Hyundai and Kia vehicles to offer advanced Connected Car
functionality over the Bell wireless network starting this
summer
MONTRÉAL, June 8, 2017 /CNW/ -
Bell today announced an agreement with Hyundai AutoEver Telematics
America (HATA), a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, to deliver a
range of connected telematics services including security, safety,
diagnostics and infotainment to select Hyundai and Kia vehicles
over Bell's national mobile network.
Starting this summer, these capabilities will be available in
Hyundai and Kia cars, SUVs and crossovers via Hyundai's BlueLink
and Kia's UVO IntelligenceTM in-vehicle services. Bell's
wireless technology will power safety and security services such as
emergency roadside assistance and automatic collision notification,
and connect a suite of services like remote start, climate control,
local search, remote door lock/unlock, maintenance alerts and
on-demand diagnostics.
"We are proud to be working closely with HATA to help further
enhance the driving experience for Hyundai and Kia customers," said
Gary Semplonius, Vice President of
Business Sales and Marketing for Bell Mobility. "Integrating Bell
wireless technology with Hyundai BlueLink and Kia UVO
Intelligence underscores Bell's place at the forefront of the
Internet of Things (IoT) connected car movement. Our partnership
with HATA will enable exceptional new services that improve the
connected vehicle experience for both drivers and passengers."
"Hyundai's BlueLink brings connectivity directly into the
vehicle, allowing drivers and passengers a seamless technological
experience on the road," said Don
Romano, President and CEO, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
"BlueLink takes advantage of Bell's national mobile network to
reliably deliver a range of services to improve safety, comfort and
convenience for Hyundai customers coast to coast. Customers will
undoubtedly appreciate the capabilities and ease of use of Hyundai
BlueLink and how this cutting-edge telematics service will improve
their drive."
"By adding Bell's reliable and built-in wireless connection, we
can provide our customers with an innovative driving and riding
experience, from safety and diagnostics to the integration of
third-party apps," said Ted
Lancaster, Vice President and COO, Kia Canada. "This built-in mobile experience
will be free for the first 5 years and will enhance our lineup
starting with the 2018 Optima and the all-new 2018 Rio 5-door – a
subcompact Canadian-favourite that has been re-designed and
engineered to deliver an athletic stance, enhanced comfort and
dynamic performance all wrapped in a bold new style."
Bell Mobility has been working with HATA over the last 3 years
to help launch these world class connected car solutions, assisting
in their design, certification, testing and provisioning. Hyundai
will introduce BlueLink services with the 2018 Elantra GT 5-door
compact car, followed closely by the 2018 Sonata mid-size sedan and
other vehicles in the Hyundai line-up. Both Hyundai and Kia
telematics service packages are complimentary for 5 years from
vehicle purchase.
Bell and the Internet of Things
Bell has taken a
leadership position in the fast-growing Internet of Things sector,
which enables the interconnection of a range of devices and
applications that send and receive data. Applications include
connected vehicles, smart city services, smart metering, asset
tracking, supply chain management, security and alarm monitoring,
transportation and logistics, and personal wearables for healthcare
and accessibility applications.
Earlier this month, Bell announced it will launch an LTE-M (Long
Term Evolution, category M1) network in 2018 that will further
improve the efficiency of IoT devices by enabling very low power
consumption and better coverage in underground and other hard to
reach locations. Bell has successfully demonstrated its first LTE-M
application, an asset tracking and monitoring solution for
Emergency Management Service (EMS) workers.
As part of its significant investment in Manitoba, Bell MTS also announced the
Innovations in Agriculture program at the University of Manitoba in May. The unique program
will provide students with opportunities to develop innovative IoT
technologies for application in agriculture and food science.
About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing
broadband wireless, TV, Internet and business communication
services from Bell Canada, Bell
Aliant and Bell MTS. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia
company with leading assets in television, radio, out of home and
digital media. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.
The Bell Let's Talk initiative promotes Canadian mental health
with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's
Talk Day, and provides significant Bell funding of mental health
care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives. To
learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
Media inquiries:
Nathan
Gibson
Bell
905-614-9596
nathan.gibson@bell.ca
@Bell_News
Chad Heard
Hyundai Canada
905-948-6712
cheard@hyundaicanada.com
@HyundaiCanada
Mark James
Kia Canada
905-755-6251
mjames@kia.ca
@KiaCanada
BCE investor inquiries:
Thane Fotopoulos
514-870-4619
thane.fotopoulos@bell.ca
SOURCE Bell Canada