HMG and Kia Launch Kia Connect OTA Updates Subscription Service

In 2018, Kia Corp announced that it would start introducing GT versions of many of its models for high-performance variants. Many of the vehicles that came after have indeed come with a GT-Line or GT trim for more powerful variations, such as the Kia EV6 GT. The EV6 is also a great preview of not only Kia becoming an all-electric automaker, but also an automaker that can design battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) that are also performance cars. Simultaneously, Kia and its parent group (the Hyundai Motor Group) have been moving forward towards a more digital vehicle cabin interior. This is possible due to Kia Connect, currently launching in new Kia models thanks to over-the-air (OTA) updates.

High-Performance Electric Vehicles

Recently, Hyundai Motor and Kia unveiled their “Active Air Skirt” (AAS) technology designed to help battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) go faster and further than ever before. As mentioned above, the EV6, the first all-electric vehicle with no gasoline predecessor, is a little sportier and comes with GT trims. Known as the Kia EV6 GT-Line and the GT trim, both of which are very powerful for BEVs. Now, with AAS technology, such performance can be increased via the minimization of aerodynamic resistance generated during high-speed driving, leading to a better driving range and driving stability of electric vehicles (EVs).

Installed into the front bumper and the front wheels of the vehicle, AAS kicks in at speeds over 50 mph and remains active until the vehicle hits speed below 45 mph. This sounds a lot like multi-displacement system (MDS) technology that shuts off half of the cylinders in V8 engines to conserve fuel efficiency when cruising at steady, high speeds. AAS is just one of the various technologies Hyundai and Kia are applying to increase the performance of their BEVs, such as rear spoilers, active air flaps, wheel air curtains, wheel gap reducers, and separation traps.

Kia Connect

Another innovation from Kia is the Kia Connect system. Originally announced in 2021, Kia Connect was designed to give consumers more control over their vehicles and various ways to configure user interaction. It started with various features added to 2022 model year vehicles, such as 4G LTE-based internet, Connected Routing with real-time maps and predicted traffic, Last Mile Navigation for, Smart Speaker Integration (Amazon Alexa or Google Home), Connected, enhanced voice assist functions, 911 Connect and Enhanced Roadside Assistance with 24/7 roadside assistance, and Find My Car when equipped with a Surround View Monitor. Kia Connect would eventually grow into a store that allowed consumers to download apps like a smartphone and personalize their consumer-car experience.

First launched on the Kia EV9, more consumers will be able to unlock the Kia Connect Store by using the Kia Connect App. Able to choose from various features, add-ons, and services to install, consumers can get upgrades like Remote Smart Park Assist 2.0, acceleration Boost, music streaming, entertainment, personalization, driver assistance, navigation, and performance enhancement. To keep consumers connected and keep upgrades convenient, Kia will also be launching a subscription service to enable over-the-air updates to keep Kia vehicles up to date with the latest technology, software, and features. This service will also be available to 2022 model-year vehicles with Telematics equipped.

“The launch of the Kia Connect Store and the subscription service brings a new level of flexibility and personalization to vehicle ownership…When before a vehicle left the production plant with limited ways to make it better, we are now producing technologically advanced vehicles that not only can be improved and enhanced over time but maintain their value and newness through updates that happen while the vehicle is being driven.” – Olivier Pascal, General Manager Connected Cars at Kia Connect

Want to learn more about what the Kia Corp and Hyundai Motor are working on next? Follow along with us on Miami Lakes Automall social media.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media