Hyundai Makes Sonata Metaverse Venture on Naver’s Zepeto App

Hyundai Motor Co. announced that it would be entering the fast-growing metaverse market in collaboration with Naver Corp.’s Zepeto app. The newly coined term metaverse, which combines the words ‘meta’ and ‘universe,’ refers to the collective, digital space where users could interact regardless of spatial restrictions.

Exploring Virtual Reality’s Endless Capabilities

Hyundai teamed up with Naver Z Corp., a Naver subsidiary managing the tech company’s augmented reality (AR) operations. Moreover, Naver Z currently operates the Zepeto 3D avatar app, a platform where users could create digital versions of themselves.

Since its launch in 2018, Zepeto has gained more than 220 million international users from over 200 countries. For its collaboration with Zepeto, the South Korean carmaker enabled the app’s users to test-drive its Sonata N Line.

Initially introduced in 2015, the Sonata N Line is one of Hyundai’s high-performing brands. Hyundai also expands the line’s exposure to potential buyers on the Naver-affiliated platform, appealing to customers seeking sporty driving experiences.

Hyundai offered virtual test drives at Zepeto’s driving zones, some of the most visited sites on the platform. According to Hyundai, it is the first-ever automotive manufacturer to offer driving services and showcase vehicles using the metaverse ecosystem.

Aside from the Sonata N Line, Hyundai plans to deliver a broader vehicle selection on Zepeto in the future. Hyundai would also promote interactive user experiences by utilizing metaverse and exploring future virtual reality-related business opportunities.

Furthermore, Hyundai plans to expand its corporate image as a brand leading the cutting-edge technology developments with its metaverse venture. Hyundai also aims to improve customers’ virtual reality-related experiences,

Expanding South Korean Metaverse Ecosystem

Metaverse had been recently experiencing high demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, meeting customers’ 3D virtual ecosystem needs. Besides combining augmented, extended, and virtual reality, metaverse incorporates artificial intelligence, 5G technologies, edge computing, and other state-of-the-art technologies.

In a similar vein, South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) recently formed the Metaverse Alliance to address the country’s expanding metaverse ecosystem. The newly formed Metaverse Alliance consists of various government units, private companies, researchers, telecoms, and more.

Some of the group’s most notable members include Hyundai, Kakao Entertainment, KT Corp., LG Uplus, Lotte, and Naver. MSIT also shared that it sees the Metaverse Alliance as an innovative way to discover and support new businesses.