Hyundai debuted its most luxurious sedan to date, the Equuis, at the New York Auto Show. The company also made headlines by announcing that its 2011 Equus luxury sedan would come with an iPad to replace its owner’s manual.
Not only would the device replace the traditional paperback manual, but it would also serve as a digital liason between the owner and his or her dealership, helping to schedule maintenance through its Service Valet program, remind of routine maintenance, schedule vehicle (and loaner) pick-up and delivery, and other features.
According to company sources, Hyundai will provide owners with a 16-gig, wifi-enabled (non-3G) iPad with a custom case. As is fitting for a premium automobile, the latter will be a landscape-style high-end leather case that is custom-made for Hyundai, with an embossed logo, suede-like interior and a built-in kickstand.
The owner’s manual program will include all of the usual text and images, but also take advantage of the iPad’s display capabilities by showing videos to explain the vehicle’s functions.
The Equus-specific programs will arrive pre-installed alongside all other normal iPad software, and future updates will be available through iTunes, just like any other iPad program.
Published on June 25, 2010
