Geotab Inc., Kia Corporation, and 42dot have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), initiating a global connected vehicle partnership.

This strategic collaboration will integrate advanced data solutions with enhanced in-vehicle technology to deliver systems that support safety, sustainability, and efficiency for fleets worldwide, according to Geotab.

This partnership builds upon Kia's PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) business strategy — to offer software solutions seamlessly integrated with the vehicle, with a Fleet Management System (FMS) as the core differentiating factor. Geotab and 42dot, Hyundai Motor Group's Global Software Center and FMS provider, will develop an AI-driven FMS, enabling Kia fleet customers access to data insights.

"By integrating our data insights and AI capabilities with Kia's automotive technology and 42dots's data expertise, customers will receive enhanced value for their operations, including access to quality data insights that drive improved cost management, safety, and sustainability," Louis De Jong, chief revenue officer at Geotab, said.

"This exciting collaboration is advancing the connected mobility industry, ensuring fleets are well-equipped to navigate today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities," he continued.

Integrated Telematics Access

The partnership will also include developing an in-vehicle application leveraging the MyGeotab platform and Kia's PBV In-Vehicle Display App Store. This application has the potential to advance commercial fleet operations through route optimization and improved safety.

"Kia is partnering with Geotab and 42dot because this collaboration is essential to the strategic growth of Kia's PBV business. Together, Kia aims to offer the best-in-class fleet management solutions that not only optimize fleet operations but also lay the foundation for PBV software capabilities," Sangdae Kim, senior vice president and head of the PBV Business Division at Kia Corporation, said.

Kia plans to launch their first PBV next year, according to Kim, aiming to provide a mobility solution that includes connect-ready vehicles and FMS availability for fleets.

"By combining 42dot's vehicle data platform and intelligent fleet safety technology — based on autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles — we are creating an advanced FMS designed to meet both the current and future demands of fleet operators, ensuring their long-term success," Sangseok Lim, head of AEV Platform Engineering Division at 42dot, said.

Geotab will also collaborate with Kia as an OEM-Geotab Cloud-to-Cloud data provider, allowing customers to leverage OEM-embedded data without the need to install a separate device in preparation for the launch of Kia's PBV lineup, the PV5 and PV7 models.

Europe will be the first region to benefit from the collaboration, where a co-branded FMS platform will be offered with the launch of Kia's first PBV models next year.