The UK division of car brand Volvo has selected a 2G-based stolen vehicle tracking solution from Vodafone. The new solution provides vehicle tracking and recovery via Vodafone’s network of ‘secure operating centres’ (SOCs). The SOC function is available 24/7, and works in partnership with local police forces in 45 European countries.
After a rush of NB-IoT announcements in the UK, Vodafone said its new IoT anti-theft solution with Volvo Cars UK works “reliably with 2G”, as a good old-fashioned M2M unit so far as connectivity goes. The 2G tracking device (Vodafone Automotive VTS S5) is installed by Volvo dealers, but is available as an aftermarket product that can be retrofitted to older vehicles as well.
The tracking device is priced at £595, including fitting, VAT, and a three-year subscription for the vehicle recovery service (and the 2G airtime). The tracker provides always-on GPS tracking, with accuracy to 10 metres, in 45 countries. Vodafone said the unit uses “IoT technology” from Vodafone, in partnership with and UK-based automotive IoT tracking firm Trinsic Connected Car.
Drivers can monitor their car location in real time, check data on previous journeys, and obtain directions to their car, whether walking or driving. The system automatically recognises a small card carried by the driver; Vodafone Automotive is notified immediately if the car is stolen or is driven without the card being present. To prevent false alerts, special modes can be activated if the car is at a garage or being transported.
The tracker will also detect attempts to tow the car away, tamper with its battery or cut wires in a theft attempt. If the car is stolen, a Vodafone Automotive operator will contact local police services to give a minute-by-minute log of the car’s location – providing valuable intelligence in helping the police secure the recovery of the vehicle and a conviction.
The new system fits all Volvo models and has received Cat S5 security approval from Thatcham Research, which has been in the vehicle-security game since the 1990s, according to its website. Cat S5 approval can be used, with some insurance firms, to reduce insurance premiums or take advantage of certain insurance products. The tracker is priced at £595, including fitting, VAT, and a three-year subscription to the stolen vehicle recovery service.
Hanif Jivani, accessories programme manager at Volvo Car UK, said: “At Volvo, we have always put the safety of our customers first, and as we move into an increasingly digital world, we know how important the role of technology is in achieving this. Vodafone Automotive’s stolen vehicle recovery service will help us protect our customers and keep them reassured that their car is fitted with the highest standards of security in the industry.”
Nick Gliddon, business director at Vodafone UK, said: “Should you happen to fall victim to vehicle theft, our Stolen Vehicle Tracking technology puts you in the best possible position to locate and recover your car. We are delighted that companies like Volvo are using our technology and connectivity to help their customers when they need it most.”
