Korean brand Hyundai is co-developing a system that will allow American drivers to pay for goods and services while driving. The system, being built with specialist software company Xevo, will start with pre-payment options for fuel, parking and refreshments, presumably at the big coffee chains.

As it develops you’ll be able to pay for hotel rooms, order takeaway food and make restaurant reservations online through the car. Some premium cars with connected systems will already let you do some of this stuff, albeit usually by finding the business you want and calling its phone number so you can make the reservation or order that way. Certain fuel companies are also in the early stages of allowing payment through an app, seemingly instead of going down the supermarket ‘Pay at Pump’ route.

Hyundai’s planned system goes further, though, with a ‘wallet’ system to store your payment information like an Internet browser can; either card details or PayPal info. Clearly there are going to have to be some major security protocols installed. The idea sounds really convenient, in theory. On the other hand, Hyundai’s assertion that “offering easy-to-use payment options as part of navigation will simplify the driving experience and maximize time spent with eyes on the road” seems like complete nonsense. Ordering Chinese food while driving is a distraction. Deciding whether to tap for a latte or a macchiato while attempting to negotiate a busy junction is a recipe for human error.

Likewise, trying to weigh up the difference between an unfamiliar hotel’s deluxe double room and junior suite while at the wheel is just going to see people driving into stuff. We’re interested to see where Hyundai goes with this, and whether the system makes it to Europe.