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Hyundai unveils Pleos <b>Connect</b> for software-defined <b>vehicle</b> architecture

Hyundai Motor has introduced Pleos Connect, a new in-vehicle infotainment platform, which will debut on the Grandeur sedan in South Korea later this month. The platform is the group’s first major release under its move to a software-defined vehicle architecture. Discover B2B Marketing That Performs Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms. The company intends to roll out the platform across approximately 20 million vehicles spanning the Hyundai Motor, Kia and Genesis marques by 2030, with longer-term ambitions centred on what it terms artificial intelligence–defined vehicles. Central to the system is Gleo AI, a voice assistant built on a large language model. The assistant supports simultaneous processing of multiple commands, context-aware interpretation, web search functionality, and direct control of vehicle systems such as climate and navigation. It is also capable of identifying the origin of commands within the cabin, enabling zone-specific responses to different occupants. Hyundai Motor feature & CCS sub-division senior vice president and head Jongwon Lee said: “Pleos Connect is a next-generation infotainment system that offers customers an elevated mobility experience by combining a mobile-friendly platform with advanced AI technology. With the new Gleo AI and an open app market, users will experience the limitless potential of future mobility.” The cockpit layout features two screens. The primary display is divided into a driving information panel, an application zone and a shortcut bar for frequently used functions. A secondary, narrower screen sits within the driver’s eyeline, presenting speed, media and navigation data. Steering wheel and dashboard-mounted physical controls are retained alongside the touchscreen interface, and a three-finger gesture allows drivers to reposition or dismiss application windows without redirecting their attention from the road. Hyundai said the navigation system has been redesigned based on analysis of existing user behaviour, with a modular

Hyundai unveils Pleos <b>Connect</b> for software-defined <b>vehicle</b> architecture

Hyundai Motor has introduced Pleos Connect, a new in-vehicle infotainment platform, which will debut on the Grandeur sedan in South Korea later this month. The platform is the group's first major release under its move to a software-defined vehicle architecture. The company intends to roll out the platform across approximately 20 million vehicles spanning the Hyundai Motor, Kia and Genesis marques by 2030, with longer-term ambitions centred on what it terms artificial intelligence–defined vehicles. Central to the system is Gleo AI, a voice assistant built on a large language model. The assistant supports simultaneous processing of multiple commands, context-aware interpretation, web search functionality, and direct control of vehicle systems such as climate and navigation. It is also capable of identifying the origin of commands within the cabin, enabling zone-specific responses to different occupants. Hyundai Motor feature & CCS sub-division senior vice president and head Jongwon Lee said: “Pleos Connect is a next-generation infotainment system that offers customers an elevated mobility experience by combining a mobile-friendly platform with advanced AI technology. With the new Gleo AI and an open app market, users will experience the limitless potential of future mobility.” The cockpit layout features two screens. The primary display is divided into a driving information panel, an application zone and a shortcut bar for frequently used functions. A secondary, narrower screen sits within the driver's eyeline, presenting speed, media and navigation data. Steering wheel and dashboard-mounted physical controls are retained alongside the touchscreen interface, and a three-finger gesture allows drivers to reposition or dismiss application windows without redirecting their attention from the road. Hyundai said the navigation system has been redesigned based on analysis of existing user behaviour, with a modular layout enabling maps and other applications to run concurrently. Route guidance draws on live traffic data sourced from connected vehicles

MG S6: an upscale EV with a reasonable price tag

Cars and TransportationGlobal issuesMG S6: an upscale EV with a reasonable price tagTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 videoCars and TransportationGlobal issuesEmmanuel Schäfer04/30/2026April 30, 2026From the feel at the wheel to interior design and everyday usability, the MG S6 aims to carve out its place among popular electric SUVs. We put it to the test on European roads.https://p.dw.com/p/5D4IfAdvertisement

Hyundai Motor Group redefines in-<b>vehicle</b> experience with 'Pleos <b>Connect</b>' next-generation ...

