Global automakers are integrating SKT’s subsidiary T Map Mobility’s navigation system into their vehicles. The imported car brands are expected to eliminate the navigation issues that have been the common problems for foreign automotive brands with a localized navigation system.
T Map provides navigation services based on real-time traffic information and big data. While only a few companies like Jaguar, Landrover, Volvo, and Jeep have used T Map until now, leading import car industry players such as Mercedes and BMW have launched vehicles equipped with T Map this year.
Porsche sold 10,000 units in Korea last year and is considering introducing T Map Navigation.
Previously, foreign cars did not provide GPS services suited to the Korean landscape, leading to customer dissatisfaction. However, with this collaboration with T Map, the situation has taken a turn for the better.
Foreign car companies have typically favored their own navigation systems for reasons such as data collection but this approach has received criticism for not accurately reflecting the S. Korean road environment, leading to inaccurate guidance or not properly indicating speed cameras.
In some cases, customers could use T Map through software like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, this requires the inconvenience of syncing with a smartphone and does not apply to features like the head-up display (HUD) that projects information on the windshield to assist driving.
Nevertheless, the inconvenience disappears when T Map Navigation is pre-installed in the vehicle.
BMW announced last month that its S. Korean sales models would be equipped with ‘T Map Auto,’ a T Map-based navigation system.
T Map Auto, jointly developed by BMW and T Map, provides real-time updates on all map information, including traffic conditions, to suggest the optimal route. It guides battery level and nearby charging stations for electric vehicles.
Initially, it will be applied to the BMW X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer models and will be installed in new cars in sequence.
Mercedes announced in January of this year that it will be adding T Map to its navigation system.
For the first half of the year, Mercedes plans to use T Map’s traffic information in its navigation system, with plans to release vehicles equipped with T Map Navigation in the second half of the year.
BYD’s 1-ton electric truck T4K, which was released last year, also features T Map. According to reports, Porsche is considering equipping its vehicles with T Map from the end of this year.
