Vodafone has extended a major broadband-IoT deal with South Korean automotive manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group to provide in-car streaming and entertainment (‘infotainment’) services for all new Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models sold in Europe. The multi-year deal covers 40 countries in Europe, and starts with connectivity for audio streaming, with a view to also include video streaming, data hotspot, and other in-car features.
Vodafone’s in-car connectivity business makes up a major part of its significant IoT operations. It has been working with Hyundai since 2018. Vodafone Business said the company has 160 million global IoT connections, and promised Hyundai drivers will have a “more consistent experience and greater level of cross-border mobility”. Hyundai sold around 1.1 million vehicles in Europe last year, a record for the company. The company said it wants to be a “leader in innovative mobility solutions”.
Haeyoung Kwon, vice president of infotainment development at Hyundai, said: “The driving experience as we know it will continue to change and we want to be at the forefront of that shift. Vodafone… has been instrumental in connecting drivers of our vehicles with real-time and relevant information at the wheel… We will be able to make our vision for the automotive world of the future a reality.”
Erik Brenneis, director of IoT at Vodafone Business, said: “In-vehicle connectivity is becoming universal… Vodafone Business can offer unique and innovative solutions that drive the adoption of the technology. Vodafone and Hyundai have been shaping the future of vehicle mobility since 2018, and the extension of our partnership means we can enhance the experience of millions more customers across Europe.”