- Pleos Connect, a next-generation infotainment system, will launch in May as Hyundai Motor Group’s first Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) transition deliverable - The system will debut on Hyundai Motor’s new GRANDEUR in Korea, followed by a phased global rollout; IONIQ 3 first European model to feature Pleos Connect - By 2030, the Group aims to deploy Pleos Connect in approximately 20 million Hyundai Motor, Kia and Genesis vehicles - Its intuitive UX combines a central widescreen, a slim forward display and physical buttons for convenient and safe vehicle control - The advanced navigation system offers intuitive, data-driven route guidance with online maps, seamlessly integrating with Gleo AI - Gleo AI, an integrated agent powered by a large language model, enables voice control for vehicle functions, route assistance and information searches - The App Market provides an open ecosystem for music, video and web browsing, extending the mobile experience into the car SEOUL, April 29, 2026 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today unveiled Pleos Connect, a next-generation in-vehicle infotainment system designed to fundamentally transform the customer mobility experience. As the first major step in the Group’s transformation into a software-centric mobility leader, Pleos Connect is built on three core development pillars—intuitiveness, safety, and openness—to combine a mobile-friendly user environment with advanced artificial intelligence (AI), creating a highly scalable and intuitive platform. The system will receive continuous feature and performance enhancements via over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The system will debut on the new GRANDEUR in Korea in May, followed by a phased global rollout, including the recently unveiled IONIQ 3 in Europe. The Group aims to equip approximately 20 million Hyundai Motor, Kia and Genesis vehicles with Pleos Connect by 2030, reinforcing its leadership in future mobility solutions. “Pleos Connect is a next-generation infotainment system that offers customers an elevated mobility

Tesla's Electric Semi Truck Enters Mass Production | auto <b>connected car</b> news

The photograph Tesla posted to X on Wednesday showed a sea of workers in a cavernous Nevada factory, with the blunt silver nose of an electric truck barely visible at the back of the frame. The caption read simply: “First Semi off high volume line.” Nine years after Elon Musk stood onstage and promised a revolution in long-haul freight — and seven consecutive missed production deadlines later — the Tesla Semi has begun rolling off an industrial-scale assembly line for the first time. The milestone, confirmed Wednesday by the company, represents more than a manufacturing achievement. It signals a potential structural shift in North American trucking, a $900 billion industry that has run almost exclusively on diesel since the Interstate Highway System was built, and which has watched the electric vehicle wave crash over passenger cars while leaving heavy freight largely untouched. “The pilot units that PepsiCo drove for four years were the proof,” said one industry analyst who has tracked the program since its unveiling. “This is the product.” A Factory Built for Scale The Semi is now being produced at a dedicated 1.7-million-square-foot facility adjacent to Gigafactory Nevada in Sparks, a plant Tesla spent years constructing while its electric truck program remained in a kind of suspended animation — outpaced by the demands of its passenger car business and constrained by battery cell shortages. That bottleneck has been addressed with characteristic Tesla verticality. The 4680 battery cells that power the Semi are manufactured within the same complex, eliminating the supply chain dependency that forced the company to deprioritize the truck for years while it allocated cells to the Model 3 and Model Y. The factory is designed for an annual capacity of 50,000 trucks — a figure that would represent roughly 20 percent of the entire North American

Slotkin, Moreno introduce bill intended to ban <b>connected vehicles</b> from China, other countries in U.S.

Slotkin, Moreno introduce bill intended to ban connected vehicles from China, other countries in U.S. A bill intended to prohibit the sale and import of so-called connected vehicles from China, Russia, North Korea and Iran within the United States has been introduced in the House. The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 was sponsored by Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Michigan, and Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, and announced by their offices on Wednesday. The expressed intent is to prevent locations and personal data of American motorists from being accessed by China or other foreign adversaries through the use of connected vehicles and their technology systems. The bill would invoke its restrictions in stages, starting with software and vehicle rules in 2027 and adding hardware rules in 2030. China alone exports nearly 8 million vehicles a year and is increasingly targeting new markets for its products, the bill's supporters say. "Chinese cars are surveillance packages on wheels, with the ability to collect on American citizens and sensitive sites," Slotkin said. The technology used by connected vehicles can collect data such as location, operational, and personal information. The bill says these conditions, should networks be based in certain countries, "pose an unacceptable threat to the security and resilience of the United States." "As Europe, Mexico, and others allow their markets to be overrun by Chinese predators, the U.S. must act before it's too late. The answer is simple: Chinese vehicles can never be allowed into the U.S. market — the fate of the American auto industry and countless autoworkers depends on it," Moreno said. The senators' press release included statements from Ford Motor Co., General Motors and the United Auto Workers. "We commend Senators Moreno and Slotkin on their bipartisan work to protect the U.S. industrial base. We look forward to working with Congress

