Kia adds Google Assistant to infotainment system

Kia is jumping on the Google Assistant train at CES this year. The automaker announced that the voice assistant will perform some vehicle functions on a handful of its 2018 models.

On Monday, the automaker presented its new UVO Agent for Google Assistant and Google Home-enabled devices. The UVO infotainment systems on the new Niro PHEV, Soul EV, Optima PHEV and K900 models are compatible with the agent. Kia says the agent is capable of remotely starting and stopping the vehicle’s ignition, locking and unlocking the car, and remotely activating the horn and lights through the Assistant or app.

Kia’s move comes on the heels of various companies teaming with Amazon’s Alexa assistant to perform similar functions. BMW, Ford, and Nissan all announced last year that many of their recent or new models would incorporate Alexa to let users remotely control some parts of the vehicle. Hyundai announced last year it would enable Google Assistant for its Blue Link-equipped vehicles.

The announcement also follows Panasonic’s CES announcement that it will incorporate both Google Assistant into its next-generation infotainment system for its automotive partners, as well as Amazon Alexa Onboard that can allow the voice assistant to work even when the vehicle is not connected to a Wi-Fi source.