Retail News CRM

Tag: cars

  • Biggest car rental company heading to Vietnam

    Biggest car rental company heading to Vietnam

    Vietnam is the first stop for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Asia, after 85 locations in Europe and the Americas. The world’s largest car rental servicer, Enterprise Holdings, recently announced that its Enterprise Rent-A-Car service is now available in Vietnam. The move is part of Enterprise Holdings’ goal to expand its car rental services across the Asia Pacific region.

    Enterprise Rent-A-Car will operate in Vietnam through its Vietnamese franchise partner MP Logistics.

    Cuong Dang, general director of Enterprise Rent-A-Car Vietnam, said the company currently has 300 rental cars, from 5 to 47 seaters, available in Ho Chi Minh City. The service is scheduled to be expanded to Hanoi and central Da Nang City in the first quarter of 2019.

    Rent-A-Car’s initial strategy will be to grow a base of corporate customers, foreign employees of multinational companies with operations in Vietnam. The initial emphasis will be on long-term rentals with a chauffeur.

    Later, it will expand its services to include short-term, chauffeur-driven options, self-drive rentals and leisure hire at popular tourist destinations likes Da Nang.

    Cuong said he believes that there is great demand in Vietnam’s car rental market but inadequate supply, and that in the future, this market will thrive.

    There are two reasons Vietnam’s car rental market will grow, he said.

    First, FDI growth will be maintained for the next 10 years, which will attract an increasing number of foreign workers.

    Second, the middle class is seeing strong growth. The younger generation does not accord much priority to saving to buying luxurious cars and big homes, but tend to pay more attention to quality of life and experiences, and as such would be more willing to rent cars.

    However, Cuong noted that the Rent-A-Car model brought to Vietnam would take longer to recoup capital and profits than in the U.S.

    “The price of buying a car in Vietnam is twice that in the U.S., but the rental price is the same in both markets, so the business risk will be higher,” Cuong said.

    Todd Prister, regional director for the Enterprise Franchise Asia-Pacific said that the company is excited about the potential of Vietnam’s economy.

    “Vietnam not only has one of the highest growth rates in the world as well as attractive business markets, but also is a prominent destination in Southeast Asia. Combining these factors, Vietnam will be a brilliant opportunity for us,” said Todd.

    Enterprise is the largest car rental company in the U.S. and is the 13th largest private enterprise in the country.

    Todd Prister said Enterprise is also the largest car rental company in the world in terms of vehicles owned, employees and sales.

    The company is present in 85 countries, 10,000 locations, owns over two million vehicles and has an average annual turnover of about $22 billion.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Hyundai’s Palisade premiers at LA Auto Show

    Hyundai’s Palisade premiers at LA Auto Show

    The Palisade, Hyundai Motor’s latest effort to rework its lineup in the direction of globally-popular SUVs, was premiered at the 2019 LA Auto Show on Wednesday. Chung Eui-sun, Hyundai Motor’s executive vice chairman, was in attendance. The eight-seat vehicle is the biggest model in Hyundai Motor’s SUV lineup, which includes the small Kona, the midsize Tucson and the Santa Fe.

    The vehicle “looks good,” Chung said after the introduction at the LA Convention Center.

    When asked if the Palisade will boost sales in the U.S. market, Chung replied “it remains to be seen” and estimated the carmaker’s sales target next year to be “similar to this year’s or a little more than that.”

    Hyundai Motor, with its sedan-oriented lineup, is seen as being behind the curve with its a-bit-too-late SUV launches. In attending the event in LA, Chung missed the launch of the Genesis G90 in Korea, suggesting that the priority lies with the Palisade.

    With a spacious interior and convenient features throughout the three rows in the back, the Palisade has been developed to suit families.

    “From the driver’s seat to the third row in the back, [the Palisade] suits contemporary customers who have a desire for individual space while also providing comfortable space just like home,” Brian Smith, chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor America, said at the press event Wednesday.

    The car is equipped with a roof air ventilation system, which circulates the air inside the car from the first row to the third row to enhance the air quality. It enables passengers in each row to control the air conditioning on their own. There are USB ports for charging electronic devices in each row as well.

    Two engine types are available: the 2.2-liter diesel and 3.8-liter gasoline. Hyundai Motor started taking preorders in Korea on Thursday and will launch the vehicle officially in December. It will launch in the United States next year.