VW is open to Chinese automakers sharing plants in Europe, CEO Blume says

April 30, 2026 06:59 AM EDT Featured Stories Detroit 3 expect nearly $2.3 billion in tariff refunds, helping offset Iran war costs GM and Ford raised their 2026 guidances because of the refunds, which stem from a February Supreme Court ruling that many of President Donald Trump's tariffs were unconstitutional.

International Debuts 'My International' <b>Connected</b> Platform to Centralize Fleet Data, Service ...

International Motors is rolling out a new connected digital ecosystem designed to bring fleet operations, vehicle health, and dealer communication under one roof. Called My International, the platform combines telematics data, service workflows, and remote vehicle controls into a single interface accessible via desktop or mobile app. The company says the system is built to give fleets, drivers, and dealers a shared, real-time view of vehicle status and service needs, helping shift maintenance from reactive to proactive stance. “This is a simplified way of doing business with us,” said Fabio Souza, executive vice president of Service Solutions. “My International brings everything our customers rely on into one connected system, helping them prevent downtime instead of reacting to it.” International Positions Itself as a Solutions Provider With the launch of My International, the OEM is leaning further into its role as a full-service solutions provider rather than just a truck manufacturer. The platform addresses a long-standing pain point for fleets: fragmented systems. Many operations rely on multiple portals, vendors, and communication channels to manage vehicles. My International aims to consolidate those into a single, streamlined environment while leveraging factory-installed connectivity. It also integrates with leading telematics service providers, allowing fleets to pull data from multiple sources into one platform for a unified, real-time view of operations. At its core, My International functions as a centralized command center that connects vehicle data with dealer service systems. When a truck needs attention, the system: - Alerts the fleet manager - Identifies the nearest preferred dealer - Enables direct communication to schedule service The platform also provides visibility into warranty coverage, service contracts, and repair status for all stakeholders, reducing the information gaps that can extend downtime. Through the mobile app, users can monitor vehicle performance, manage service events, and remotely adjust certain vehicle

Suits &amp; Settlements-The <b>Car</b> Pro Legal Roundup

In this week’s Suits & Settlements, you’ll find the following reports: GM OnStar Privacy Lawsuit Moves Forward on Wiretap Claims. General Motors must face key portions of a proposed class action alleging its OnStar system improperly collected and shared drivers’ data, after a federal judge in Georgia allowed core wiretap claims to move forward while trimming other allegations, according to Law360. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of an estimated 16 million drivers, claims GM and its OnStar unit intercepted and disclosed driving data — including location and vehicle usage — without proper consent, potentially violating federal and state wiretapping laws. U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash ruled Wednesday that plaintiffs plausibly alleged unlawful interception of electronic communications, allowing those claims to proceed, while dismissing certain ancillary counts that failed to meet legal thresholds. The case is part of a growing wave of litigation targeting automakers and tech providers over how connected vehicle data is collected, used, and monetized, particularly as vehicles become increasingly software-driven. Plaintiffs allege the data was shared with third parties, raising broader privacy concerns that echo similar scrutiny faced by other automakers and insurers exploring telematics-based services. GM has not admitted wrongdoing and is expected to continue fighting the claims as the case moves forward. The ruling keeps alive one of the more significant legal challenges yet to the automotive industry’s handling of driver data, an issue that regulators and lawmakers have begun examining more closely as consumers demand greater transparency and control over how their information is used. Bugatti Dealer vs. Bugatti Lawsuit Expands: Fraud And Retaliation Claims. A Miami Bugatti dealership has expanded its lawsuit against Bugatti of the Americas, alleging retaliation, fraud and multiple violations of franchise law after the automaker stripped it of warranty repair authorization, according to Automotive News. The complaint says Bugatti

