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Hyundai Motor Group partners with Vodafone IoT to deploy connected cars in five countries in the Middle East

Business

Hyundai Motor Group partners with Vodafone IoT to deploy connected cars in five countries in the Middle East
Business

Business

Hyundai Motor Group partners with Vodafone IoT to deploy connected cars in five countries in the Middle East

2026-02-04 08:00 Last Updated At:08:15

SINGAPORE, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis) has partnered with Vodafone IoT to deploy regulatory-compliant in-car connectivity to Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Middle East. In collaboration with Vodafone IoT's network partners in the region – such as e& UAE – Hyundai Motor Group will receive reliable and secure in-car connectivity that is compliant with local laws.

Vodafone IoT provides Hyundai Motor Group with seamless in-car connectivity in the Middle East, thanks to its Global SIM+ solution – which dynamically turns its Global IoT SIM into a local SIM. This offers local network credentials, data routing, compliance with national laws and seamless cross-border connectivity – making it easier and more efficient for carmakers and manufacturers to launch services in regulated countries, as well as giving them global access to connected services.

These capabilities are strengthened by Vodafone IoT's partnerships with local network providers – such as e& UAE – who assure compliance, provide network resilience and reliable connectivity. Together, the network partners provide extensive coverage in the region, advanced IoT capabilities, and deep local expertise – enhancing the quality and reliability of Hyundai Motor Group's connected services in the Middle East.

Combined with Vodafone IoT's leading managed connectivity platform which integrates directly into the local network partner's infrastructure, manufacturers can manage their global IoT estate from a single platform – giving them truly global reach and centralised control over their operations.

Building on these capabilities, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis customers in the Middle East will gain access to a wide range of connected car features, including remote vehicle control, real-time status monitoring, and enhanced convenience services. This partnership aims to deliver a seamless and intuitive digital experience, empowering drivers to manage and keep their vehicles safe anytime, anywhere.

Vodafone IoT and Hyundai plan to expand their in-car connectivity partnership to new countries within the Middle East and Africa in the near future.

Erik Brenneis, CEO of Vodafone IoT, said:

"As manufacturers look to deploy connected vehicles in diverse geographies, it is vitally important that they are provided with connectivity that's reliable, secure, and compliant with national regulations.

"We are proud to partner with Hyundai Motor Group to deliver innovative in–car connectivity powered by our Global SIM+ which provides local credentials and a seamless cross–border service. It turns vehicles into secure connected platforms – keeping drivers and passengers safe, informed and connected. Together, we will extend these capabilities to more countries and more cars, shaping the future of connected mobility."

Hyunwoo Go, Head of Connectivity Business team, Hyundai Motor Group, 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, personalized mobility experiences — empowering our customers with seamless connectivity and regionally tailored digital services that will redefine how they interact with their vehicles.

"Thanks to Vodafone IoTs leading managed connectivity platform, we are not just connecting cars; we are connecting people to a world of new possibilities, making their lives easier, safer, and more enjoyable by combining our leadership in automotive innovation with Vodafone's expertise in IoT."

About Vodafone IoT

Vodafone IoT is a global leader in managed IoT connectivity services. With over 220 million devices connected across more than 180 countries, we provide businesses with reliable and secure IoT solutions, enabling them to effectively manage, monitor, and operate their IoT devices.

Our extensive network partnerships, spanning over 760 networks worldwide, allows us to deliver global IoT solutions that empower businesses to digitalise, transform and maximise the benefits of IoT.

By adopting IoT, businesses can benefit from smarter resource management, reducing emissions, and enhancing operational efficiency – helping them to operate more sustainably.

For more information, please visit Vodafone IOT, follow us on X at @VodafoneIoT or connect with us on LinkedIn at  www.linkedin.com/company/vodafoneIoT.

About Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group's mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication, and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.

More information about Hyundai Motor Group, please visit http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com 

About e& UAE

e& UAE embodies the telecom arm of e& in the UAE, with a mission to maximise stakeholder value, deliver an unparalleled customer experience and optimise business performance for sustainable growth and success.

Leveraging the latest world-class technologies, e& UAE will grow core and digital services, enriching consumer value propositions with digital services catering to new consumer lifestyles and emerging demands beyond core telecom services, including health, insurance and gaming.

e& UAE will continue to act as a trusted partner to enterprises in meeting their connectivity needs and beyond.

