Kia Rolls Out Over-the-Air Update Subscriptions, Promising a Car That Never Gets Old
In a groundbreaking move, Kia UK is revolutionizing car ownership by launching an innovative subscription service for over-the-air (OTA) updates. This service, which is part of the Kia Connect Store, offers a digital makeover for your vehicle, ensuring that your car’s software is as up-to-date as your favorite music streaming playlist.
Since its launch alongside the Kia EV9 on October 30, 2023, the Kia Connect Store has been a digital candy store for over one million Kia customers in Europe. It’s packed with unique upgrades, features, and services, turning the typical car into a futuristic, customizable ride. From model year 2022 onwards, Kia vehicles equipped with telematics are set to receive these updates automatically, ensuring the latest software features and maps are just a car start away.
“The Kia Connect Store is like a magic wand for your car,” said Sjoerd Knipping, Vice President of Marketing and Product at Kia Europe. “It’s all about giving our customers the reins to customize their vehicles to their heart’s content, with everything from park assist to music streaming.”
The subscription service, priced at a cool £80 per year, offers a seamless experience with two update packages. These updates are not just about keeping your maps on point; they’re about enhancing safety, convenience, and even resolving software issues while you’re cruising down the highway.
Olivier Pascal, General Manager of Connected Cars at Kia Connect, shared, “Imagine a car that gets better with age, like a fine wine. That’s what we’re offering. Our cars now come with the promise of continuous improvement, keeping them as fresh and current as when they first rolled out of the showroom.”
For those driving Kia’s model year 2022 vehicles, the future is already here. These cars support OTA updates, meaning new software can be downloaded wirelessly, keeping the car’s technology on the cutting edge. The first two OTA updates are on the house as part of a one-year trial, after which the subscription kicks in.
And it’s not just about essential updates. Think alternative route recommendations while you drive and new Sounds of Nature soundtracks to keep you zen on the road. It’s a whole new world of possibilities, ensuring that your Kia is not just a mode of transportation, but a constantly evolving companion on the road to the future.