What data your insurance app collects and how to limit access to it | Fox News

Are insurance apps watching you? Auto and health insurance apps may track driving, location and fitness data. Here is how to control what they can access {{#rendered}} {{/rendered}} Most people download an insurance app for a simple reason. They want a discount. Maybe it is a safe driving program. Maybe it is a wellness incentive. Either way, the pitch sounds simple. Share a little data and save a little money. But what exactly are you sharing? Jan emailed us with a question that many people have probably wondered about: "To get lower insurance, they have the app, and I use Travels, but I know other ones have it. When I opened it up, I noticed that it looks like they can access your health information and all kinds of things, and I don't know if there's a way to prevent them from following everything that's on there. I am sure you have an opinion on this, and if it's worth the 10% off from the get-go, and the following year." Jan, you’re not alone. Many insurance companies now offer programs that promise lower premiums if you install their app and agree to share certain types of data. That can include how you drive, where you travel and, in some cases, limited health or fitness information if the app connects to systems like Apple Health. The key point is that these programs are usually optional, and the data sharing is part of the trade. {{#rendered}} {{/rendered}} TOP 20 APPS TRACKING YOU EVERY DAY The good news is that you can often limit what these apps can see. The bigger question is whether the discount is worth the access. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report {{#rendered}} {{/rendered}} - Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight

GM deploys Google Gemini AI to 4 million <b>vehicles</b> with no dealer involvement

On the Dash: - Four million GM vehicles get a major AI upgrade to Google Gemini without visiting a dealership. - Gemini brings hands-free messaging, smarter navigation and conversational AI to the dashboard. - The upgrade reshapes service drive strategy and widens the value gap in used vehicles. General Motors is pushing Google Gemini, Google’s generative AI assistant, to approximately 4 million vehicles on the road today. The free, over-the-air upgrade is available for eligible 2022 and newer Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC models, with no dealership involvement required. GM’s OnStar network enables the massive scale rollout. Who can get the update Gemini replaces the older Google Assistant in vehicles equipped with Google Built-in. Unlike its predecessor, Gemini understands context and follow-up questions, shifting drivers from rigid, command-based interaction to fluid conversation. GM will push the rollout over several months. When a vehicle becomes eligible, a prompt appears on the infotainment screen. Four conditions must be met before Gemini activates: - The vehicle needs an active OnStar connection. - The driver must be signed into the Google Play Store. - U.S. English must be set as the assistant language. - The driver must opt into Gemini directly. What customers can expect Customers upgrading to Gemini will notice the difference immediately. Drivers can speak naturally, ask follow-up questions, and shift topics mid-sentence without requiring a reset. Messaging becomes genuinely hands-free. Gemini reads and summarizes incoming texts, drafts replies, inserts emojis on request, and translates messages into other languages. Gemini works with the platforms customers already pay for, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, Hulu, HBO Max, Audible, Prime Video, and TuneIn. It can build a playlist around a mood or suggest a podcast that fits the remaining drive time. Navigation handles complexity that older systems cannot. Drivers can add stops,

Hyundai's Next-Gen Infotainment Embraces AI, Keeps Real Buttons

- Hyundai is preparing to debut its next-generation infotainment system, called Pleos Connect. - Along with a slim gauge cluster and real buttons, the Pleos system has a large center screen that allows video streaming and features an AI chatbot called Gleo. - Pleos Connect will debut on the Korean-spec Hyundai Grandeur sedan, followed by the European Ioniq 3 hatch, but it'll eventually reach the U.S. market. Hyundai's next-generation infotainment system will kick off the Korean brand's move to software-defined vehicles. Dubbed Pleos Connect, Hyundai says this new system was designed to have a mobile-friendly interface and, naturally, it'll heavily rely on AI technology. While Pleos Connect will soon make its way into the first production cars, it will be a while until the new infotainment system infiltrates Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models sold on our shores. A large touchscreen is the centerpiece of the Pleos Connect experience. Thankfully, Hyundai isn't completely ditching physical switchgear to feign futuristic progress. Along with knobs for the sound system's volume and tuning settings, the setup in the newly revealed Hyundai Ioniq 3 hatchback (pictured above) includes toggle switches for the climate controls. Additionally, a three-finger gesture lets users quickly close apps and relocate app windows on the large center screen. For Sale Near You See all results for used Hyundai for sale near 53590 In Hyundai models with Pleos Connect, the driver faces a narrow digital display that sits atop the dashboard. It acts as a gauge cluster, showing speed, media info, and turn-by-turn directions. But the glut of information is found on the horizontally oriented center touchscreen, which is split into three sections. The one that's closest to the driver shows all sorts of info, but it also includes a 3-D view of the objects and people that surround the vehicle, similar

