ATX Group, a leading connected vehicle (telematics) services provider, recently announced that it integrates and delivers content thru a variety of interfaces with drivers in the United States and will be using Bing, the decision engine by Microsoft Corp., to provide intelligent search tools for Hyundai owners through the automaker's new Blue Link connected vehicle program. Hyundai announced the program at the 2011 International CES (News - Alert) in Las Vegas.

Blue Link, one of the most comprehensive and feature-rich telematics programs offered for vehicle buyers, will be included on select Hyundai vehicles within the U.S. beginning in 2011.

"Bing's APIs are a critical component to providing Hyundai with a dynamic, off-board, navigation solution that provides the same type of seamless interface previously limited only to embedded, in-vehicle navigation systems," said Tom Metzger, general manager of Connected Vehicle Services at ATX, in a press release.

Hyundai program will feature an off-board interactive voice response (IVR) system enabled by ATX's next-generation, connected vehicle platform. The system will help Hyundai drivers to access via voice activation location-based and dynamic content supplied by Bing, including points of interest, addresses, restaurant ratings, gas prices, weather and more. Throught the device, the Hyundai drivers will also be able to access Bing Maps through a highly customized Hyundai website, which allows the driver to personalize with dynamic content that can be sent to the vehicle. ATX also relies on Bing mapping tools at its response centers, where specialists are trained to provide drivers with real-time, location-specific guidance or emergency assistance.

ATX, headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the world's leading providers of connected vehicle services to global automobile manufacturers. ATX services, among the first to be launched in the consumer vehicle market back in 1996, are provided to vehicle owners through the brand names of its customers: Hyundai, Toyota, Lexus, BMW, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Mercedes-Benz Canada, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Rahul Arora is a TMCnet contributor. He has worked as an editor and freelance writer for several reputed organizations in India. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Charles West