Seoul, Dec 12 (IANS): South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor Group said on Thursday it will join hands with Google to strengthen its automotive software system and deliver next-generation navigation and infotainment experiences for drivers.

Under the partnership, Hyundai Motor will adopt Google's Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) and use Google Maps' geolocation information service, called the Places API, to upgrade its navigation capabilities, according to company officials.

Rather than directly applying the Google Maps service in its cars, Hyundai Motor plans to utilise the information provided by the service on some 250 million places across the globe, such as business operating hours, contact info and reviews, to increase the accuracy of its navigation service, the officials explained, reports Yonhap news agency.

The carmaker first plans to apply the advanced navigation service in Kia Corp.'s passenger vehicles to be sold in North America, with a subsequent expansion to the new overseas auto lineups of Hyundai Motor Co. and its luxury brand Genesis.

Hyundai Motor Group has Hyundai Motor and Kia under its wing.

"Hyundai Motor Group is developing technologies in the field of software-defined vehicle (SDV) and mobility to provide customer-centered values," said Song Chang-hyeon, president and head of Hyundai Motor Group's advanced vehicle platform division.

"Our partnership with Google, who helps people find a lot of useful information around the world, will serve as an opportunity for Hyundai Motor Group, broadening our coverage of technology in the mobility market and providing greater values to customers."

Meanwhile, Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai Motor’s high-performance electric vehicle, has been recognised as the industry's best high-performance model at the 2025 China Car of the Year Awards.

The Ioniq 5 N scored 211 points in the awards' high-performance car category, surpassing the Mercedes-AMG C63 SE Performance with 142 points and the Lynk & Co 03++ with 127 points to claim the top honour.