LG Uplus to equip Toyota Highlander’s infotainment platform

South Korea's LG Uplus Corp. announced on Friday its strategy to outfit Toyota's Highlander, a seven-seater SUV, with Toyota Connect, powered by the U+ Drive system.

U+ Drive, the integrated entertainment system, is designed to heighten passengers' experience with music streaming, podcast access, and high-definition mobile TV.

Interlinked with Naver's AI assistant Clova, the system allows seamless control of features through AI voice recognition. Moreover, it will enable users to remotely control Internet of Things (IoT) devices installed with U+SmartHome.

This new venture builds on LG Uplus' past achievements in integrating entertainment platforms into vehicles, such as the Lexus NX 450h+ and NX 350h, and the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).

In the future, LG Uplus will leverage its advanced communication technology to boost media content, including a sports community platform, in-vehicle VOD service, and children-oriented content.

The company is also preparing to introduce services like parking assistance, electric vehicle charging, car insurance, and in-vehicle payments, all underpinned by accumulated data.

Write to Ji-Eun Jeong at jeong@hankyung.com