Microsoft Auto is a new product group at Microsoft I have been engaged with over the last several months. The goal of this team is to provide a connected experience in cars for consumers. Two way data connectivity will allow consumers to get access to the internet and services while in their cars. The team introduced the first product SYNC with Ford last year and has been a very big hit for Ford which was struggling and has helped them connect with younger buyers.  With that success, other Automotive Manufacturers are jumping in on the action.

Today, Microsoft just announced an agreement with Hyundai Motor company in South Korea to build a music and information system in their cars to debut in 2010. The product will be a voice controlled system linking mobile devices to car stereo systems eventually including multimedia and navigation systems. Essentially, the same applications and services that are being targeted on mobile devices today  are applicable to an operating system in the car while driving. Imagine being able to tell your navigation system to take you to the nearest Starbucks, give you access to the latest traffic information, find you the nearest available parking etc. Better still, seamless integration between the mobile device and the in car system is essential.

See the latest announcement on the new Microsoft-Hyundai partnership here.