South Korea`s top wireless carrier KT Corp. will add its music streaming service to the in-car infotainment system of Tesla electric vehicles to be sold in the country, joining its local rivals SK Telecom and LG Uplus in a race to win the connected car service market.

According to industry sources on Thursday, KT and U.S. electric vehicle giant Tesla plan to sign a contract to employ KT’s Genie Music streaming service to all Tesla vehicles in Korea within a month.

With the partnership, Tesla drivers will be able to enjoy the music streaming service connected to the in-car infotainment system using KT’s LTE and 5G networks without using smartphones.

A connected car is equipped with own internet connectivity usually via a WLAN that allows the car to communicate bidirectionally with other systems both inside and outside the car.

In-vehicle infotainment (IVI) is the key to the connectivity, enabling drivers and passengers to enjoy super high-definition contents and high-quality audio in cars. Partnership between a telecom company and a finished vehicle maker is essential to provide the service.

KT aims to accelerate its foray into the connected vehicle market with the IVI feature this year by combining its 5G network technology with media and content capacity.

Partnership with finished vehicle makers has expanded fast. Its Genie Music streaming service will go on Genesis GV70, the second SUV of Hyundai Motor’s luxury marque, and then to G80 and GV80. With Mercedes-Benz, KT is working on joint development of connected car service.

Renault Samsung Motors also applied Genie Music streaming service with Podcast and navigation to its vehicles and plans to add an artificial intelligence-based auto assistant feature that gives drive recommendations with in-vehicle temperature, humidity and air quality management option within the year.

Currently, total 14 car brands have applied KT’s connected car service in Korea, and the telecom company is seeking to attract more clients this year.

KT and Tesla reportedly are also seeking to enhance cooperation in the connected car service area. Industry insiders expect KT will provide tailored infotainment system by adding its voice-activated GiGa Genie AI feature on Tesla cars.

Other local wireless carriers also are active in expanding the connected car business. SK Telecom supplies its IVI system to BMW, Volve and Jaguar, while LG Uplus has been working with Peugeot on connected car services.

By Lim Young-sin, Lee Jong-hyuk and Lee Ha-yeon

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]