Indra Group USA to Showcase the Future of Smart Mobility, V2x Tolling, and Gantryless ...

ORLANDO, Fla., April 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Indra Group, a global leader in mobility technologies and air traffic management, is anticipating the future of connected mobility at the 2026 IBTTA Technology Summit, taking place May 2-5 in Orlando, Florida. At this flagship industry event, Indra will present the innovative suite of technologies with which it is redefining tolling, traffic management, and digital infrastructure across the United States. Indra's team will focus on its advanced open road tolling solutions, which pave the way for gantryless infrastructure. Indra's all-overhead systems eliminate the need for large civil footprint and intrusive in-pavement sensors, and usher a new era of tolling with minimal lane closures and field maintenance. By leveraging dual-use 3D LiDAR and artificial vision cameras, Indra's architecture guarantees accurate, near real-time vehicle detection, tracking, identification, recognition, and classification including at high speeds and in all weather conditions. Indra Group USA will also present at a thought-leadership session on its pioneering breakthrough in V2X Toll technology, showcasing real-world applications from its domestic portfolio. Summit attendees will learn about the landmark I-485 Express Lanes project in North Carolina, which recently became the first highway in the United States to deploy C-V2X connected-vehicle tolling at scale. This cutting-edge system allows connected vehicles to communicate directly with roadside infrastructure, delivering real-time toll data, payment options, and critical safety alerts—such as warnings for pedestrians or wrong-way vehicles—directly to drivers' in-vehicle panels. Furthermore, Indra will share insights from its multi-year experience in optimizing managed lanes through precise AI-based vehicle occupancy detection (VOD). This multi-angle precision imaging technology uses fully trained AI models to count vehicle occupants, with accuracies that have enabled successful enforcement and revenue recovery in High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes since 2020, minimizing violation rates and optimizing traffic throughput. Indra's leadership in integrating next-generation COTS overhead

Hyundai's New 'Pleos' Infotainment System Gets All The Right Features

Hyundai’s New ‘Pleos’ Infotainment System Gets All The Right Features Pleos Connect debuts next month with a pair of screens, plenty of physical buttons, and an AI companion. - Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the finished version of its new Pleos Connect infotainment system. - Developed from the ground up for the next wave of software-defined vehicles, it debuts next month. - The Korean car conglomerate said over 20 million cars will get the new infotainment system by 2030. Hyundai Motor Group’s new Pleos Connect infotainment system is going mainstream starting next month, with roughly 20 million Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis cars slated to get the new setup by 2030. It’s a big deal for the Korean auto conglomerate, which has so far delivered acceptable software experiences in its vehicles, but with plenty of room for improvement. Pleos Connect aims to fix all the wrongs of its predecessors, thanks to what seems like the perfect mix of screens, buttons, and—inevitably—AI. Hyundai Motor Group's new Pleos Connect infotainment system All Pleos Connect-equipped cars will come with a large central touchscreen that looks like it spent a little too much time next to Tesla's headquarters. This screen can be split into three separate sections, showing visualizations for the advanced driver assistance systems, navigation, and multimedia. There’s also a bottom bar with virtual buttons, as well as a speed indicator in the top left corner, just like on Tesla’s Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. However, unlike Tesla’s EVs, there’s a second, smaller screen in front of the steering wheel, acting as a conventional digital instrument cluster. Additionally, a row of physical buttons sits under the main touchscreen, offering quick and easy access to the seat heaters, temperature control, and volume control. Hyundai Motor Group has also invested in a proprietary App Market, where

