Kakao Mobility plots route to convenience with Tesla integration

Poster promoting Kakao Mobility's new "Connected Car" service for Tesla drivers [KAKAO]

Kakao Mobility, Korea’s largest ride-hailing service provider, introduced a new service for Tesla drivers that integrates its navigation app to enable remote vehicle control and provide driver assistance features.

The range of features provided through the new “Connected Car” services includes destination-syncing to automatically share Kakao Navi’s data with the Tesla vehicle’s navigation system and recommendations on the nearest charging stations based on real-time driving routes as well as remote vehicle control of features such as air conditioning and heating, honking and battery-status checking.

For instance, if a user searches for a destination on Kakao Navi before driving, the destination information is automatically transmitted to the Tesla navigation system, allowing for immediate route guidance upon entering the vehicle. Moreover, based on the battery level, users automatically receive recommendations for the nearest charging stations along the route.

The service is based on a public application programming interface (API) provided by Tesla for third-party app developers. To use the service, users need to authenticate vehicle ownership through its ride-hailing platform Kakao T or Kakao Navi and grant it access to their Tesla accounts.

“When Kakao Mobility’s services are connected to vehicles, we expect to create new customer value across various areas such as driving, charging, maintenance and insurance,” said Kim Jae-hyun, head of Kakao Mobility’s car owner business, in a statement. “We plan to enhance driver convenience and offer a differentiated mobility experience through a variety of connected car services in the future.”

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]