Hyundai Motor India is targeting 1 million connected cars in India by 2027, taking it one step further as connected technologies, software-based features and digital services become increasingly prominent in a fast-growing automotive market.
At present, more than 800,000 Hyundai connected cars are already operating on Indian roads, the company said. Hyundai has also noted that connected-car penetration in their portfolio is growing rapidly, compared to when the company first introduced such technologies more broadly.
Hyundai said connected vehicle penetration in its portfolio is expected to go from 4% in 2019 to about 20% in 2026. The numbers illustrate how fast consumers are becoming comfortable with digital features that allow cars to communicate with smartphones, cloud-based platforms and other connected services.
Connected cars are very much an integral aspect of the automotive world today. Unlike conventional vehicles, connected cars can give drivers access to various digital services that are not available in the car. Remote car monitoring, location services, vehicle diagnostics, emergency services and more are for instance smartphone-based features available for connected cars to use.
For automakers, connectivity is also about software-driven vehicle experiences. And manufacturers are now more and more using software to add features, improve functionality and enhance the ownership experience than mechanical improvements.
Hyundai’s push toward 1 million connected cars reflects this wider transformation in the Indian automobile industry. As smartphone use and digital services grow, more consumers will also be comfortable with technology-based features of their cars.
The company’s connected ecosystem will allow customers to access selected vehicle functions remotely through digital platforms. Connected technologies based on the vehicle and service package can provide information about vehicle status and enable some remote functions, adding convenience to everyday driving.
The growth of connected vehicles is also a benefit for safety. Emergency support and vehicle tracking technologies like emergency help can even be used to assist motorists in some cases. Connected diagnostics can diagnose issues of cars and help owners and service teams work on maintenance and service of vehicles.
Hyundai’s strategy is especially relevant at this time of high technology in the automotive market in India. Automakers are investing in larger infotainment screens and smartphone integration, driver assistance and connected services to differentiate their product.
Software-based vehicles could become even more important in the next few years. Software can allow manufacturers to add new functions, improve existing systems and deliver digital services throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle.
For customers the value of connected technology will depend on how useful and reliable these services are in everyday driving. Network availability, ease of use, data privacy, cybersecurity and subscription costs will be key as adoption expands.
Hyundai’s 1 million connected-car target also demonstrates the company’s confidence in long-term demand for smart mobility solutions in India. With more than 800,000 connected Hyundai vehicles already on the road, the company has a large installed base from which to expand its ecosystem.
The jump from 4% connected car penetration in 2019 to 20% in 2026 is a significant change in consumer adoption. Connected features are no longer niche technologies offered only by high-end vehicles and are starting to become more common within the automotive industry.
The next phase of Hyundai’s connected-car strategy will probably focus on increasing the number of vehicles equipped with these technologies while expanding the range of services available to customers.
If Hyundai meets its goal of 1 million connected cars by 2027, it would mark a major milestone for the company’s digital transformation in India. It would also underscore the increasing importance of connectivity and software in shaping the future of personal mobility.
As more and more Indian customers look for technology-driven vehicles, we expect that connected features will be a big part of their purchase decision-making process as well. Hyundai’s aggressive target shows that it wants to be at the forefront of this transition and to be a leader in the field both in traditional automotive engineering and in digital and software-driven innovation.
