Dive Brief:
- The 2027 Hyundai Tucson will be the first U.S. vehicle to feature the new Pleos Connect infotainment platform, as announced in an Oct. 1 press release.
- Pleos Connect aims to provide a more intuitive, safe, and personalized experience. Features include a driver-friendly interface, advanced navigation, and an open app ecosystem.
- Eric Wood, SVP of product experience at Hyundai’s software subsidiary 42dot, stated that this platform signifies a shift in vehicle customer experiences, highlighting continuous updates and AI capabilities.
Dive Insight:
- Pleos Connect is based on Android Automotive OS, designed with principles of intuitiveness, safety, and openness. It’s compatible with Hyundai vehicles that have 17-inch or 12.9-inch touchscreens.
- The platform moves Hyundai’s infotainment architecture towards native applications and over-the-air updates, making interactions more intuitive.
- Hyundai plans to roll out Pleos Connect in approximately 20 million vehicles by 2030, starting with the Tucson, which is the brand’s best-selling model in the U.S.
- It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
Built-in Gleo AI Voice Assistant:
- The Gleo AI assistant can process natural language, enabling more conversational interactions for destination searches and route guidance.
- It can help with vehicle functions like climate control and accessing the owner’s manual via voice commands.
Navigation System:
- The Pleos Connect navigation system uses Here Maps and Google Places and can operate in areas with limited data through preinstalled map data. It supports both landscape and portrait modes.
The Pleos App Market:
- The Pleos App Market allows downloading native apps optimized for the vehicle’s infotainment system, offering a range of entertainment, lifestyle, and productivity applications.
- Apps can be updated independently from overall system updates, and Hyundai is developing an API for third-party applications with rigorous cybersecurity measures.
Hyundai is expected to provide additional details about Pleos Connect and the new Tucson as the launch date approaches.
