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Hyundai previews new infotainment system ahead of CES

One of the most common refrains in the world of automotive infotainment is that soon, smartphone-enabled infotainment systems would come to dominate the industry. We've seen some progress in this regard, with a number of automakers offering apps and services that take advantage of a driver's smartphone data plan, but few that have gone whole hog and offered a system that genuinely relied on a cellular service. At the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show, Hyundai will offer up its take on smartphone-enabled infotainment, with a new, seven-inch-touchscreen Display Audio system. Designed specifically to work with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the system will first be rolled out to Hyundai's more affordable 2016 offerings before rolling out to the brand's entire entry-level lineup. Once mated with the car, both systems will offer access to a plethora of third-party apps, in addition to the typical satellite navigation and text message services. Apple CarPlay users will build on the standard suite of stuff with Siri Eyes Free. Overall, whichever phone you're loyal to, this new Hyundai system sounds remarkably interesting. Of course, expect to hear plenty about the new Display Audio system in the coming months. Until then, let us know what you think in Comments. Should automakers just stick to traditional infotainment systems, or do you support the idea of relying on a smartphone inside the car? Scroll down for the full press release. HYUNDAI TO DEBUT DISPLAY AUDIO SYSTEM AT 2015 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW All-New Infotainment Unit to Be Offered in Select 2016 Models Brings Android Auto™, which extends the Android™ platform in a way that is purpose built for driving Brings Apple CarPlay™, the smarter, safer and best iPhone experience, on four wheels Features the next generation Blue Link system with Connected Care, a suite of safety and car care features and remote engine start with climate control Incorporates the latest smartphone-enabled technologies and the next generation Blue Link® system into more lower price Hyundai models without embedded navigation systems The Display Audio system includes a large color touch-screen display that has been optimized for smartphone integration Fountain valley, Calif., Dec. 17, 2014 – Hyundai is doing the unthinkable at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES®) by showing a new Display Audio system with no CD player or embedded navigation system.

Hyundai mulling new small CUV under Tucson

Hyundai maintains it can barely build enough of its core models to satisfy North American consumers, but that doesn't mean it isn't keen to expand its offerings to capture developing segments of the market. According to Edmunds, one of those expanding niches could be the burgeoning subcompact crossover segment. The website quotes Hyundai North America president and CEO John Krafcik as acknowledging his company is "very under-represented" in crossovers, the market's hottest vehicle type.
With the discontinuation of the Veracruz, Hyundai is down to two CUV nameplates, Tucson (pictured) and Santa Fe, the latter of which covers two segments with a two-row Sport and long-wheelbase three-row model. And while Hyundai commands seven percent of the US sedan market, the company estimates it only has two percent of the truck segment.
And while Krafcik stops short of confirming a new model, he acknowledges "a new segment is emerging" underneath the Tucson and says, "I think it's something to look at." At the moment, the subcompact softroader segment remains small and somewhat amorphous, with tiny CUV offerings like the Buick Encore, Nissan Juke, and now-discontinued Suzuki SX4 illustrating that there are a lot of different ways to package and market such a vehicle.

Hyundai's zombie obsession is just good business

In case you somehow missed it, Hyundai has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with The Walking Dead, the critically acclaimed zombie apocalypse show that entertains the masses while they're waiting for the next season of Game of Thrones. Fans of the show will recognize Rick, Michonne, Carol, Maggie and Glenn's mint green Hyundai Tucson, a staple vehicle for the crew of survivors, but the relationship between manufacturer and show goes far beyond that. There's a whole line of Zombie Survival Machines, as well as a special-edition production model (shown above). Heck, even Hyundai's post-LA Auto Show party featured actors staggering about as startlingly realistic walkers (TWD's name for zombies).
So what is it about the dead that quickens the pulse of Hyundai's marketing department? Ward's Auto has a great interview with Steve Shannon, the brand's US vice president of marketing. In it, Shannon describes the sudden nature of the tie-in between the show and the automaker, while describing how the company's corporate overlords in South Korea saw the results of the deal. It's an interesting insight into automotive product placement, as well as Hyundai's marketing philosophy and plans for the future (spoiler alert: the Tucson, which has had a role in the show for several seasons, was seemingly abandoned at the end of season four).
Head over to Ward's and have a look.