Hyundai, Kia ink deal to make car infotainment system

Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. signed a deal with Intel Corp. on Monday to develop an enhanced in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) platform system. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) reached in Seoul calls for the joint development of a platform that can allow users to receive entertainment contents, as well as location-based and social network services in their cars, the carmakers said. Under the pact, Intel will be in charge of making a mobile IVI platform, and developing related applications and software, while the two South Korean carmakers will be tasked with using the technology in the vehicles they make. Hyundai and Kia are the flagship companies of Hyundai Motor Group, the world's fifth-largest vehicle manufacturer. Intel, a global leader in information technology (IT), in addition, will share its virtual reality knowhow in IVIs. C&S Technology Inc. -- a South Korean company dedicated to making automotive non-memory semiconductors and the third partner in the MOU -- will be responsible for making the necessary computer chips needed for the future infotainment system. The non-memory company will work with Hyundai and Kia to make input and output hubs and integrate Intel's technology for actual use. "The MOU aims to fuel growth of next generation IT products for vehicles that can meet growing consumer requirements for both driving related information and entertainment contents," said Hyundai vice chairman Yang Woong-chul. He said Hyundai and Kia decided to work with Intel because the company holds a competitive edge in the image and sound data processor fields. Through close cooperation, the senior executive said efforts will be made to reduce costs and streamline the manufacturing process. The agreement signing ceremony, meanwhile, was held earlier in the day, and attended by Yang, Intel Vice President Ton Steenman and Kim Dong-jin, chairman of C&S Technology.