SME fleets ordering Hyundai and Kia models will experience a range of expanding services and performance enhancements over the lifetime of their vehicles.
Announced today by Hyundai Motor Group, which owns both the Hyundai and Kia brands, was a new concept for its vehicles called Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) featuring Over The Air (OTA) updates.
In SDVs, the software becomes integral to the vehicle rather than being bolted on to traditional systems and drivetrains.
All Hyundai and Kia models will be SDVs by 2025 offering enhanced performance and functionality, whether traditional combustion or electric models.
However, new models from 2023 will feature OTAs, even if they do not have the full suite of new technology in the offing.
A senior Kia executive told FleetandLeasing.com:
The first Kia we’ll see that will feature OTAs will be the EV9, an electric SUV, which launches in the UK in 2023. While it won’t feature all the new technology it will have double the range of existing EVs.
OTA software updates would enable SME fleets and business customers to keep their vehicles up to date. The upgrades to performance and functionality would be performed remotely without the requirement to be taken to a dealer.
Fleets will benefit from being able to monitor and manage cars more effectively while adding greater personalisation. The greater range from batteries on a single charge will also be hugely beneficial to fleet drivers.
New Electric Commercial Vehicles From Hyundai And Kia
Hyundai Motor Group says it will be developing two vehicle platforms that are fully scalable to take advantage of SDVs.
The eM car platform promises a 50% uplift in driving range on a single charge compared with current EVs.
The other eS platform will be for the B2B sector and will include electric commercial vehicles.
It will see Hyundai entering the commercial vehicle market again following its iLoad panel van and Kia entering the eLCV sector for the very first time.
By transforming all vehicles to Software Defined Vehicles by 2025, Hyundai Motor Group will completely redefine the concept of the automobile and take the lead in ushering in a never-before-experienced era of mobility.
Creating visionary vehicles empowered with the ability to evolve through software will enable customers to keep their vehicles up to date with the latest features and technology long after they have left the factory.
Main picture shows the Kia EV9 SUV undergoing performance trials. It will enter the UK market next year.
While not a Software Derived Vehicle, it will be the first Kia vehicle to feature OTA updates.
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