Moreno, Slotkin Bill to Ban Chinese <b>Vehicles</b>, <b>Connected</b> Components From U.S. Market

WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 to defend the American auto industry from the existential threat of predatory Chinese automobiles by banning them and their connected components from the American market. This bill would prohibit the import, sale, and operation of vehicles manufactured in China—or any other country of concern—and ban the use of Chinese-developed connected vehicle technologies, such as software, and data systems on American roads. “The American auto industry is the backbone of the American industrial economy, we cannot afford to make the same mistakes globalists have made for decades and see these great American companies devastated by predatory and massively subsidized Chinese state enterprises hellbent on the destruction of our economy,” said Senator Moreno. “As Europe, Mexico, and others allow their markets to be overrun by Chinese predators, the U.S. must act before it’s too late. The answer is simple: Chinese vehicles can never be allowed into the U.S. market—the fate of the American auto industry and countless autoworkers depends on it.” “Chinese cars are a serious threat to America’s national security and Michigan’s economic security,” said Senator Slotkin. “Chinese cars are surveillance packages on wheels, with the ability to collect on American citizens and sensitive sites. The Chinese Communist Party’s playbook of heavily subsidizing their product, underselling the competition, and then having a monopoly over that sector puts Michigan’s auto industry and our millions of workers at risk. We need to act now, and get this right. I look forward to continued work on this bill with Senator Moreno, our workers, our manufacturers and anyone else to stop Chinese vehicles from ever coming into the United States.” “Our national and economic security relies on a strong US auto industry,” said UAW President Shawn

How Hyundai's 35-year investment in EVs led to the ELEXIO

How Hyundai’s 35-year investment in EVs led to the ELEXIO The Hyundai ELEXIO has arrived in Australia, and it’s more than just a modern, sophisticated family EV. It’s also the latest expression of more than 35 years of Hyundai research, design and development into electric vehicles. Starting with their early experiments in the 1990s with the Sonata Electric Vehicle, followed by the fuel cell electric SANTA FEs in the noughties, the original IONIQ brought to Australia in 2018 and the critically acclaimed new-generation IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, Hyundai is one of the first manufacturers to start mass-producing alternative powertrain vehicles beyond internal combustion. The ELEXIO takes that development process to the next level, as it marks the next step in Hyundai’s EV development process.. “We’re proud to introduce ELEXIO to our multi-award-winning Hyundai hybrid and electric SUV line-up,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Operating Officer, Gavin Donaldson. “Designed for modern Australian families, ELEXIO delivers the ideal balance of size, space, efficiency and outstanding value,” he said. “It also reflects Hyundai Motor Company’s 35-year commitment to developing eco-friendly electric vehicles and advancing intelligent mobility solutions that make every day driving smarter, cleaner and more rewarding.” Hyundai’s first global foray into EVs came in 1991, just five years after it launched in Australia. That year it unveiled the Sonata Electric Vehicle in South Korea. While based on the Y2 generation of that well-known family sedan sold in Australia with orthodox four-cylinder and V6 petrol engines, the EV concept was powered by lead acid batteries. That’s a far cry from today’s sophisticated chemistries that feature in Hyundai EVs, including the ELEXIO’s incredibly efficient lithium ion battery pack. An EV based on the popular Excel small car followed, with a range of just 100km, then came a second electrified Sonata with a

