Vodafone & e& UAE Power Mercedes Connected Cars via Global SIM+ & Local Connectivity

Vodafone and e& UAE have agreed to supply connected car technology to Mercedes-Benz in the UAE under their broad strategic partnership. The collaboration combines e&'s local network connectivity with Vodafone's Global SIM+ eSIM capabilities, enabling seamless in-car connectivity and access to digital driving services. The service is expected to launch in 2025.

With in-vehicle connectivity becoming standard in new models, particularly at more accessible price points, manufacturers like Mercedes are under increasing pressure to offer advanced driving tech. This deal positions e& and Vodafone to serve the discerning UAE luxury market, ensuring connected features that align with local regulations.

Under the arrangement, e& will deliver network services within the UAE, while Vodafone Business IoT will provide its Global SIM+ eSIM platform to support the connectivity side of the solution. This ensures Mercedes owners in the UAE get consistent, reliable connected car experiences—including compliance, security, and connectivity continuity.

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, said the collaboration is a step forward in automotive connectivity, heightening safety, efficiency, and user experience. Eric Brenneis, CEO of Vodafone Business IoT, noted that OEMs like Mercedes can now deploy connected cars with enhanced assurance to their customers.

While the deal signals growing momentum in the connected car space, the immediate revenue impact is expected to be modest—Mercedes's sales in the UAE and similar markets form a small slice of its global volume. Nonetheless, analysts observe this as a clear indicator that IoT connectivity for vehicles is maturing, especially in regions focused on luxury and strong regulatory standards.

According to Counterpoint Research, between 2024 and 2030 some 500 million connected cars will be sold globally, with nearly half expected to support embedded 5G. Germany leads currently in connected car adoption, but growth in Asia and the Middle East is forecasted to outpace many Western markets.