Hyundai Motor Group has officially introduced a bold new software-focused brand: Pleos. Announced during a developer event in Seoul, South Korea, this strategic move represents the automaker’s commitment to transforming the vehicle experience through software-defined innovation.
Pleos: A Vision for Connected Mobility
Pleos is positioned as the technological backbone of Hyundai’s future mobility ecosystem. As stated by Chang Song, President of Hyundai and Kia’s Advanced Vehicle Division, the initiative reflects the company’s pivot toward providing cloud-connected, software-centric transportation experiences. This marks a continuation of Hyundai’s software-defined vehicle (SDV) strategy that began in 2023.
“With Pleos 25, we begin our transformation into a software-first mobility provider,” Song said. “Our goal is to achieve Cloud Mobility—where all forms of transportation are interconnected via the cloud and evolve continuously.”
Expanding Hyundai’s Software Capabilities
The Pleos platform spans multiple domains within the Hyundai Group, including high-performance chip and controller development, operating systems, infotainment, cloud infrastructure, and fleet logistics. These capabilities are designed to support a wide spectrum of features such as real-time analytics, autonomous driving, and connected vehicle ecosystems.
Through Pleos, Hyundai aims to accelerate the rollout of AI-driven features and scalable network infrastructure. This directly supports advancements in how AI is reshaping network operations in the automotive sector.
Autonomy at the Forefront: Roadmap to Level 2+
A standout announcement was Hyundai’s “Roadmap to Level 2+ Autonomous Driving” for passenger vehicles by 2027. While Level 2+ is not formally defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, it refers to hands-off, eyes-on systems—similar to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving and GM’s Super Cruise.
Pleos will power this evolution using AI-powered decision-making, vehicle-optimized neural processing units (NPUs), and deep learning models. These technologies aim to convert Hyundai vehicles into adaptive, self-learning machines that improve over time.
Strategic Industry Alliances
Hyundai is teaming up with global tech leaders like Google, Uber, and Samsung to enhance its SDV capabilities. One of the most ambitious projects is the “Next Urban Mobility Alliance,” which aims to unify public and private sectors in deploying a cloud-based autonomous transport framework.
Under this initiative, Hyundai will supply electric vehicles, development kits, and technical support to autonomous tech providers. The IONIQ 5 is already operating as a robotaxi in Las Vegas and is slated for deployment in Dallas and Waymo’s fleet by 2026.
Next-Gen Infotainment and Developer Ecosystem
Another highlight includes a next-generation infotainment system based on Android Automotive OS, set to launch in 2026. Designed with a smartphone-like interface, the system is expected to be installed in 20 million vehicles by 2030.
Pleos Playground will further open Hyundai’s ecosystem to third-party developers. By offering access to vehicle APIs, cloud services, analytics platforms, and accessories, Hyundai is fostering innovation for future Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models.
A New Era of Software-Defined Mobility
Hyundai’s unveiling of Pleos signals a transformative shift in how automakers approach mobility. By embedding intelligence and connectivity at the core of its vehicles and infrastructure, the company is laying the groundwork for a smarter, more adaptive transportation future.
From autonomous taxis to cloud-based fleet management, Hyundai’s software revolution is not just redefining car manufacturing—it’s reshaping the entire mobility industry.