Bolstering its leadership position as a digital telco that champions customers in a hyper-connected digital world, e& UAE will pivot the new sustainable demand into future spaces such as private networks, autonomous vehicles, and AI.

To learn more about e& UAE, please visit: https://www.etisalat.ae.

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Hyundai Motor Group partners with Vodafone IoT to deploy connected cars in five countries in the Middle East

Hyundai Motor Group partners with Vodafone IoT to deploy connected cars in five countries in the Middle East

BRISBANE, Australia, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a first for the Australian Insurance sector, a single insurer has achieved the Insurance Grand Slam, with Budget Direct simultaneously being crowned Australian Insurer Of The Year, by four of Australia's respected and independent consumer advocates: Canstar, Money Magazine, Finder, and WeMoney, confirming Budget Direct as the independent experts' choice as, Australian Insurer Of The Year.

Canstar compared Car and Home Insurance from major brands: AAMI, Bingle, GIO, Suncorp Insurance, Budget Direct, NRMA Insurance, QBE Insurance and Youi, and for an unprecedented fifth year in a row, declared Budget Direct the 2026 winner of the Canstar Insurer Of The Year award.

Canstar noted that, "Budget Direct performed consistently well in both Car and Home & Contents Insurance. It continues to provide outstanding value to consumers with competitive pricing and a high level of cover. Budget Direct achieved market-leading performance for Car Insurance in multiple states and a strong performance in Home & Contents Package profiles."

When Money Magazine considered who to crown their most recent Insurer Of The Year in 2025, they "took into consideration how competitive the Home & Contents and Car Insurance premium rates were, as well as holistic factors such as corporate strength, breadth of what they deliver and how they support customers, customer engagement and reliability in paying claims." For a record ninth year in a row, Money Magazine selected Budget Direct.

In selecting Budget Direct as WeMoney's 2025 Insurer Of The Year, WeMoney's Founder & CEO, Dan Jovevski said, "These awards spotlight the insurers who are truly putting Australians first by delivering exceptional value, service, and digital innovation."

Finder, which looked across the breadth of Australian Car and Home insurance providers when selected Budget Direct as their 2026 winner said, "Budget Direct scooped the Insurer Of The Year crown with a strong performance across multiple categories for pricing, features and customer service."

Budget Direct Unprecedented Consecutive Run As Australian Insurer Of The Year

Award Title

Industry
Expert

Year(s) Won

Insurer Of The Year

Canstar

2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022

Insurer Of The Year

Finder

2026

Insurer Of The Year

Money
Magazine

2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

Insurer Of The Year

WeMoney

2025

Budget Direct Unprecedented Consecutive Run As Australian Insurer Of The Year

Award Title

Industry
Expert

Year(s) Won

Insurer Of The Year

Canstar

2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022

Insurer Of The Year

Finder

2026

Insurer Of The Year

Money
Magazine

2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

Insurer Of The Year

WeMoney

2025

No other provider has concurrently held four Insurer Of The Year awards. 

Jonathan Kerr, Chief Growth Officer said securing the industry's first-ever grand slam was a significant moment for everyone at Budget Direct.

"This level of recognition from four of the leading independent consumer advocate groups, is a tremendous honour and a direct testament to our daily focus on delivering outstanding value to our customers through innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction," said Kerr.

"To anyone asking who offers the best insurance in Australia, these industry experts all agreed. The answer is Budget Direct."

DISCLAIMER

Insurance (excluding Pet, Life & Travel Insurance) is issued by Auto & General Insurance Company Limited (ABN 42 111 586 353, AFSL 285571) (AGIC) and arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd (ABN 61 003 617 909, AFSL 241411) (AGS) PO Box 342, Toowong QLD 4066.

Budget Direct Pet Insurance is issued by AGIC, administered by Pet Health Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 59 638 910 675) as Authorised Representative (AR no. 1282153) of AGIC and promoted by AGS.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Game, Set, Grand Slam: Straight-Sets Victory for Budget Direct in Australia's Insurer Of The Year Awards

Game, Set, Grand Slam: Straight-Sets Victory for Budget Direct in Australia's Insurer Of The Year Awards

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