Volvo Installs On-Board SIMs in Every New Car

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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31st July 2019

Volvo has pledged to install a SIM card in every new model sold in 42 European markets to boost its connectivity offering.

The feature is being introduced on all 2020 cars and can be retro-fitted to any models that have already been delivered to customers. Its SIM card claims to allow vehicle occupants to be connected with access to 100GB of data for up to one year through service provider Vodafone. The contract means there is no impact on occupants’ smartphone personal or business data usage, or the device’s battery charge.

A vehicle SIM should allow easier access to entertainment and information apps, real time traffic information (RTTI) and connected safety services. Users could also benefit from a stronger signal while on the move thanks to better reception is through their car’s large area antenna. An on-board wifi hotspot can be used by up to eight devices.

The SIM powered safety package enables alerts to be received and transmitted when a similarly connected Volvo car’s hazard lights are triggered nearby, or slippery road surfaces are encountered by sharing information in real time via a cloud-based network.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_