Kia Corporation said it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 42dot, parent Hyundai Motor Group’s (HMG) software unit, and Canadian technology company Geotab to establish a global connected vehicle partnership.

This strategic collaboration, based around Kia’s purpose built vehicle (PBV) operations, aims to “integrate advanced data solutions with enhanced in vehicle technology to deliver innovative systems that support safety, sustainability and efficiency for fleets worldwide”.

Kia said the partnership aimed to develop software for a new fleet management system (FMS) that would become a “core differentiating factor” for its PBVs.

Geotab and 42dot would collaborate on the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) driven FMS that enables fleet customers to use advanced data insights. The partnership would include development of an in vehicle application using the MyGeotab platform and Kia’s PBV In Vehicle Display App Store.

Geotab chief revenue officer, Louis De Jong, said in a statement: “By integrating our data insights and AI capabilities with Kia’s automotive technology and 42dots's data expertise, customers will receive enhanced value for their operations including access to quality data insights that drive improved cost management, safety and sustainability.”

Sangdae Kim, head of the PBV business division at Kia, said: ‘’Kia is partnering with Geotab and 42dot because this collaboration is essential to the strategic growth of our PBV business. We aim aims to offer the best in class fleet management solutions that optimise fleet operations and lay the foundation for PBV software capability. As we launch our first PBV next year, we will provide a total mobility solution including both connect ready vehicles and FMS solutions to fleet customers for greater operational efficiency and safety.”

Sangseok Lim, head of AEV platform engineering division at 42dot, added: “By combining our vehicle data platform and intelligent fleet safety technology, based on autonomous driving and software defined vehicles, we are creating an advanced FMS designed to meet both the current and future demands of fleet operators, ensuring their long term success.”

Kia said it would also collaborate with Geotab to provide cloud to cloud data services, adding: “This will enable customers to leverage OEM-embedded data without the need to install a separate device and prepare for the launch of the PBV lineup, the PV5 and PV7 models. Europe will be the first region to benefit from the collaboration, where a co-branded FMS platform will be offered with the launch of our first PBV models next year.”