The TRA 2024 conference emphasised the transformative potential of Cooperative Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) that enables seamless cross-border connectivity for software-defined connected vehicles (SDCVs) – an initiative that Cubic knows well. Since 2016, Cubic has connected over 18.5 million vehicles in 190+ countries, allowing us to witness firsthand the power of vehicle connectivity. However, we’ve learned first that simply enabling vehicle connectivity is not enough: vehicles must connect across borders.
Imagine this: you’re driving across the beautiful German Autobahn, but when you cross the border into Switzerland, your vehicle’s connectivity features, such as real– time traffic updates or location sharing, are disabled. When vehicles cannot connect across borders, drivers lose key functionalities. Not only that, OEMS lose the opportunity to increase vehicle value through over-the-air (OTA) updates and car data monetisation.
For manufacturers and drivers alike, ensuring vehicle connectivity across borders must be a strategic priority.
The fragmented past: inconsistent regulations
The challenge stemmed from a complex web of factors. Inconsistent regulations regarding data privacy, network access, and security varied widely across borders. This created compliance headaches for automakers, who struggled to navigate the patchwork of requirements across different territories. Data roaming limitations restricted connectivity, and reliance on outdated hardware created a fragmented experience for SDCVs. A 2022 McKinsey report estimates that 95% of new vehicles sold globally will be connected by 2030, highlighting the need for a robust solution.
The road to seamless connectivity
Fortunately, recent advancements are paving the way for a future where SDCVs remain connected, regardless of location. Extensive partnerships between SDCV solution providers and mobile network operators (MNOs) are establishing robust global networks, like your phone plan but specifically designed for vehicles. This ensures consistent and reliable connectivity for SDCVs, eliminating disruptions as you cross borders and ensuring a seamless flow of data across regions.
Industry collaboration is also standardising connectivity solutions, removing the need for custom hardware, streamlining development for automakers and reducing costs. Modern SDCV platforms with OTA updates further enhance regional adaptability. Our Platform for Application & Connectivity Enablement (PACE) allows manufacturers to remotely monitor, manage, and update vehicles. This enables features and functionalities to be tailored remotely, adhering to local regulations anywhere in the world.
The benefits of a seamlessly connected future
Seamless connectivity benefits extend far beyond individual drivers. A connected future will transform the automotive industry in several key ways:
- Revolutionised road trips: Imagine international road trips with all connected features working flawlessly, a vision driven by a projected 470 million connected vehicles on the road by 2025 (Deloitte). This immense network will fuel a thriving cellular IoT market worth $61 billion by 2026 (Juniper Research).
- Enhanced safety: Real-time data exchange between vehicles and infrastructure can warn drivers of hazards and potential accidents, regardless of location, significantly enhancing safety on the road.
- Streamlined logistics: Seamless connectivity enables fleet managers to track vehicles efficiently across borders, optimising routes and ensuring timely deliveries, leading to a more efficient and streamlined logistics
- Globalised automotive supply chain: Cross-border connectivity facilitates automatic updates, ensuring vehicles comply with local regulations and content upon arrival in a foreign market, fostering a more globalised automotive supply chain.
The future of cross-border vehicle connectivity holds immense potential for the global automotive industry. Seamless cross-border connectivity will not only revolutionise the driving experience but unlock new possibilities for business logistics and international trade. At Cubic, we remain dedicated to being a key driver of this transformation, ensuring a more connected, efficient, and globally integrated transportation network.