    The diesel version price starts at 36.2 million won ($32,300) and the gasoline model 34.7 million won.

    Kia Motors, an affiliate of Hyundai Motor, premiered the fully-revamped version of its Soul at the LA Auto Show. It unveiled the electric version of the car as well as the Niro EV.

    The new Soul and the Soul EV will launch in Korea and in global markets in the first quarter of next year.

    Some hefty SUV models from global carmakers were on display at the LA Auto Show. BMW premiered the X7 SUV and Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Maybach GLS, the first SUV model under the premium Maybach label.

    Lincoln, a premium Ford brand, unveiled the seven-seater, three-row Aviator SUV, and Jeep showcased the Gladiator, a midsize pick-up truck.

  • SsangYong launches Rexton Sports in Latin America

    SsangYong launches Rexton Sports in Latin America

    SsangYong Motor, the Korean unit of Indian carmaker Mahindra & Mahindra, said Wednesday it has launched the Rexton Sports sport-utility vehicle (SUV) in Latin American markets to boost sales. SsangYong Motor launched the Rexton Sports SUV in Chile in September, Ecuador in October and Paraguay in November, following its launch in Europe in the second and third quarters.

    The carmaker plans to introduce the car in Africa and Middle Eastern markets in early 2019.

    Lees ook:

  • BTS to promote new Hyundai Palisade SUV

    BTS to promote new Hyundai Palisade SUV

    Global K-pop sensation BTS has been chosen as the face of Hyundai Motor’s new large Palisade SUV, which will premiere at the upcoming LA Auto Show. The carmaker said Tuesday that it has appointed the seven-member boy band as the global ambassadors for the vehicle. The group will introduce the car in a video to be shown at the auto show today.

    According to Hyundai Motor, the group’s explanation will focus on the large SUV’s spacious interior and the convenient features found throughout its three rows of seats.

    “Hyundai Motor appointed BTS as the global brand ambassador of the Palisade as the K-pop group was considered the most suitable to introduce the new vehicle that is throwing the gauntlet down in the large SUV market,” the company said in a statement Tuesday.

    “The group will be able to deliver the greatly spacious interior of the Palisade, which is able to accompany seven to eight people.”

    Hyundai Motor said it would live stream the premiere on the automaker’s Facebook page. It will also post a range of videos featuring BTS and the Palisade on its social media accounts.

  • Renault wants Posco auto steel in Morocco

    Renault wants Posco auto steel in Morocco

    French carmaker Renault has asked Korean steelmaker Posco to enter the Moroccan market and supply automotive steel, a person familiar with the issue said last Thursday. Renault approached the world’s fifth-largest steelmaker by output in early 2017 as part of its strategy to diversify its supply of steel, the source said, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak on the record about internal discussions.

    Renault relies on ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker, for automotive steel.

    Posco has told Renault that the two sides will delay formal discussions on the issue, noting that it has no immediate plan to enter the North African country, said the person, who is in a position to know about the situation.

    “Posco could use Morocco as a gateway for exporting its steel products to Europe without tariffs as Morocco has a free trade agreement with the EU,” the person said.

    Last year Maghreb Steel, a Moroccan maker of flat steel products, asked Posco to invest in it and provide necessary technology.

    A Posco spokesman confirmed that Renault made the request and Posco reviewed it, but said Posco has not moved forward, citing market conditions.

    The official said he had no knowledge on Maghreb Steel’s request for Posco investment, and asked not to be named, citing policy.

    Officials of Renault and Maghreb Steel were not immediately available for comment.

    In July, the EU said it would impose tariffs of 25 percent on 23 categories of steel products if imports exceed a three-year average.

    The provisional safeguard measures – which can remain in place for a maximum of 200 days – are meant to protect the EU steel industry against a surge of imports following the U.S. imposition of tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum.

    The European Commission plans to make a final decision by early 2019, at the latest, and said definitive safeguard measures may be imposed if all conditions are met.

    Posco declined to give any details on its steel exports to the EU.

    Renault is the third-largest customer of Posco’s automotive steel, according to the person.

