Hyundai, Kia to go with Google Maps

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SEOUL, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- South Korean car makers Kia and Hyundai have announced partnerships with Google to feature the U.S. search giant's Google Maps in new vehicles.

Hyundai already offers its Blue Link telematics platform offering information and convenience for drivers, but the addition of Google Maps will offer even more capabilities, Slash Gear reported Wednesday.

Hyundai says a Send to Car feature will allow drivers to perform location searches on their desktop or laptop computers and then send the map results directly to their car's navigation system.

With the new technology Hyundai will introduce at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, drivers can use their voices to initiate searches or ask for directions instead of having to press buttons on a system to input the request.

Hyundai hasn't said which of its car models would receive the Google integration or when they would be available, although 2014 models would likely begin to feature the technology, experts said.