Following the agreement between Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) and Microsoft to develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems, the companies have joined forces with Korea's Institute for IT Advancement to open a dedicated Automotive IT Innovation Centre (AIIC).

The centre will be used to develop new technology such as auto telecommunication, telematics, navigation systems and Location Based Service (LBS), and improving Human Machine Interface (HMI), all of which will be uncovered in the near future.

The first product will provide voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices, and will be launched into the North American market in 2010, soon followed by the Asian and European markets.

The infotainment systems will allow consumers to enjoy music in various digital formats.

Kia Motors has also announced that it is a global sponsor of Robo Champs 2008 , Microsoft's virtual-world robotics competition.

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