SK Telecom has formed strategic marketing ties with Kia Motors for customers of both companies to enjoy greater cross-benefits.

Korea’s biggest mobile carrier said that the partnership includes offering 4G Long Term Evolution smartphone users to receive a discount for the purchase and maintenance of Kia automobiles.

For instance, SK Telecom’s LTE customers can get a discount of up to 200,000 won when buying a car from Korea’s second-largest automaker, the telecom company said.

Both companies will issue discount cards to their customers to use for fueling, car washes and other maintenances.

The joint service will be part of their “Kia LTE Auto Pack,” they noted, adding that their customers can also use the card to subscribe to SK Telecom’s LTE service or change their existing mobile phones at Kia’s auto shops.

Their partnership comes after both companies agreed in May to establish relations that can benefit their customers and develop smart automobiles integrated with information, communication and technology.

By Park Hyong-ki (hkp@heraldcorp.com)