Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group to Develop Next Generation of In-Car
Infotainment
SEOUL, 6 May /PRNewswire--AsiaNet/ --
New partnership will globalise innovative in-car infotainment.
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 programme 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,
Washington, 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 centre 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, customised navigation and high-fidelity digital
entertainment. More information can be found at
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and
solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)
Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 16,000
people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and
territories.
This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp disclaims all warranties and
conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any
time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of
contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of
the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty.
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