“Google Maps” for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brand vehicles under the umbrella of the main group is being brought.
Hyundai, which will start using the Android Automotive platform directly in 2026, has entered into a new collaboration with the internet giant Google. Within the scope of this cooperation, the central entertainment system of Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles will be integrated with all their detailed data. It was announced that Google Maps will be added. Hyundai will initially launch Google Maps on Kia vehicles in North America. The app will then be rolled out to Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models sold globally. Before this, an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay statement attracted attention. Hyundaiannounced that it will continue to provide Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support for its vehicles. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems are infrastructures that drivers like and make the connection between phones and vehicles very strong. However, there are also manufacturers who do not like these systems; GM is among those names. The company explains that these systems create security problems as follows:
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“When Apple CarPlay and Android Auto experience problems, drivers pick up their phones again, take their eyes off the road, and this completely defeats the purpose of the phone mirroring system in the central entertainment system. “If drivers could do everything through the vehicle’s internal systems, they would be less likely to pick up their phones and therefore less distracted and safer behind the wheel.” Hyundai, on the other hand, states that it will not remove Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support from its future vehicles. Automobile giants such as Ford and Volvo are also among the companies that support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Hyundai does not want to remove the physical buttons on its vehicles. Ha Hak-soo, Vice President of Hyundai Design North America, said people “When they want to quickly check something but cannot, they become stressed, irritated and angry.” he said. The company conducted research on a control group to obtain information on this subject. He explained that they determined that many drivers want to control vehicle features with physical buttons.
That’s why new vehicles have touch screens as well. Hyundai stated that they will continue to offer physical buttons.is appreciated for this decision. Millions of drivers have long said that physical buttons are safer and easier. The automobile world had begun to eliminate physical buttons, especially with the influence of Tesla. Traditional manufacturers are reversing their decisions, Tesla, on the other hand, is taking firm steps towards eliminating buttons completely. The company’s new vehicles do not even have a gear lever or turn signal lever.