BackKia Motors signs agreement with Vodafone to develop telematics opportunities in Europe
- Kia to partner with Vodafone, one of the world’s largest mobile communications companies, to explore opportunities in telematics
- Combination of automotive and IT technologies to produce a new range of automotive services
(SEOUL) February 28, 2011 – Kia Motors Corp. signed an agreement with Vodafone, one of the world's leading mobile communications companies, to explore business opportunities in telematics services in Europe. The initial agreement, which was signed today, is expected to boost Kia’s competitiveness in vehicle IT systems and reach out to a wider customer base in Europe.
Under the agreement, Kia will focus on creating new business opportunities based on automotive IT systems and Vodafone’s existing communications network in Europe. As well as collaborating on the development of new telematics services, Kia will develop new automotive IT solutions by using the telematics infrastructure to build a new customer-oriented telematics business models.
“Through collaboration with the world-renowned mobile communications operator Vodafone, Kia Motors looks forward to providing advanced automotive IT services to its European customers as part of its ongoing commitment to become increasingly competitive in this market,” said Lee Hyun-Soon, Vice Chairman and head of Hyundai-Kia R&D.
“Vodafone’s high-performance mobile networks and simple solutions for managing wireless connectivity on a global basis, mean we are ideally placed to help the Hyundai Motor Group develop a whole range of new services,” said Nick Jeffery, Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone Global Enterprise. “This collaboration is set to deliver an even better driving experience for drivers across Europe.”
Kia is introducing its proprietary, intelligent in-car communications and entertainment system, “UVO powered by Microsoft®, to selected models in the North American market from this year. The system offers drivers a rich telematic experience and a clear competitive advantage, allowing Kia drivers to safely and easily use all of their personal technologies and create personalized in-car communications and entertainment experiences.
About Kia Motors Corp.
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world's premier automotive brands. Over 2.1 million vehicles a year are produced in 13 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries. Kia today has over 44,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of over US$20 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA -- the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation. About Vodafone
Vodafone is one of the world's largest mobile communications companies by revenue with approximately 358 million customers in its controlled and jointly controlled markets as at 31 December 2010. Vodafone currently has equity interests in over 30 countries across five continents and more than 40 partner networks worldwide.
Kia Motors Media Contact:
Michael Choo
General Manager
Overseas Communication
Tel: +82-2-3464-5663
E-mail: mjc@kia.co.kr
Close Pop-Up window