    Renault Samsung Motors – whose 79.9 percent stake is held by the French carmaker – uses Posco’s automotive steel for 99 percent of auto production at its plant in Korea’s southeastern port city of Busan.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Hyundai AutoEver plans IPO

    Hyundai AutoEver plans IPO

    Hyundai AutoEver, an ICT affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, plans to go public on the Korean stock market, a move seen as a preliminary step to the group’s restructuring. The company said it submitted an application for preliminary screening to the Korea Exchange on Thursday. NH Investment and Securities will oversee the deal. “In time for the paradigm shift such as the fourth industrial revolution, [the initial public offering (IPO)] is to enhance the company’s competitiveness in digital technology as well as the company’s awareness, in addition to further secure investment for research and development,” the company said.

    Hyundai AutoEver was established in 2000 as a B2B company that develops a range of auto software systems related to connected and cloud services. It posted 1.1 trillion won ($971.4 million) in revenue last year with 52.1 billion won in net profit.

    In addition to fortifying the company’s competitiveness, the IPO is expected to relieve more than one risk at Hyundai Motor Group once it restarts its governance restructuring scheme. The company’s internal trade with other Hyundai affiliates accounted for more than 80 percent of its revenue last year.

    Kim Sang-jo, head of the Fair Trade Commission, has been pushing chaebol to eliminate trade among affiliates.

    Domestic fair trade law regulates family members of chaebol from owning more than 20 percent of the group affiliate’s shares. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun slightly missed the spot by owning a 19 percent stake in Hyundai AutoEver, yet the latest push for an IPO is seen as a move to eliminate any possible risk of controversy.

    The public listing of the company is also expected to help Chung secure more funds required for the future governance restructuring as it will encompass numerous spinoffs and mergers.

    Hyundai Motor Group initially released a restructuring scheme back in March that never got off the ground due to a negative response from the market.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Electric vehicles, new tech focus of NAP 2019 in Malaysia

    Electric vehicles, new tech focus of NAP 2019 in Malaysia

    The National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2019 will be unveiled in the first quarter of next year, and will place emphasis on electric vehicles and new technologies, according to Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Dr Ong Kian Ming.

    “The main focus then (NAP 2014) was on energy efficient vehicles (EEVs) and now we are moving much more towards electric vehicles and new technologies,” he said after delivering his keynote address at Kuala Lumpur International Automotive Conference 2018 today.

    “But we have to discuss with the relevant stakeholders first and make sure that we fine-tune the details, so that the needs of the whole industry are taken care of,” he added.

    Ong said his ministry together with some key companies in the automotive sector, are currently reviewing the policy, which was first introduced in 2006 to transform the domestic automotive industry.

    Furthermore, he said the revised policy, which will also include the development of the third national car project, will overlook the entire automotive ecosystem, encompassing four key pillars of connected mobility, Industrial Revolution 4.0, new generation vehicles and artificial intelligence.

    “When we talk about the third national car, we need to look at it at a holistic perspective. So let’s not just focus on the third national car project, which is an important component of the NAP review, but also look at the entire ecosystem. This ecosystem needs to be further enhanced and developed to take into consideration of new trends, such as the newly launched Industry 4.0.

    “With the new technologies coming in, including the possibility of self-driving cars, more rapid advancement in electric vehicles and necessary ecosystems such as batteries and charging stations, it is timely to review this particular sector,” he noted.

    To date, Ong said, the ministry has received over 20 proposals on the third national car project, from various sub-sectors, comprising small to large companies in the automotive sector, which include some “big players”.

    He noted that the ministry has developed a matrix to analyse and evaluate these proposals, in order to make a fair, transparent and comprehensive choice.

    “One of the deciding factors would be the financial sustainability of the project as the government will not be funding this third national car project as noted in Budget 2019,” Ong added.

    Meanwhile, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said in conjunction with the event that the association is hopeful that the government would continue to focus on the components emphasised in NAP 2014, including the EEV initiative.

    “Future technology is good, but we would also like them to continue to emphasis on EEV that has helped the industry. We would also like to see long-term policies rather than short-term (policies) and more consultations with the industry,” she added.

    Themed “Beyond Mobility: Moving Sustainably”, the two-day conference, which is organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli) and MAA, aims to bring together industry experts and leading players to share views concerning the automotive industry and ecosystem roadmap beyond 2025.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Hyundai’s Palisade performs great in snow

    Hyundai’s Palisade performs great in snow

    On Tuesday, Hyundai Motor said that its Palisade SUV will come with a new feature dubbed Snow Mode that is designed to help the vehicle navigate snowy terrain by redistributing power to its wheels. The Palisade, Hyundai Motor’s new large SUV, is slated to launch later this month.

