Vodafone & Geely: Building the Connected Car Experience

Vodafone Business is betting on a future where the car is as connected as the smartphone.

The company has expanded its partnership with Geely Technology Europe (GTEU), the European R&D arm of Geely Auto Group.

It aims to deliver a broader suite of connectivity services that underpin everything from over-the-air software updates to in-car internet access and cloud-based vehicle data management.

The move reflects a wider shift across the automotive industry as manufacturers rely on telco infrastructure to deliver new features, gather vehicle insights and maintain software-defined vehicles long after they leave the factory floor.

The agreement strengthens Vodafone Business' role as a technology partner in the connected vehicle market.

It provides Geely the communications backbone needed to support digital services across its expanding European operations and growing fleet of connected vehicles.

Connectivity: a core vehicle feature

Modern vehicles are generating and exchanging vast amounts of data.

Reliable connectivity has become essential to delivering the services drivers now expect, like navigation and remote diagnostics.

Under the expanded agreement, Vodafone Business will provide Internet in the Car, Mobile Private Networks and Cloud Connect solutions alongside its existing IoT connectivity services.

These technologies enable secure communication between vehicles, cloud platforms and operational systems.

GTEU develops vehicle architectures, digital platforms and intelligent systems that support connected services including dynamic electric vehicle charging planning and 3D lane guidance.

Delivering those capabilities requires continuous access to software updates, cloud resources and vehicle data.

Giovanni Lanfranchi, CEO at Geely Technology Europe, says: “We’ve moved beyond simple transport solutions.

“Today, vehicles can be continuously improved through software, with data and connectivity enabling a more responsive and personalised user experience over time.”

That evolution is helping transform the relationship between automakers and customers.

Manufacturers can now introduce new capabilities, fix issues and refine user experiences throughout a vehicle's lifespan.

Building a pan-European network

The partnership extends beyond vehicle connectivity.

Vodafone also provides communications services across GTEU's operations in Germany and Sweden, as well as supporting its sales teams across Europe.

The addition of Cloud Connect and Mobile Private Networks is intended to create a more integrated digital environment linking engineering teams, operational sites and connected vehicles.

Cloud Connect enables secure data transfer between vehicles and cloud environments, allowing information to move efficiently between onboard systems and backend platforms.

This supports diagnostics, software management and the analysis of vehicle performance data.

Meanwhile, Internet in the Car gives drivers access to internet-enabled infotainment and digital services in more than 30 countries while meeting local regulatory and compliance requirements.

The ability to maintain consistent services across borders is essential as automotive manufacturers expand internationally and customers expect the same digital experience wherever they travel.

Faster development for manufacturers

One of the most tangible benefits of connected vehicle technology is the speed at which manufacturers can identify and resolve issues.

Vodafone says its vehicle services are helping GTEU gather customer insights and deploy improvements after vehicles have entered service.

The company points to Zeekr Navigation as an example, where always-on connectivity enables customers to provide instant in-vehicle feedback.

This creates a shorter feedback loop between drivers and development teams, allowing engineers to identify problems more quickly and roll out updates remotely.

Fánan Henriques, Vodafone Business Product and International Business Director of Vodafone Business, adds: “As the adoption rate of electric vehicles continues to grow, the opportunities to enhance their safety, efficiency and the user experience through digital connectivity are significant.

“We’re supporting Geely’s growth in vehicle sales across Europe and its operations with a secure, multi-service digital infrastructure.”

Preparing for a connected future

The announcement comes as connected vehicle adoption accelerates worldwide.

Vodafone's Internet in the Car service combines the company's global managed IoT connectivity platform, which supports more than 240 million connections globally, with local internet service providers to deliver connectivity across multiple markets.

Industry forecasts suggest that by 2030, more than 98% of new passenger vehicles sold will be connected, making telco infrastructure key to automotive innovation.

As manufacturers invest in software-defined vehicles and digital services become a key differentiator, partnerships between automakers and telco providers are becoming just as important as those between carmakers and their traditional suppliers.