Naver to bring Maps, search and Whale browser into Hyundai Motor Group's next-gen in-car system

Naver services to power Hyundai Motor Group's Pleos Connect

The New Grandeur leads rollout, with Avante and other models to follow

Naver Maps, Auto App and Whale to deepen in-vehicle digital experience

Naver's services are heading into Hyundai Motor Group's next-generation software-defined vehicles. The company plans to integrate the Naver app, Naver Maps and the Whale browser into the group's in-car infotainment system, extending the search, navigation and content experiences drivers already use on their phones into the vehicle itself.

Naver announced Friday that it will provide its key services through Pleos Connect, Hyundai Motor Group's next-generation infotainment system.

The two companies are deepening their collaboration to expand AI-powered mobility experiences across Hyundai Motor Group's SDV lineup.

At the 2026 Busan Mobility Show on Friday, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled two new models equipped with Pleos Connect — the New Grandeur and the All New Avante. Naver services will roll out first on the New Grandeur, then extend to the All New Avante and other Pleos Connect-equipped vehicles slated for release later this year.

Through Pleos Connect, drivers will have access to a vehicle-optimized version of the Naver Auto App, Naver Maps and the Whale browser. The integration brings the search, location discovery and content consumption experiences familiar from mobile into the car.

Naver services integrated into Pleos Connect, Hyundai Motor Group's next-generation infotainment system. [Naver]

The Naver Auto App surfaces information tailored to the driver's schedule, interests and current location. A "Today Briefing" feature delivers a quick summary of the weather, top news and upcoming appointments before and after a trip. As a reserved destination draws near, the app links directly to Naver Maps for turn-by-turn directions, and nearby attractions and restaurant recommendations appear alongside the route.

Naver Maps works without a separate smartphone connection, displaying key driving information directly on the vehicle screen. The main view shows predicted destinations, nearby gas stations and a driving score, along with local restaurant suggestions and available coupons.

Predicted destinations are generated from the driver's travel patterns and vehicle status. When fuel or battery levels run low, the system points to the nearest gas station or electric vehicle charging station; during commuting hours, it quickly surfaces routes home or to the office. The feature brings the personalized local-search experience Naver has built on mobile to the vehicle platform.

The Whale browser is also adapted for the in-car environment, letting drivers and passengers access web-based services and content from inside the vehicle. It supports light and dark modes that adjust to ambient brightness, providing a comfortable browsing experience whether the car is moving or parked.

The partnership reflects a broader shift in which vehicles are evolving from simple modes of transport into digital service platforms. As automakers accelerate the transition to SDVs, in-car infotainment systems are becoming hubs for everyday services — search, navigation, content and commerce. Through its collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group, Naver aims to extend its local, search, content and browser services into the vehicle environment.

"Just as Naver has transformed everyday experiences in search, local, shopping and content — first on PC and then on mobile — we want to work with Hyundai Motor Group to deliver new experiences within the mobility ecosystem," Naver CEO Choi Su-yeon said. "As vehicles evolve beyond simple transportation into platforms that naturally connect users' daily lives and digital experiences to create new value, we plan to expand our partnership with Hyundai Motor Group, drawing on Naver's diverse service expertise and technology."

rim@heraldcorp.com