A Car That Became a Moving Wallet... SM6's 'In-Car Payment' Feature Draws Attention

Available at over 1,000 CU convenience stores nationwide... Contactless refueling also possible

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, automobiles are evolving beyond being mere 'means of transportation.' Recently, with the emergence of 'Car Pay' services that include payment functions, the scope of automobiles appears to be expanding even further.

According to the industry on the 21st, Renault Samsung Motors' mid-size sedan model SM6 has been equipped with an 'In-Car Payment System.' Renault Samsung's in-car payment is a smart technology that introduces mobile ordering and payment inside the vehicle.

While Hyundai Motor Group was the first to introduce such Car Pay services in Korea, the company explains that Renault Samsung is equally practical in this regard. This is because they secured various partners such as cafes and convenience stores by partnering with the mobile commerce platform startup 'Owin.'

For example, the advantage of the SM6 In-Car Payment System is that it allows the use of over 1,000 CU convenience stores nationwide like a drive-thru. By running the Owin application installed on the infotainment system, users can select and order from their desired store. After completing the payment, the navigation system guides the driver to the store, and upon arrival, calling through the app prompts the store staff to bring the ordered menu and deliver it inside the car. Currently, Renault Samsung is the only company in Korea offering an in-car payment system that supports convenience stores.

Gas stations can also be used conveniently. When signing up for Owin to use the in-car payment for the first time, basic information such as vehicle model, fuel type, and fuel filler direction is entered, so the information is automatically transmitted to the gas station each time. Afterward, refueling can be done contactlessly without separate on-site payment.

Additionally, the SM6's infotainment system, controlled via a vertical 9.3-inch display, has introduced OTA functionality. This refers to a system that wirelessly updates infotainment-related software and navigation. Depending on the level, various electronic software and security updates to prevent hacking, as well as improvements to advanced driver assistance system functions, can also be handled wirelessly.

An industry official said, "As cars have become part of our lives, the drive-thru method has become commonplace, and especially in the case of Starbucks, a system has been established where registering the car number in the app automatically completes the payment. This is the convenience and benefit that cars provide," adding, "The car cafe pay system will continue to develop."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.