2023.06.07
Hyundai-backed 42dot to set up global software center
By Byun Hye-jin, The Korea Herald - 42dot, a self-driving mobility unit under Hyundai Motor Group, is setting up a global software center for software defined vehicles, or SDVs, aiming to create a foothold in the burgeoning future mobility business.
Users can manage
operations and acquire new features for SDVs primarily through software
updates.
According to a
regulatory filing on Wednesday, the company received a first-phase investment
worth 346.2 billion won ($265.1 million) from the carmaker, who vowed to inject
total of 1.5 trillion until 2025.
The overseas software
center will be at the forefront of Hyundai’s push for vehicular software
development. Such technological development is considered key for enhancing the
driving experience, which includes autonomous driving, the company said.
Details including the location of the center were not disclosed.
Last year, the
world’s third-largest automaker vowed to transform all of Hyundai and its
smaller affiliate Kia's cars into SDVs by 2025 under an 18 trillion won
investment.
“We will focus on
developing Hyundai’s own operating system, a prerequisite for the remote
software updates called over-the-air programming and a successful transition to
SDVs,” said a 42dot official. “Unlike Ford Motor, who pledged to use Google’s
Android operating system in all of its vehicles, Hyundai will be reaching for
higher ground.”
SDVs are like
smartphones on wheels, the official added, stressing that customers can quickly
enjoy the latest service improvement through simple software updates, instead
of buying additional auto parts.
The company plans to
recruit a three-digit number of tech talent from Korea, the US, Europe and
other countries who have background experience in software development such as
autonomous driving, cloud systems and artificial intelligence.
Founded in 2019,
42dot has developed an autonomous-driving shuttle service in partnership with
Seoul City. It was acquired by Hyundai Motor Group in August last year.
Source: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230604000124&np=1&mp=1