    The new vehicle will be the first SUV in Korea to come with Snow Mode or an equivalent function, according to Hyundai Motor.

    The system helps redistribute driving power to the wheels so that a car stuck on a snowy road can regain traction.

    A video posted on a Hyundai Motor blog on Tuesday shows the Palisade crossing uneven snowy terrain. At one point, the car’s left rear wheel is left spinning in the air, but the Snow Mode quickly recognizes the lack of traction and transfers the driving power to the other wheels. Later in the video, power is shifted to the right rear wheel to give the vehicle a boost, enabling it to get back onto the road.

    The carmaker said the SUV model has been tested on 6,000 kilometers on snowy terrain in Arjeplog, Sweden over the past two years.

    The large Palisade SUV will launch on Nov. 28 at the LA Auto Show.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Benz shows new C-Class sedan and it’s diesel

    Benz shows new C-Class sedan and it’s diesel

    Mercedes-Benz Korea is still committed to diesel despite a global shift to eco-friendly engines, such as hybrid or electric units. The Korean section of the German premium carmaker premiered a partially revamped model of its flagship C-Class sedan in Incheon on Friday, equipped with a diesel engine.

    The C-Class sedan is one of Mercedes’ biggest models, having sold 9.5 million units worldwide since its introduction in 1982. Korea is the seventh largest market for the C-Class.

    Although not a fully revamped version, some 6,500 parts, including engine parts, have been upgraded, the company said.

    On Friday, Mercedes-Benz Korea showed a C 220d model with a four-cylinder OM 654 diesel engine, an interesting approach considering the industry’s shift to zero emissions.

    “This diesel engine’s CO2 emissions are 15 percent less than the petrol engine [with the same 2.0-liter capacity],” said Jochen Betsch, head of advanced engineering diesel at Daimler, who gave an extensive presentation on the upgraded diesel engine at a press event Friday in Incheon.

    Even while shedding 16 percent of its weight, the new engine added 24 horsepower to generate a maximum of 194 horsepower and torque of 40.8 kg.m.

    “It gets quite obvious that Daimler has strong commitment for diesel,” Betsch said.

    Dimitris Psillakis, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea, said a version with a gasoline engine will launch in the first half of next year, followed by a plug-in hybrid engine.

    “A diesel engine has its strong points with performance and even CO2 emissions,” Psillakis said. “It is important to offer all the options out there to our customers.”

    The press event Friday included an extensive presentation on the upgraded diesel engine, a move that many saw as a reference to rival BMW diesel models that experienced a spate of fires in Korea last summer. Psillakis, however, denied such speculation, saying the “customers have the right to know about the improved features of the new diesel engine.”

    The new C-Class’ official fuel efficiency wasn’t disclosed.

    Its price starts at 55.2 million won ($48.9 thousand).

  • Vietnam’s VinFast presents models, prices

    Vietnam’s VinFast presents models, prices

    VinFast, a subsidiary of Vietnam’s biggest private firm Vingroup, presented three models and their prices at its maiden show in Hanoi Tuesday afternoon. Its five-seat sedan Lux A2.0 and seven-seat SUV Lux SA 2.0, which had already been revealed to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show last month, cost VND800 million ($34,305) and VND1.136 billion ($48,709) respectively.

    The smaller hatchback Fadil, presented for the very first time, costs VND336 million ($14,410).

    These prices are exclusive of a 10 percent value added tax.

    The company said it was announcing favorable prices for the “initial phase.” The original prices of the hatchback, the sedan and the SUV are VND423 million ($18,140), VND1.336 billion ($57,300) and VND1.818 billion ($78,000) respectively, it said.

    VinFast surprised industry insiders by completing its first two units, the SUV and the Sedan, within one year.But VinFast did not say for how long the promotional prices will last or how many cars will be produced in the initial phase.

    Its first two models are built on frames from BMW. Their components have been engineered by Canadian firm Magna International’s Magna Steyr, while design work was done by Italian design house Pininfarina.

    The small hatchback, Fadil, meanwhile, was developed from the background of the Opel Karl Rocks model in the European market. Its structure is almost equivalent to the latest Chevrolet Spark generation.

    Attending the exhibition, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said building strong Vietnamese brands means promoting patriotism, self-reliance and self-esteem and building a consumer culture in Vietnam.

