovation center with the goal of promoting innovation and opportunities
for Korean software and device vendors in the global market.
Microsoft Automotive Business Unit
The Microsoft Automotive Business Unit is a dedicated partner to the
auto industry, providing innovative technologies and flexible software
platforms to help deliver simple, more reliable and cost-effective in-car
infotainment systems. Developed closely with automakers and automotive
suppliers, the award-winning Microsoft Auto and Windows Automotive software
platforms connect drivers with a wide range of devices, services and
technology while on the go, including hands-free communication, mobile
device integration, customized navigation and high-fidelity digital
entertainment. More information can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsautomotive/default.mspx.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize
their full potential.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
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