Vodafone powers a new era of connected car innovation

Vodafone powers a new era of connected car innovation

Vodafone is driving a new suite of vehicle innovation in New Zealand, with the launch of BMW’s interactive mobile technology, ConnectedDrive – enabled by Vodafone’s global machine-to-machine (M2M) platform.

From today, most new 2015 BMW vehicles in the New Zealand market will be fitted with a special Vodafone Global SIM that connects BMW to its vehicle fleet.

The SIM, embedded in the vehicle during manufacture, satisfies the tough requirements of the automotive sector. It has a lifespan of more than ten years and can withstand temperatures of between minus 40 and 85 degrees centigrade. It also has special protection against corrosion and was specifically designed for production line manufacturing operations. The SIM allows BMW to offer its online ConnectedDrive services and apps including:

- Automatic emergency call in the case of an accident, with the transmission of important information to a dedicated emergency response centre
- Smartphone app allowing remote vehicle functionality, including features such as remote locking and unlocking, remote ventilation control and vehicle locator
- A dedicated 24/7 Concierge Service, allowing voice contact with a BMW agent who can send directions and addresses directly to your car’s navigation system
- TeleService calls, which allow your car to communicate directly with BMW when it requires service or maintenance, and additionally allows remote diagnosis by technicians in the event of a vehicle malfunction

In 2012, Vodafone Group signed a five-year connected car deal with BMW to supply connectivity to its vehicles – and now has 17.5 million Global SIMs and a footprint of 27 global networks.

Vodafone New Zealand Director of Enterprise, Grant Hopkins says the partnership with BMW is among the world’s most successful and prominent M2M deployments.

“Our network connectivity essentially transforms the vehicle dashboard into a sophisticated smart device, and delivers a driving experience that goes far beyond the conventional.

“We’re delighted that the New Zealand market can experience this next level of mobile technology services from BMW – and believe we are on the cusp of some exciting future developments in the automotive M2M market.”

For more than 20 years, Vodafone Group has connected M2M customers globally – and now tops the rankings in the 2014 Analysys Mason’s independent M2M annual scorecard.

Vodafone New Zealand has more than one million M2M connections on its local network.

ENDS

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