Kia Optima

TomTom has signed a deal to provide Kia Motors Europe with traffic, weather and other real-time data for its European automobile models.

Under the terms of the deal, TomTom will integrate its connected services in new Kia cars of the South Korean car manufacturer starting with the Kia cee’d and Kia Optima models.

The partnership is expected to begin in mid-2015.

Following the purchase of a new Kia model, the customers will also benefit from the delivery of the connected services at no additional cost for a period of seven years.

"By integrating our comprehensive suite of services, Kia drivers are able to make more informed choices on every journey."

TomTom will offer services such as TomTom traffic, speed cameras, local search and weather, enabling Kia drivers to save time on the road by identifying the fastest route for each journey using exact traffic information.

Alerts pertaining to fixed and mobile speed cameras, location-centric information on local shops, services and businesses, and prevailing weather reports, will be available to the drivers with the new services in place.

Kia Motors Europe marketing vice-president Artur Martins said: "We know Kia drivers are increasingly requesting connected, in-car services.

"Drivers across Europe and Russia will now have access to real-time information, which we believe will enhance the safety, comfort and enjoyment of every journey."

TomTom Traffic & Travel Information Services vice-president Ralf-Peter Schäfer said: "By integrating our comprehensive suite of services, Kia drivers are able to make more informed choices on every journey."

In a separate announcement TomTom signed a deal to integrate its maps and navigation software in the all-new Tivoli model of South Korea’s SsangYong Motor Company throughout Europe beginning in May 2015.

Image: Kia Motors Europe’s Kia Optima. Photo: courtesy of IFCAR.