There is a brand that is quietly advancing in the imported car infotainment market: LG Uplus. Not only has LG Uplus developed car infotainment systems, but it has also created Bolt-up electric vehicle charging technology. They are taking bold steps for the future automobile market, positioning themselves against T-map.
Currently, Uplus is applied to brands such as Toyota, Lexus, KG Mobility, and Hyundai. The first brand to implement Uplus’s infotainment was KG Mobility. Beginning in 2020, the Infocon system, jointly developed by KG Mobility and Uplus, was introduced. Infocon is a connected car infotainment system that provides drivers with comprehensive services related to their vehicles, including remote start, vehicle security, and management. KG Mobility has enhanced customer convenience significantly by applying Infocon to all models, including Tivoli, Korando, and Rexton.
After KG Mobility, Uplus has partnered with Toyota and Lexus, expanding into the imported car sector. The first model in this collaboration was the Lexus NX in 2022. Beginning with the NX, Uplus is significantly increasing the number of vehicles, including the Toyota RAV4 and Highlander, that utilize its infotainment systems in 2023.
The infotainment system implemented in Toyota and Lexus is called ‘Uplus Drive.’ Uplus Drive combines streaming apps, podcasts, and U+ exclusive mobile TV. This platform allows users to control IoT devices in their homes equipped with Uplus Smart Home, making it possible to turn off a gas range or other appliances via Uplus Drive even after leaving the house.
But that’s not all. Uplus has also entered the electric vehicle charging space to enhance customer convenience. The name of this initiative is Bolt-up, derived from the installation of EV charging stations on ceilings. As the name suggests, the charging cables are installed in the ceiling, allowing for easy charging in the parking space where the vehicle is parked, rather than requiring a specific charging area.
By installing cables in the ceiling, there’s no need to install chargers in the parking area, so there’s no loss of parking space. Additionally, as the EV cables are suspended from the ceiling, they are hygienic and convenient.
Currently, Bolt-up charging facilities are being established in new Hanwha Foreena apartments, and the charging facilities are gradually expanding. With the addition of car infotainment, IoT, and electric vehicle charging facilities, the automotive industry is paying close attention to how far Uplus can rise against T-map’s stronghold.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr