Hyundai is quickly evolving into much more than just a traditional automaker. After launching its new software brand and tech platform, “Pleos,” Hyundai promises a new era of high-tech, software-defined vehicles. The advanced new software will be used for the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands.
Hyundai launches new Pleos brand and tech platform
The global auto industry is rapidly transforming, with buyers increasingly looking for more sustainable, more advanced options.
After introducing Pleos at its developer conference in Seoul on Friday, Hyundai Motor Group outlined how its game-changing new mobility software brand and tech platform will transform the Korean auto giant into much more than just a carmaker.
Stemming from the Greek word “Pleo”, meaning more, and “OS,” for operating system, Hyundai’s new Pleos brand is all about high-tech, connective software.
Hyundai has been developing software-defined vehicles (SDVs) since 2023. However, according to Chang Song, president and head of Hyundai and Kia’s Advanced Vehicle Platform Divison (AVP), Pleos promises much more.
“Starting with Pleos, we are transforming into a company providing software-centered mobility experience,” Song said at the event.
He explained that the ultimate goal is to “achieve Cloud Mobility.” In other words, everything will be connected through software on the cloud and will improve over time.
A new platform for next-gen vehicles
As an end-to-end software platform, Pleos integrates everything from the infotainment system (Pleos Connect), Vehicle Operating System (OS), and cloud infrastructure.
Hyundai’s new tech stack unlocks new smart functions. Think things like autonomous driving, optimized route planning, real-time data analysis, and more.
The stack includes Hyundai’s new electrical and electronic (E&E) architecture, an in-house vehicle operating system, and Pleos Connect, its next-gen infotainment system. Hyundai said that combined, it will “enable vehicles to serve as efficient and flexible software platforms.”
Powered by its E&E platform, Hyundai’s new OS combines high-performance vehicle computers and zone-specific controllers. The tech enables its vehicles to improve over time with continuous updates and added functions.
Hyundai’s next-gen infotainment system, Pleos Connect, is an Android-based system with a “smartphone-like UI.” It includes features like multi-window functions and an AI voice assistant.
The first vehicle with Pleos Connect is scheduled to arrive in Q2 2026. By 2030, Hyundai Motor Group (including Kia and Genesis) plans to have more than 20 million vehicles powered by its next-gen infotainment system.
By 2027, Hyundai plans to introduce Level 2+ autonomous driving. Through cameras and radars, the system can detect the vehicle’s surroundings and use AI deep learning to make more complex decisions. Hyundai said, “The Group intends to evolve its vehicles into self-learning and continuously advancing learning machines.”
Hyundai is working with global partners, including Samsung Electronics, Google, Naver, and others, to advance the technology. Check back soon for more details.
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