Hyundai India announced today a new internet-based connectivity solution for future models called Blue Link at the Hyundai India Quality Centre in Faridabad. Set to debut in the upcoming Hyundai Venue subcompact SUV, Hyundai Blue Link allows a Hyundai car owner to operate some of the features of their connected Hyundai car using their smartphone. To achieve this, owners will need the Blue Link app. With it, they will also be able to view analytical data collected about their driving style. While inside the car, owners will be able to use their voice to make calls and give commands to the in-vehicle infotainment system, which is expected to be accompanied by a large touchscreen display.
According to Hyundai India, the Blue Link solution comes with a total of thirty-three features, ten of which are India-specific. In the area of safety, Blue Link lets the driver call for immediate assistance using two dedicated buttons on the car’s inside rear-view mirror: SOS and Roadside Assistance. These buttons can be used to call for medical assistance in case of an accident. They can also be used to contact the police or the nearest authorised service centre for breakdowns. Using the Blue Link app, owners will be able to locate and immobilise a stolen car. In addition, they can set speed, idle time, and location restrictions when lending the car to a valet or hired driver.
In the area of convenience, Blue Link lets the owner operate parts of the car remotely using their smartphone. For example, the owner can lower or raise the car’s windows, lock or unlock the doors, and sound the horn for up to thirty seconds (to say, spot the car easily in a large car park). If they own a model with an automatic gearbox, they can even start the engine up remotely and turn the air conditioner on (to keep a warm cabin pre-cooled). Once inside the car, owners can use their voice to find nearby points of interest (like petrol stations and restaurants). They can also make use of Hyundai’s 24-hour customer care service to search for results.
To enable all these features in the Blue Link solution, Hyundai India says that it has tied up with various technology partners, including Vodafone Idea (for in-vehicle internet connectivity), AccuWeather (for weather data), SoundHound (for voice recognition), and Hyundai subsidiary Mobis (for developing the infotainment system). “Hyundai is actively training a team of over 615 Blue Link Wizards who would be specialists in their field and who in turn will train over 10,000 Sales Consultants across the wide network of Hyundai dealership and service touch points. These specialists will be able to handle any query related to the new technology,” writes Hyundai India in its press release.
Along with the announcement of its new Blue Link tech, Hyundai India also shared the first design sketch of the upcoming Hyundai Venue. Set for a global unveiling at the New York International Auto Show, the Hyundai Venue will be previewed in India on April 17. “The VENUE symbolizes a 3rd SPACE which is trendy, unique, stylish and perfect for Hyundai’s newest connected SUV, crafted with Creative Thinking Covering All The Necessities,” writes Hyundai India.
Related Read: Hyundai BlueLink connectivity solution to be unveiled next week, will debut on upcoming Venue