Kia teams with Zuora to launch a subscription vehicle platform

Kia Motors America will be teaming together with Zuora, a subscription management platform provider, to begin offering connected vehicle subscriptions. 

Announced via Zuora, Kia will be using the platform to introduce and scale its UVO Link subscription platform which will include connected car services. 

Through the Kia Access program, consumers can link the UVO mobile app, UVO Agent for Google Assistant, and the UVO Amazon Alexa all on its website. 

By choosing the Zuora platform, Kia hopes to be able to utilize deeper information about consumer financial data. 

As consumers expect improved in-car technology and features in their vehicles, Kia is shifting its focus on self-driving, electric, and connected car technologies. The company anticipates it will adopt connected vehicle technology for every car segment by 2025 and hopes to make every car model a connected car by 2030.

Kia's UVO Link subscription will be apart of this overall strategy which will include technologies like remote start, climate control, and car health reports. Moving toward vehicle subscriptions is apart of an effort to provide improved connected car technologies that will give consumers convenience and innovation. 

“Connected services are the future of the automotive industry. Our launch of subscription-based software will not only help us open up new revenue streams, but will fuel our goal to become a truly customer-centric organization,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director for car products and connected cars for Kia. “With Zuora’s platform, we have the ability to quickly and easily iterate our connected services in order to deliver continuous value to Kia customers across the globe.”

Kia's UVO service started back in 2009, but before it could be expanded it needed improved infrastructure. Kia partnered with Zuora thanks to its focus on flexibility and consumer experience. Zuora has already partnered with seven other car manufacturers. 

Zuora was founded in 2007 by Tien Tzuo, K.V. Rao, and Cheng Zou.