BMW Group Middle East and its two importers for the United Arab Emirates, AGMC and Abu Dhabi Motors, announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etisalat at Dubai’s annual technology show, GITEX.
The momentous agreement appoints Etisalat, one of the world’s leading telecom group as BMW Group’s ConnectedDrive partner in the UAE. Etisalat will fully power BMW Group’s connectivity services, exclusively featured on vehicles from BMW Group’s importers Abu Dhabi Motors, the authorised importer for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and AGMC, BMW Group’s importer for Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
ConnectedDrive is an exclusive BMW Group technology and is equipped with services and apps, which help BMW Group customers stay connected with the world, while on the go.
Through this deal, Etisalat will provide IoT managed connectivity for teleservices, the intelligent emergency call system, news and weather updates, real-time-traffic information and enabling BMW’s concierge, an in-car service available 24/7, every day of the year, through ConnectedDrive.
To ensure ease of deployment for BMW Group’s connected services in the UAE, Etisalat has delivered a hybrid solution that will connect the existing and new vehicles through IoT Managed Connectivity so to be fully integrated to the BMW eSim platform. This will provide BMW Group’s UAE customers an enhanced driving experience.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Hamid Haqparwar, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, said, “This partnership is an extremely monumental moment for BMW Group in the Middle East. With the support of Etisalat, we will be able to provide our valued customers a fully integrated and connected automotive experience.
“We are confident that this exclusive collaboration will help accelerate our growth here in the UAE, whilst supporting our business goals and vision towards a digital transformation. As we work towards our vision of the “future of mobility”, we foresee that this service will be an essential part of our identity. We are delighted and proud to join hands with Etisalat and to be able to provide more value to our loyal customers and to redefine the sheer driving pleasure of BMW Group.”
Powered by Etisalat the fastest mobile network, BMW’s ConnectedDrive will run 4G internet service and voice service to operate eCall and BMW concierge and provide 5G internet service for the next generation of BMW devices, which will offer more advanced services. Etisalat will also work with BMW Group Middle East to enable consumer services so that Etisalat customers can easily access their data package allowing them to access consumer-specific services on their BMW Group vehicle.
Mr. Salvador Anglada, Group Chief Business Officer at Etisalat, added, “We are pleased to support BMW Group as they introduce ConnectedDrive to the UAE. Through our extensive experience in Mobility IoT and Connected car solutions we are confident this partnership will play a valuable role in transforming automotive technology in the region, as we believe this service will ultimately change how BMW Group customers approach their driving experience.”
“In line with Etisalat’s theme at GITEX this year, “Empowering the Digital Future and Beyond”, our focus is to highlight industry leaders and innovators from around the world, who are continuously raising the bar. With the steps BMW Group has taken toward innovation in the Middle East and beyond, we couldn’t think of a more fitting partnership to announce during this year’s event.”
With seamless integration to the BMW and MINI intelligent interfaces, smartphone, and other technologies, ConnectedDrive keeps BMW Group customers aware and in control, with everything they need at the click of a button.