Verizon has become the telematics connectivity provider for new BMW Group vehicles built for the U.S. market, under a collaboration that includes KDDI. The announcement formalizes an arrangement in which Verizon supplies cellular connectivity for vehicle services, described as Verizon’s 5G Standalone Connected Vehicles. BMW Group vehicles produced for U.S. customers will use Verizon’s cellular network for connectivity, with KDDI acting as an intermediary partner linked to its work with BMW Group on connected services and IoT.
The reports say the partnership expands connectivity capabilities for BMW and other BMW Group brands sold in the U.S., including MINI, and ties the vehicle rollout to Verizon’s 5G service rather than legacy connectivity only. One source notes that the press materials do not specify all technical details of the arrangement beyond the use of Verizon’s 5G Standalone Connected Vehicles offering.
Overall, the agreement positions Verizon as the in-car connectivity provider for new BMW Group models in the U.S., with KDDI involved through its existing OEM and IoT relationships.