    “I hope more Vietnamese companies and entrepreneurs follow in the footsteps of VinFast to express an aspiration to dominate the domestic market and reach out to the international level.”

    Vietnam’s population is around 93 million, larger than South Korea, but car consumption is only around 300,000 units a year, he said. Previously, Mike Dunne, an independent industry analyst who has spent more than three decades in Asia, said that he doubted VinFast cars would generate much demand in a country with an average income of $2,385 last year.

    While there is little doubt the market would grow, it won’t happen fast enough to absorb VinFast’s production, planned at 250,000 vehicles annually, he added.

    There are only 358 businesses in the auto industry in Vietnam compared to 2,500 in Thailand, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Over 90 percent of auto parts are imported, it added.

    Lees ook:

  • Malaysia’s October vehicle sales up 0.5% to 47,273 units in Oct

    Malaysia’s October vehicle sales up 0.5% to 47,273 units in Oct

    Vehicle sales in October 2018 were up marginally 0.5% to 47,273 units from 47,041 units in the same month a year ago, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA). However, MAA said the sales volume in October 2018 was 51% higher than September 2018, due to availability of stocks replacing the depleted post-zero Goods and Services Tax (GST) period.

    In addition, it said year-to-date, the total industry volume (TIV) was 6% higher than the similar corresponding period in 2017.

    The sales volume for November 2018 is expected to be slightly better than October 2018 on the back of new model launches and aggressive year-end promotional campaigns, it added.

    Lees ook:

  • New Santa Fe designed for China

    New Santa Fe designed for China

    Hyundai Motor premiered the latest version of its Santa Fe SUV at an international auto exhibition in Guangzhou on Friday in its latest move to try and woo Chinese buyers. It also rolled out a reshuffle of its Chinese business. Vice President Lee Byung-ho was promoted to president of Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors’ China Business Division, the carmaker announced Friday.

    The automaker showcased the fourth-generation Santa Fe, which has been strategically modified for the Chinese market. The new edition is the most futuristic Santa Fe on the market anywhere in the world, including the models sold in Korea.

    After hitting rock bottom in the past two years due to diplomatic tension over the deployment of the U.S.-led Terminal High Altitude Area Defense antimissile system in Korea, Hyundai Motor has been slow in recovering sales in China. In the third quarter, it sold 177,000 units, a 6.2 percent year-on-year drop.

    Hyundai Motor said it has installed a fingerprint scanner on the door – a global first – allowing owners to lock and unlock the door without a car key. The fingerprint scanner can also turn on the engine and automatically adjust the seat and side mirror to the owner’s liking.

    The new version is also bigger than the latest Santa Fe that launched in Korea in February.

    The length was extended by 160 millimeters (6.3 inches) and the wheelbase by 100 millimeters, enlarging the space for the second and third row passengers. Other smart car technology included in the vehicle is similar to the version available in Korea.

    The car is equipped with a Rear Occupant Alert system that alerts the driver when a passenger is left behind in the back seat through ultrasound detection. It is the first time Hyundai Motor has installed such a system in cars launched in China.

    The Santa Fe is also equipped with Safe Exit Assist, which prevents collisions with oncoming traffic when exiting the vehicle.

    The car is also equipped with voice recognition through a partnership with Chinese IT giant Baidu.

    “The latest Santa Fe stands in the center of Hyundai Motor’s continuous attempts and innovation toward the ever-changing needs of the customer,” said Beijing Hyundai in a statement. “The Santa Fe will bring about changes in the premium SUV market in China with its top-notch safety and smart car features.”

    The car will go on sale starting in the first quarter of next year in China.

    Hyundai Motor set up a 1,820-square-meter (19,590-square-feet) booth at the Guangzhou International Auto Exhibition where its latest lineup of 18 cars, including a concept version of the large Grandmaster SUV and N series vehicles, such as the Veloster N and i20 WRC, were on display.

    It also showed off its hydrogen-powered Nexo SUV.

    The auto exhibition in Guangzhou runs from Saturday to Nov. 25.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Vietnam’s 2018 monthly car sales highest in October

    Vietnam’s 2018 monthly car sales highest in October

    October sales of 28,899 cars made it the best month of the year so far, according to Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA). This was 3,811 cars more than the 25,088 sold in September or a 15 percent rise, a VAMA report says.

    October sales of passenger cars by VAMA members climbed 25 percent month-on-month to 21,288.

