Kia kooperiert mit Samsung. Foto: Kia

Internet of Things – IoT: Strategic partnership between Kia and Samsung

Kia Corporation and Samsung Electronics have agreed a strategic partnership to introduce new Internet of Things (IoT) solutions in Kia’s PBV vehicles. Sangdae Kim, Head of PBV Division at Kia, and Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President of B2B Integrated Offering Centre at Samsung Electronics, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Kia EV Day 2025 in Tarragona, Spain, marking an important step towards redefining the user experience of PBV customers inside and outside the vehicle. The cooperation is in line with Kia’s comprehensive ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ strategy. This envisages expanding the role of PBVs beyond transport to include customised business solutions that can be integrated into broader digital ecosystems.

Kia will integrate Samsung’s SmartThings Pro IoT platform into its PBVs. This will enable connected devices and technologies to be controlled wirelessly via a ‘plug and play’ service. This solution enables business customers to integrate and manage IoT-enabled devices without complex installations by simply connecting them via a smart plug.

Seamless networking of PBVs and business environment
By integrating SmartThings Pro into its PBVs, Kia enables automated networking between vehicles and business premises. The integration allows B2B customers to configure business routines and activate the appropriate routine based on the destination entered in the PBV’s in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system. This allows external business processes to be managed and monitored seamlessly and securely while on the move.

For example, if the owner of a small bakery enters a nearby supermarket as a destination, the pre-programmed business routine activates an ‘ingredients shopping mode’. In addition, the vehicle’s internal cooling system is automatically set so that the goods remain fresh during the journey. As soon as the ingredients have been purchased and the shop has been set as the destination, ‘shuttle mode’ is activated. It allows owners to prepare the shop before arrival by switching on devices such as the air conditioning or exterior lighting. They can also use a smart to-do list that includes, for example, checking inventory and replacing filters so that they can prepare the shop for operation without staff.

After closing time, owners can activate a ‘closing mode’, which ensures that the shop’s devices are switched off, energy-saving measures are taken and safety management is carried out automatically. In addition, they receive real-time notifications via the infotainment system while driving if unusual activity is detected or if maintenance work is required, for example in the event of equipment malfunctions.

Another example of the technology’s functionality is the ‘unmanned operation mode’, which allows hospitality businesses to remotely handle check-ins and check-outs, unlock room doors, control appliances and optimise air conditioning settings. Even while travelling, owners can monitor room interiors and exteriors using the infotainment system and retrieve guests’ reservation information to perform remote check-ins and check-outs.

SmartThings Pro will work with AI-driven pattern recognition to recommend and refine automated business routines. At the same time, PBV owners will be able to monitor and control these functions directly from the vehicle’s infotainment system or via a tablet.

PBV business solutions for B2B customers worldwide

In addition to the integration of SmartThings Pro, Kia and Samsung plan to develop specialised IoT solutions tailored to the specific needs of PBV business customers from various industries. As part of this partnership, the two companies will initially launch services for small business owners and the self-employed as pilot projects. Further down the line, they will then develop IoT product lines specifically for PBVs as well as work on bundled solutions tailored to the needs of B2B customers. Kia and Samsung also aim to develop new business models and expand their service offerings for B2B customers globally.

The broader integration of technologies driven by the partnership between the two companies will enable a seamless service that connects mobility, technology and business. This co-operation confirms Korea’s high reputation in the field of smart technologies and reinforces Kia’s commitment to developing smart and efficient mobility solutions.