tech2 News Staff

Hyundai Motor said on Tuesday that it will partner with Cisco Systems to develop Internet-connected car technology, part of the automaker's push to develop "high-performing computers on wheels".

Auto and tech firms are increasingly forming alliances to expand services that hook cars up to Internet, particularly as the race to develop self-driving cars heats up.

Hyundai said Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun met Cisco Chief Executive Chuck Robbins in Seoul and agreed to co-develop in-vehicle network technology for high-speed transfer of large amounts of data.

"The cooperation is part of Hyundai Motor's wider strategy to establish an industry-leading connected car platform through collaboration with leading technology partners," it said in a statement.

Other alliances include Toyota Motor Corp's expansion this month of a five-year-old partnership with Microsoft Corp to develop new Internet-connected vehicle services for owners and dealers.

Cisco has been heavily investing to build up on its Internet of Things capabilities. Early this year, Cisco bought Jasper -- a startup that connects devices like cars and medical devices to the Internet. At $ 1.4 billion, Jasper is the largest deal for Cisco since it acquired security company Sourcefire for $2.7 billion in 2013.

With inputs from Reuters