Kakao Mobility Expands Automaker Partnerships with Renault Korea and Kia to Accelerate SDV and Autonomous Mobility

이지오

2026-07-27 - 2분 걸림

Kakao Mobility is strengthening its position in the future mobility market through new strategic partnerships with Renault Korea and Kia, expanding its software and autonomous driving technologies into next-generation vehicles.

From right, Kakao Mobility CEO Ryu Geung-seon and Renault Korea President Nicolas Paris pose for a commemorative photo after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on next-generation vehicle experience innovation.

On July 8, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Renault Korea to jointly develop advanced in-vehicle technologies. The partnership focuses on integrating Kakao Mobility's high-definition ADAS maps, software, and connected mobility services into Renault Korea's vehicle platform.

The collaboration includes joint development and validation of high-definition mapping technology for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), enhancement of in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), and expansion of connected services such as navigation, parking, and EV charging. The companies also plan to explore new digital experiences for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). They previously showcased a concept vehicle featuring Kakao Mobility technologies at NextRise 2026.

From left, Kakao Mobility Vice President Ahn Kyu-jin, Head of Business Division; Kim Jin-gyu, Vice President and Head of the Physical AI Division; Kim Sang-dae, Vice President and Head of Kia's PBV Business Division; and Yoo Ji-han, Vice President in charge of the SDV Platform, pose for a commemorative photo after signing the partnership agreement.

A week later, on July 16, Kakao Mobility announced a strategic partnership with Kia to develop autonomous driving service vehicles based on Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) technology.

Under the agreement, Kia will supply autonomous-ready vehicles and DevKit interfaces for Kakao Mobility's autonomous pilot projects later this year. The partners also plan to co-develop commercial PBVs optimized for autonomous mobility services using real-world operational data.

Beyond vehicle development, the companies will jointly research remote vehicle operation, wireless charging, and onboard display technologies to improve fleet management and passenger experience.

The two agreements reflect Kakao Mobility's broader strategy of expanding collaborations with global automakers while positioning its mapping, software, and autonomous driving capabilities at the center of the SDV ecosystem. The company aims to build an integrated mobility platform that combines navigation, parking, charging, and vehicle management services, supporting the next generation of connected and autonomous transportation.