Hyundai wheels out Vodafone IoT deal

Hyundai Motor Group has picked Vodafone IoT to connect its next wave of smart cars across several Middle Eastern markets, tying into its software-defined vehicle strategy. The deal covers Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, with plans to add more countries later. Hyundai says it wants to tailor in-car services and experiences to each market while staying inside local rules.

Vodafone will use a customised version of its Global SIM, allowing each vehicle’s connectivity to be localised for network credentials, data routing, legal compliance and cross-border use. Local partners, including e& UAE, will handle compliance and network access on the ground. The setup gives Hyundai and other carmakers a single platform to manage global connected-car operations, which Vodafone IoT chief Erik Brenneis says is now critical as automakers ship connected vehicles worldwide under differing national regulations.