Kia and Samsung Join Forces to Revolutionize IoT in Automobiles

A breakthrough moment for the automotive industry, South Korean companies Kia and Samsung signed a collaboration on Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. This partnership was made public at the 2025 Kia EV Day event held in Spain and is a milestone in the use of AI-based IoT technology in vehicles. The collaboration makes it possible for Kia to incorporate Samsung’s SmartThings Pro into its purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), thus facilitating the seamless integration of mobility and smart technology.

If the partnership further grows, the companies may implement a blockchain-based payment system for maintenance, tolls, subscriptions, etc.  

Enhancing Business Mobility with SmartThings Pro

Kia will begin implementing SmartThings Pro in its PV5 model, focusing on optimizing business mobility. The goal is to enhance connectivity between vehicles and commercial operations, ensuring better efficiency and smoother workflows. The project will undergo a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) validation phase, followed by a pilot program that tests multiple use cases. If successful, a full-scale commercial rollout is planned for mid-2026.

During the PoC phase, business owners using Kia’s PBVs tested remote control functionalities for their Samsung smart appliances via in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems and tablets. This integration allows users to manage their business operations directly from their vehicles, marking a significant leap in business automation.

Smart IoT Features for Business Owners

One of the standout features of this collaboration is the ability to automate store functions remotely. Kia and Samsung will introduce a “work mode” that enables PBV users to trigger air conditioning and signage before arriving at their stores. On the other hand, a “closing mode” will shut down appliances and engage security monitoring devices, sending real-time notifications in case of equipment faults or intrusions.

This automation is mainly used by business owners, like guesthouses, laundry shops, and coffee shops. Through SmartThings Pro, these businesses can verify customer check-ins, track store conditions, and run pre-defined workflows without actual presence. This hands-free business mode is forecasted to revolutionize commercial efficiency across all sectors.

Future Expansion and Emerging Technologies in Automobiles

As Park Chan-woo, Vice President of B2B Integrated Offering Center at Samsung, explained, the collaboration with Kia will give B2B buyers a centralized management of their stores and vehicles. The agreement is part of a broader strategy to roll out AI-based B2B solutions further, further integrating IoT technology into business processes.

Kia and Samsung’s alliance is a follow-up to a previous three-party agreement with Hyundai, which precedes other IoT integrations to be made within the next several months. Beyond IoT, the automotive industry is also embracing blockchain technology.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is implementing blockchain technology to handle car titles. Similarly, BMW and Gebeal Motors are embracing blockchain technology to secure consumers’ data in an autonomous world. 

With the evolving automobile industry, the partnership between Samsung and Kia is a step towards a brighter, more connected future. Combining mobility and technology, the partnership is set to open doors to game-changing innovations for the automobile as well as the business world.