SM Hiplus, a manufacturing and service affiliate of SM Group, is launching a new service for campers through its mobile application dedicated to highway Hi-pass cards.
SM Hiplus announced on January 10 that it will launch a new prepaid payment service through a strategic partnership with camping reservation platform Camfit. Marking the first anniversary of its app launch this month, the company plans to fully expand into a comprehensive mobility platform through this partnership aimed at entering the merchant prepaid payment business.
The collaboration with Camfit is significant as it marks the first case of linking the Hiplus app's digital wallet "HiMoney" to external merchant payments. HiMoney can now be linked to the Camfit mobile app and converted into "Camfit Money" in the form of Private Label Prepaid Money (PLPM).
Hiplus customers can now easily enjoy camping infrastructure by using HiMoney for campsite reservations and other services. The combination of camping, which involves vehicle use, and mobility payment services is expected to generate significant synergy by providing seamless convenience throughout the journey, including highway toll payments.
Using the partnership with Camfit as a springboard, SM Hiplus plans to expand the scope of its prepaid payment services beyond Hi-pass toll payments to mobility merchants in general. The company is also preparing to introduce new businesses that enhance added value as a comprehensive mobility platform, including customized subscription models analyzing drivers' driving patterns and preferences, and research services utilizing big data.
"This partnership will be an important turning point for Hiplus to leap beyond toll payments into a comprehensive platform encompassing mobility and leisure in daily life," said Ahn Byung-hyun, CEO of SM Hiplus. "We will continue to improve payment convenience with a customer-centric approach and steadily expand related service areas to solidify our position in the mobility payment market."