    During the same period, sales of commercial vehicles dropped 7 percent to 7,096 and that of special-purpose vehicles were up 31 percent to 515, the report says.

    While 17,599 domestically assembled cars were sold in October, up 2 percent, the number of imported completely built units (CBUs) sold was 11,300, up 46 percent over September.

    Toyota remained the leading brand last month, with sales rising 30 percent over the previous month to 8,426 units.

    Truong Hai (Thaco) group, local assembler and distributor of brands such as Kia, Mazda, Peugeot and Hyundai, and a significant player in the commercial vehicle segment, reported a 29.2 percent rise over September in group sales to 8,175 units.

    Compared to September, Ford’s sales were 9.2 percent higher at 2,574 units; while Honda sales rose 12.4 percent to 3,475 units.

    In the first 10 months of the year, VAMA members sold a total of 223,326 vehicles, up one percent over the same period last year.

  • Transport giant to withdraw capital from leading HCMC taxi firm

    Transport giant to withdraw capital from leading HCMC taxi firm

    In an apparent u-turn, transport giant Tracodi has approved divestment of its 30 percent stake in Vinataxi. Just months after saying it intends to increase its stake in Vinataxi, renew its fleet and install driver software, the Transport and Industry Development Investment Corporation (Tracodi) has decided to pull out.

    Tracodi has authorized Nguyen Thanh Hung, its general director and vice chairman, to seek investors and negotiate a transfer price not lower than the net present value of Vinataxi shares calculated according to book value.

    Vinataxi is a joint venture between Tracodi and electronic component distributor Tecobest Hong Kong, established in 1992. In 2003, Tecobest transferred capital management rights to ComfortDelGro, the leading public passenger transport operator in Singapore.

    According to the consolidated financial statement of the third quarter, Vinataxi occupied the third largest market share in Ho Chi Minh City with a chartered capital of VND113 billion ($4.84 million). Tracodi’s initial investment value was approximately VND34 billion ($1.46 million) in the joint venture.

    Tracodi’s capital withdrawal is in stark contrast to the plan announced by its board at its annual general meeting mid-June. Then, the corporation announced it wanted to negotiate raising its ownership ratio in Vinataxi to 49 percent, and coordinate with ComfortDelgro Savico Taxi, a joint venture between ComfortDelgro and Saigon General Service Corporation, to renew their fleets and install driver software.

    Tracodi’s management board estimates the firm will reap net profit of VND8 billion ($342,916) from its taxi business line this year with its combined fleet of over 300 cars.

    In 2017, revenues and after tax profit of Vinataxi reached over VND47 billion ($2.01 million) and VND1.2 billion ($51,431) respectively.

    Lees ook:

  • Hyundai to offer connected cars in Europe

    Hyundai to offer connected cars in Europe

    Hyundai Motor is introducing its connected-car system in Europe in partnership with Vodafone next year. The carmaker and affiliate Kia Motors signed a memorandum of understanding with Vodafone at the company’s British headquarters on Monday to roll out the service, Hyundai Motor said.

    Its Blue Link connected-car platform will be available in cars launching in Europe in the latter half of next year. The system will utilize Vodafone’s network. Kia’s Uvo connected-car system will be available in new cars sold in Europe in the first half of 2019.

    The connected-car service will offer real-time traffic information as well as information about nearby parking lots. It will also enable the remote detection of the car’s location as well as anti-theft features.

    Voice-recognition will be available in partnership with Nuance, a U.S. company. In Korea, that service is available in partnership with Kakao.

    Vodafone is one of the leading telecom companies in Europe, with 120 million users on the continent. It is established in 51 countries globally.

    The Blue Link service offered in collaboration with Vodafone will be available in eight European countries, including Britain, Germany, France and Spain. Ultimately, it will be available in 32 European countries.

    Europe is the fifth region where Hyundai Motor has introduced its connected-car service. It is already available in Korea, the United States, Canada and China.

    In July, Hyundai Motor partnered with Chinese IT firm Baidu for the introduction of connected-car services. In the United States, it is working with AT&T, and in Canada it utilizes the Bell network.

    “The latest collaboration will enable European customers to use the high-tech service,” said Suh Jung-sik, senior vice president of Hyundai Motor’s ICT department in a written statement. “The connected-car service will launch from early next year and be expanded in the future.”

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook: