LG Uplus to provide infotainment service for Toyota's RAV4 PHEV

South Korean mobile telecom carrier LG Uplus Corp. has announced on Tuesday its plans to install its integrated infotainment (IVI) platform, the Uplus Drive-based service, into Toyota's upcoming RAV4 PHEV (plug-in hybrid) for the domestic market.

The Uplus Drive platform is an all-in-one IVI solution that delivers real-time navigation, entertainment, vehicle management and other information services directly to the driver. Equipped with Naver's Clova, an artificial intelligence (AI) voice recognition software, drivers can use voice commands to access a variety of functions, including setting a destination and controlling the vehicle's air conditioning.

Furthermore, LG Uplus' IVI is linked to its smart home platform, enabling drivers to remotely control home appliances while on the road. The Uplus Drive platform provides a range of media services, including online video service (OTT) Uplus mobile TV and music streaming service VIBE.

The platform also includes vehicle management features, such as automatic information on consumables and inspection timing, as well as an emergency dispatch service that can be activated through the display screen button.

LG Uplus plans to expand its media services to include sports community platforms, in-vehicle video-on-demand (VOD) services and content for children. Leveraging data accumulated through years of collaboration with automakers, the company is also developing daily vehicle-related services, including parking, electric vehicle charging, car insurance and in-car payments.

LG Uplus has been working with Lexus Korea and Toyota Korea on IVI for vehicles since last year. The majority of cars released by the two brands in the domestic market for over two years will be equipped with LG's Uplus Drive-based IVI platform, according to LG Uplus.

"We expect that Uplus Drive will provide differentiated driving experiences to customers who use Toyota RAV4 PHEV models," said Kang Jong-oh, head of LG Uplus' smart mobility business. "We will continue to innovate customers' mobility experiences by upgrading various functions and expanding installations to various models."

Write to Han-Gyeol Seon at always@hankyung.com