Kakao Mobility announced on the 24th that it will unveil a ‘connected car’ service that allows vehicle control and driver assistance through wireless networks.
The first connected car service from Kakao Mobility is designed based on the open API provided by Tesla for 3rd party app developers. This enables Tesla owners using the KakaoNavi app to experience various integrated features specifically tailored to their brand, including remote control of their car and information guidance.
To utilize the service, users need to authenticate vehicle ownership in the Kakao T or KakaoNavi app and allow access to their Tesla account. Once completed, the connected car service can be accessed through the ‘My Car Management’ tab within the KakaoNavi app.
The service offers various features, including: ▲ ‘After Blow’ function that dries moisture from the air conditioner after parking the vehicle ▲ ‘Destination Linking’ that automatically shares the KakaoNavi destination with the navigation system in the Tesla vehicle ▲ ‘Charging Station Recommendation’ that suggests the optimal charging stations along the route based on real-time driving distance and ▲ vehicle control and information provision functions like operating HVAC systems, flashing lights, horns, and checking battery status.
For example, if a user searches for a destination and checks the estimated time in KakaoNavi before moving their vehicle, the destination information is automatically sent to the Tesla navigation system, allowing them to receive directions immediately upon entering the vehicle. Additionally, users can pre-activate maximum heating or cooling functions before entering the car, and depending on the battery level, appropriate charging stations are suggested along the route to ensure worry-free travel to their destination.
Kim Jae-hyun, Executive Director of Kakao Mobility’s Car Owner Business Division, stated, “We expect that when Kakao Mobility’s services are connected to vehicles, we can create new customer value in various areas such as driving, charging, maintenance, and insurance.” He also added, “We plan to enhance driver convenience and deliver a differentiated travel experience through various connected car services in the future.”
Meanwhile, Tesla publicly released official API documentation for third-party app developers last October, enabling support for applications beyond the existing Tesla app.
By Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr