The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation, with research by Omdia revealing that more than 900 million connected cars will be on the road by the beginning of the next decade.
These vehicles will not only communicate with each other, but also with our homes and with the urban environment. From in-car entertainment to collision warnings and advanced cruise control, they will offer new connectivity features that will improve the safety, efficiency and the enjoyment of driving.
As cars become more integrated into networks, there are endless possibilities for innovation and enhanced experiences. So, it’s little wonder that Smart Mobility has its own dedicated content stream at this year’s Mobile World Congress. This will include a roundtable on the connected vehicle revolution (see details below).
Our priority at this year’s show will be to address two main challenges for everyone to benefit from the future of mobility: security and certification.
Bolstering connected vehicle security
The rapid growth of the connected vehicle market means that we can no longer manage connectivity as we did before. Inevitably, greater connectivity will mean more identities shared, more personal data exchanged and more exposure to cyber threats.
To ensure a secure and intelligent driving experience in the changing automotive landscape, industrial versions of embedded SIMs (or eSIMs) are integrated into cars during manufacturing. These eSIMs help to identify individual vehicles, encrypt communications and ensure secure global car connectivity for smart vehicle systems.
Taking this one step further, the GSMA recently introduced new specifications (the IoT SAFE initiative) to bolster the cyber security of connected devices and vehicles. This enables IoT device manufacturers and IoT service providers to leverage the SIM as a robust, scalable and standardised hardware Root of Trust to protect IoT data communications.
At this year’s MWC, we’re proud to be showcasing innovative solutions built on the eSIM and the new SGP.32 IoT GSMA standards to deliver unprecedented flexibility and security to businesses.
Managing certification
The security and reliability of connected vehicles also depends on their ability to store digital identities and certificates. These credentials verify the origin, authenticity, and integrity of each component of the vehicle. It is essential that every part is sourced from a trusted supplier, has a valid certification, and meets the quality standards required for optimal performance.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) WP29 regulation and the ISO SAE 21434 for automotive cybersecurity are moving the industry in this direction by requiring automotive OEMs to integrate vehicle cybersecurity along the entire value chain.
At this year’s event, we’ll be talking to customers and attendees about new defenses to protect connected vehicles from cyber threats. This includes Thales Trusted Key Manager – our comprehensive cybersecurity solution for the automotive and utilities industries. Trusted Key Manager is designed to ensure the integrity and reliability of connected vehicles throughout their entire lifecycle, from commissioning to end of life.
Delegates will also be able to see our Digital Car Key solution, where the smartphone can be used to securely access and start the car. It offers convenience and flexibility to users, allowing them to replace traditional physical keys with a virtual key stored on their mobile device. The secure implementation of such a system is crucial to prevent unauthorised access or tampering.
Come and see us at MWC
Ensuring a secure and intelligent driving experience in the changing automotive landscape, Thales has delivered over 100 million auto-grade eSIMs.
You’ll find the Thales stand at MWC, Fira Gran Via, Hall 2, stand 2J30, and our expertise in automotive will be showcased on the GSMA pavilion – Exhibition Stand 4F30, Hall 4. The consortium Software République, of which Thales is an active member, will also present a concept car featuring over 20 innovative technologies, including Thales’ biometric technology and Digital Car Key.
Our experts will also be showcasing the latest solutions for secure and flexible connectivity at the following sessions:
Smart Mobility Summit – Who’s at the wheel in the connected vehicle revolution?
Monday February 26th 12:00 – 13:00, hall 4 Connected Industries
Mobility is undergoing unprecedented transformation, and the automotive industry is at the front line of innovation. Join us to discover the enormous potential that the integration of connected vehicles and mobile networks offers in making the unimaginable possible in transportation. Eva Rudin, EVP Mobile Connectivity Solutions, will share Thales’ vision and insights into the digital transformation of the automotive industry.
Learn more about the Smart MWC Mobility Summit
5G IoT Summit – Efficient connectivity and security management for massive IoT
Wednesday February 28th 09:00 – 11:30, hall 8 theatre 4
Massive IoT requires an efficient connectivity management and strong cybersecurity protection to elements, enabling global device distribution, sustainable and secure operations over the entire IoT service life cycle. Join us to understand how innovative solutions can build on eSIM and the new IoT GSMA standards to deliver unprecedented flexibility and security to businesses.
Learn more about the 5G IoT Summit
MWC eSIM Summit – eSIM: enhancing connectivity for people and objects
Wednesday February 28th 12:30 – 14:30, hall 8 theatre 4
Since nearly a decade, the eSIM has revolutionised the access to cellular connectivity. Unlocking its full potential requires connectivity providers rethinking traditional models. Embracing innovative approaches is crucial to staying ahead in the evolving connectivity landscape. Mastering eSIM for consumer and IoT demands enhanced service continuity and adaptability. Join us to explore strategies for digitalization, customer reach, and end-user experience. We’ll delve into streamlined activation, eSIM-only devices, and unveil new business opportunities in this dynamic landscape.
