Mobility highlights at MWC in Barcelona

The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona is nearing its end. As we reported earlier, it's about much more than just smartphones. There's also a considerable automotive angle – don't cars increasingly resemble phones-on-wheels? Here are some of the latest developments at #MWC19 that are of interest to the mobility ecosphere. 

HP and Continental use blockchain to monetise car data

Automotive suppliers Continental and technology company Hewlett Packard (HP) have announced a new platform for sharing vehicle data. The as yet nameless platform, to become available later this year, will enable new digital services that will improve driver safety and convenience. Built on blockchain technology to ensure data security, sovereignty and transparency, it will also help OEMs and other automotive players to trade and monetise their data and differentiate their brands. Since driver consent is key for data trading, the platform will include a 'consent management' system, registering individual opt-ins and opt-outs. 

HERE does mapping for Volvo

HERE Technologies has signed a multi-year deal to provide map data for Volvo Cars. HERE is the world's leading provider of mapping for vehicles. Under the deal, it will provide map data for off-board cloud services that require knowing the location of cars and managing information in relation to geographical locations.  Volvo, which is developing these services in its own cloud environment, plans to deploy them to enhance vehicle performance and driver experience. 

Cubic provides connectivity for Skoda

Connectivity management specialists Cubic Telecom have signed a contract with Skoda to enable connectivity for Skoda drivers across Europe. The deal will give Skoda drivers access to always-on connected services powered through Cubic Telecom's PACE Platform. Services include telematics, e-Call, infotainment apps and an in-car wifi hotspot, which can connect up to eight devices at once. Cubic's advanced solution will be available first in the all-new Skoda Scala and Kamiq models, which will come onto the market later this year. All other Skoda models will eventually follow.