The carmaker said it would collaborate with leading global IT and networking companies to develop its ‘Hyper-connected and Intelligent Car’ concept, with research and development focused on bringing new values and efficiencies to the lives of customers.

Hyundai added that: “The ‘Hyper-connected and Intelligent Car’ goes beyond converging communications technology and the vehicle to become a ‘High-Performing Computer on Wheels’. This is a concept of connecting the car to other cars, the office and to the city. In other words, Hyundai will connect cars to life.”

Announced just after Toyota revealed its connected collaboration with Microsoft, the roadmap sets out four main service fields. In the short- to mid-term, Hyundai will concentrate on technologies related to smartphone connectivity and Smart Home Services, while establishing the core infrastructure that will provide the foundation for future developments.

The main areas of R&D focus include in-vehicle networks for high-speed transfer of large amounts of data, and cloud technology to collect vehicle data and provide computing power.

Hyundai said it will also research big data analytics that will allow large data sets to be used effectively, and it will invest in connected car security.

The mid- to long-term development focus includes a range of key features, including: smart remote maintenance services – which will remotely diagnose and fix vehicle issues before they become apparent, autonomous driving, Smart Traffic and a connected Mobility Hub that provides security and data management for all elements of the connected car.

According to research published last month, the number of connected cars to grow to 160 million by 2020.

Hyundai added: “The car is the last frontier to bridge the missing link in future connected life. Hyundai Motor Group’s connected car roadmap will accelerate the development of new technologies that help place mobility at the center of customers’ lives.”