Volkswagen ID.Polo breaks cover

Volkswagen has finally pulled the covers off the all-new Volkswagen ID. Polo, marking the arrival of the first fully electric Polo in the nameplate’s 50-plus-year history. And importantly, this isn’t just an electric version of the current petrol Polo — it is a completely new car built from the ground up as an EV. Previewed earlier by the ID.2all concept, the production version now carries the familiar Polo badge with an “ID.” prefix, as part of Volkswagen’s new strategy of giving its electric cars recognisable names instead of confusing number-based badges. ID.Polo Styling The ID. Polo gets a clean and simple design with a familiar hatchback shape. Up front, it features slim LED headlights connected by a full-width light bar, along with a smoother bumper design and a closed-off grille area, which is typical of an EV. The bonnet is short, while the upright stance and balanced proportions help it retain the classic Polo look. At the rear, it gets slimmer LED taillights and a wider-looking stance, giving it a more planted appearance. The rear pillar design takes inspiration from the original Golf, adding a subtle retro touch. Higher variants also get illuminated Volkswagen badges at the front and rear. There are subtle nods to older Volkswagens too, including styling cues inspired by the original Golf’s C-pillar design. Depending on the trim, illuminated VW logos at the front and rear are also offered. Although the car is just over four metres long, the dedicated EV platform helps improve interior space significantly. It can seat five adults comfortably, with better rear-seat room than the regular petrol Polo. Boot space stands at 441 litres, making it one of the more practical hatchbacks in its size segment. ID.Polo interior and features Inside, the ID. Polo gets a completely redesigned cabin centred around a

Hyundai Motor Group Redefines In-<b>Vehicle</b> Experience with 'Pleos <b>Connect</b>' Next ...

SEOUL, April 30, 2026 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today unveiled Pleos Connect, a next-generation in-vehicle infotainment system designed to fundamentally transform the customer mobility experience. As the first major step in the Group’s transformation into a software-centric mobility leader, Pleos Connect is built on three core development pillars—intuitiveness, safety, and openness—to combine a mobile-friendly user environment with advanced artificial intelligence (AI), creating a highly scalable and intuitive platform. The system will receive continuous feature and performance enhancements via over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The system will debut on the new GRANDEUR in Korea in May, followed by a phased global rollout, including the recently unveiled IONIQ 3 in Europe. The Group aims to equip approximately 20 million Hyundai Motor, Kia and Genesis vehicles with Pleos Connect by 2030, reinforcing its leadership in future mobility solutions. “Pleos Connect is a next-generation infotainment system that offers customers an elevated mobility experience by combining a mobile-friendly platform with advanced AI technology. With the new Gleo AI and an open app market, users will experience the limitless potential of future mobility.” – Jongwon Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of the Feature & CCS Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Group. The production-ready system debuted at a media event at UX Studio Seoul on April 29. It represents the mass-production version of the research and development concept first unveiled at the Group’s Pleos 25 developer conference in 2025. The design of Pleos Connect is centered on intuitiveness and simplicity, featuring a combination of touch and physical controls for convenient and seamless operation. The system’s user experience (UX), developed through extensive research into driver behavior by the Group’s UX Studios in Seoul, Irvine, Frankfurt and Shanghai, mirrors the familiarity of a mobile device to enhance ease of use and minimize driver distraction. The Pleos Connect cockpit

Google Gemini AI Assistant Coming to 4M GM Cars

General Motors is preparing to push software updates to more than four million vehicles across its American fleet — replacing a familiar voice assistant with Google’s Gemini. The rollout, announced this week, covers all 2022 and newer models sold under the Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC nameplates that are equipped with Google Built-in technology and connected to GM’s OnStar telematics service. It arrives as an over-the-air software update — no dealership visit required — and is widely expected to redefine what drivers mean when they say their car is “smart.” “This is one of the largest in-vehicle A.I. deployments we’ve ever seen at this scale,” said one industry analyst who tracks connected-vehicle technology. “The question has always been whether automakers could move fast enough to meet the moment. GM just answered that.” From Commands to Conversations For years, in-car voice assistants have operated like particularly unforgiving bureaucrats: they responded to precise, pre-approved phrases and punished any deviation with a terse “I didn’t understand that.” Google’s Gemini, by contrast, is designed to behave more like a well-informed passenger — one fluent in logistics, local knowledge and, when the moment calls for it, small talk. Drivers in qualifying vehicles will be able to ask Gemini to summarize and translate incoming text messages, draft replies on their behalf and send them without lifting a finger from the wheel. They can request a playlist tuned to their mood or the length of their drive, plan a multi-stop route optimized for fuel cost or trailer-friendly parking, and identify restaurants, gas stations and attractions along the way — all without restarting the request from scratch if the first answer doesn’t quite hit the mark. The assistant also supports more discursive use cases: brainstorming ideas for a work presentation, organizing thoughts before a difficult phone call or