Hyundai to sell half mil. 'connected cars' in US
By Kim Yoo-chul
Barry Ratzlaff, director of Hyundai Motor America
LAS VEGAS - Korea’s auto giant Hyundai Motor will step up efforts to strengthen its foothold in the rising “connected car” market in the United States with plans to sell more than 500,000 of such cars this year, according to an executive of the carmaker’s U.S. unit.
In a recent interview with The Korea Times, Barry Ratzlaff, director of the connected car division at Hyundai Motor America (HMA), said that it’s ready to be a major player in the market as its Blue Link connected cars are offering brand new features.
A connected car refers to a vehicle that is equipped with Internet access, and also a wireless local area network. Blue Link is Hyundai’s fully integrated multimedia navigation system using a connected mobile phone to gather information such as traffic and information updates
``In 2013, Hyundai should sell more than 500,000 connected vehicles in the United States as we see more connected vehicles this year,’’ said Ratzlaff during the interview on the sidelines of the International Consumer Electronics Show that ended in Las Vegas, Friday.
Hyundai has sold around 300,000 connected cars in the U.S since it unveiled such vehicles in June 2011.
One of the noticeable trends of last week’s International CES exhibition was the rise of connected cars amid industries’ convergence move.
The executive said the company will expand its connected car lineup from premium to affordable sedans to achieve this year’s sales goal.
``We are adding Equus, Tucsan and Elantra models for connected cars this year,’’ Ratzlaff said.
``Hyundai is quite confident to meet this year’s goal,’’ he said, adding cars are no longer just a motorized solution to let people get from point A to point B.
According to the executive, vehicles can now help protect drivers, direct drivers and connect drivers.
``In the last few years, the connected car has moved from concept to car showroom, so if you’re not in the show, it’s worth getting caught up.’’
Ratzlaff said partnerships with Google and other major wireless companies are strengthening. ``Google executives came to our booth with strategic meetings with Hyundai and Hyundai’s decision to use Google Maps and API on our connected cars is representing our higher appetites to grow connected cars.’’
He continued; ``Hyundai has Verizon Wireless and many key strategic parts-sourcing companies including those from hardware manufacturers to content providers, though I can’t talk more about our clients.’’
The executive stressed Hyundai has a lot of respect for all of its rivals.
``For major car manufacturers in the United States, they are performing dramatically better. I don’t think any one company has a clear advantage in this connected car business. Many industry people say our Blue Link is successful in terms of fundamental and we have to keep innovating.’’
Regarding the firm’s brand awareness in the U.S., he said, ``Hyundai has rapidly improved vehicle design and technology and quality. We don’t really have product problems. American customers have realized how wonderful our vehicles are.’’