Kia drivers will soon receive data from Google Maps.
For now, Google Maps data will be used, and later on, Android Automotive will be implemented.
Hyundai and Kia have announced their intention to integrate Google Maps data into the infotainment platforms of their current vehicles. This transition will take place before both brands switch to using the Android Automotive operating system. According to the provided information, Hyundai, Kia, and their luxury brand Genesis will implement the Google Maps Platform Places API to incorporate 250 million points of interest into the existing navigation software.
Kia will be the first to receive the new data integration in North America, with plans for "subsequent expansions" to other Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models worldwide. These changes are part of an ongoing collaboration with Google aimed at accelerating the development of what Hyundai defines as "software-defined vehicles" (SDV).
Hyundai has been consulted regarding the possibility of existing models in circulation also receiving Google Maps data through a software update, and an update will be provided as soon as a response is received. So far, the navigation application used by these companies has primarily relied on points of interest data provided by digital mapping company TomTom. Additionally, Tesla is one of the automakers that also operates its own navigation software in a closed system, although it makes use of the Places API for mapping data.
However, both Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis will follow the industry's general trend of adopting Google's Android Automotive operating system, which will enable native use of the Google Maps application and provide support for apps from the Google Play Store.
