The Hyundai Motor Company has announced that it is to develop what it claims will be the “broadest and most advanced “ suite of interactive communications services for cars.

The suite will include interactive wireless telecom services for car drivers and passengers, email and internet access, vehicle theft tracking, and route guidance.

Sangkwon Kim, senior executive vice president of HMC's Research and Development Division says: “With the increased use of electronics and software in vehicles, telematics represent the biggest step forward for the automotive industry in decades – changing everything about how vehicles are designed, maintained, serviced and even insured.

“This will be a major competitive differentiator in our home market of Korea, as well as in future markets.”