Hyundai says it's in talks about further partnership with Google

[SEOUL] Hyundai Motor Co is communicating with Google about further partnerships as South Korea's largest carmaker seeks external expertise to remain competitive.

The two companies have some common areas that may require cooperation, Hyundai Motor President Jeong Jin Haeng said in a brief interview in Seoul after a meeting between the trade ministry and local carmakers.

Hyundai has been among the most aggressive automakers adopting Apple Inc's CarPlay and Alphabet Inc's Android Auto, which integrate iPhone and Android handsets with car dashboards.

Mr Jeong didn't give further details or confirm if the automaker is considering developing autonomous cars with Google.

Unlike rival automakers, Hyundai and affiliate Kia Motors Corp have shunned joint ventures or alliances to make high-cost, low-volume sports cars and electric vehicles.

Hyundai is now seeking to transform its go-it-alone strategy and become more open to tie-ups with tech upstarts and Silicon Valley giants to stay relevant in the coming era of connected cars and autonomous driving.

Hyundai's shares rose 0.4 per cent to 133,500 won as of 10:19 am in Seoul trading, while the benchmark Kospi Index fell 0.6 per cent.

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