Hyundai OnStar Device May Launch at CES

The next car maker to take on OnStar may be Hyundai Motor America, whose cars have been selling like hot cakes in the U.S. While many of us are roaming the aisles at the Consumer Electronics Show this coming January, wondering where all the car stereo booths went, Hyundai is expected to simultaneously launch a telematics system, reports Roger Lanctot of Strategy Analytics. Least anyone underestimate the “drive” of this company—think Toyota back in the 70s. “Hyundai’s goal is nothing less than to become the most loved, most trusted and highest satisfaction mass market automotive brand,” says Lanctot.
Hyundai is also planning to deliver its new Equus luxury sedan with an iPad pre-loaded with the car’s owner’s manual and service scheduling application, says the analyst.
Lanctot expects that Hyundai may even launch its On-Star rivaling system during CES, trying to muscle in on Ford’s strategy of positioning its Sync as a consumer electronics product. “The 2011 CES is shaping up as a significant automotive technology launch pad as rumors of Apple- and Google-branded cars are swirling in the industry seven months in advance of the event.” Whoa. What?! We’ll investigate and let you know if anything turns up.
Meanwhile, more on Hyundai as the car company to watch.
Hyundai sales are up 51% year-to-date over 2009
It’s the 7th largest brand in the U.S and it expects to surpass Dodge for 6th place by the close of this year
It’s the 4th largest OEM globally
It ranks 4th behind Lexus, Porsche and Cadillac in quality according to J.D. Power
It’s Genesis won 2009 Car of the Year.
If it’s savvy enough to give out iPads, let’s see what kind of On-Star-like system Hyundai will come up with.
–Amy Gilroy
Source: Strategy Analytics

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