Mercedes-Benz E-Class with Tmap Navigation (Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz)
SEOUL, Feb. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – A number of foreign carmakers in Korea are integrating Tmap navigation systems due to customer complaints about the inadequacy of foreign-made navigation software with Korean road conditions.
Recognizing that Tmap’s real-time traffic information and local features better suit Korean consumers, Mercedes-Benz has recently equipped its new E-Class model with Tmap navigation.
This move is part of a broader collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and the SK Group, aiming to expand Tmap integration across more vehicles.
Volvo Cars was the pioneer in formalizing the use of Tmap, equipping its XC60 model with the navigation system as part of an integrated infotainment service developed in partnership with Tmap Mobility, following a two-year, 30 billion won investment.
Similarly, Polestar incorporates Tmap navigation in its electric vehicle, Polestar 2, utilizing the same system as Volvo.
Tmap Infotainment System jointly developed by Volvo Cars and Tmap Mobility (Image courtesy of Volvo Cars)
BYD’s 1-ton electric truck, T4K, also features Tmap navigation and SK Telecom’s AI platform, NUGU, marking a first in electric commercial vehicles collaborating with Tmap for a specialized navigation system and AI-based convenience.
Jaguar Land Rover (now JLR) and Jeep are also among the brands utilizing Tmap navigation, indicating a growing trend in the imported car market to adopt Tmap due to its compatibility with Korean roads and the convenience of real-time updates without additional costs.
This shift is in response to the limitations of in-house navigations systems that often require paid updates at service centers and are not well-suited to Korea’s road conditions, leading to a lower usage rate among imported car drivers compared to their domestic counterparts.
BMW X1 with Tmap-based navigation (Image courtesy of BMW)
BMW Group, including BMW and Mini, has announced plans to implement a Tmap-based Korean navigation system starting this year, offering online map streaming for real-time traffic updates and route guidance integrated with the head-up display.
This new system will debut in the BMW X1 and the 2 Series Active Tourer, with plans to extend the service to the new X2 and Mini models in the second quarter. BMW also left the door open for other ventures with Korean companies, saying, “We plan to enhance our services by strengthening our cooperation with skilled Korean partners in the future.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
