Hyundai Motor Group has struck a deal with Vodafone IoT (Internet of Things) to roll out compliant in-car connectivity across five Middle Eastern markets.
The partnership covers Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, with Hyundai Motor Group adopting Vodafone IoT’s Global SIM+ technology.
The system converts a single global IoT SIM into a local one, enabling domestic network credentials, national regulatory compliance and cross-border connectivity.
Delivery will involve Vodafone IoT’s regional partners, including technology and investment conglomerate e& UAE, which will support regulatory requirements, network stability and coverage.
Hyundai Motor Group connectivity business team head Hyunwoo Go said: “The launch of Connected Car Services in the Middle East, aligned with the software-defined vehicle strategy of Hyundai Motor Group, represents a meaningful step toward delivering intelligent, personalised mobility experiences - empowering our customers with seamless connectivity and regionally tailored digital services that will redefine how they interact with their vehicles.”
Vodafone IoT said its managed connectivity platform will integrate with partner networks, giving manufacturers a single system to oversee worldwide IoT operations.
The arrangement will underpin connected-car functions for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis customers in the region, such as remote vehicle control, live status updates and other digital services.
Both companies said they intend to extend the collaboration to more Middle Eastern and African countries later.
Vodafone IoT CEO Erik Brenneis added: “We are proud to partner with Hyundai Motor Group to deliver innovative incar connectivity powered by our Global SIM+ which provides local credentials and a seamless crossborder service.”
Separately, Hyundai Motor and Kia Corporation this week introduced a new safety system aimed at identifying hazards around vehicles in real time.
The technology, branded ‘Vision Pulse’, uses ultra-wide band (UWB) signals to spot nearby objects and alert drivers when a collision risk is detected.
According to the companies, the system can locate positions within 10cm across a 100m range, even in poor visibility.
It works through UWB modules in vehicles that send signals and measure travel time between other UWB-enabled devices, including cars, bicycles, smartphones, wearables and trackers.
