Etisalat, Nissan launch Middle East's first connected car

Telecom operator etisalat and Japanese automobile giant Nissan joined hands to introduce the Middle East's first connected car deployment.
This global launch of the 'Nissan SmartCar' mobile application during Dubai International Motor Show 2015 has marked the beginning of the connected-car ecosystem in the Middle East.
Without any additional financial burden on the car owner, the App will help communities stay connected and offer greater levels of control using its innovative technology.
After downloading the app on any Android or IOS smartphone, users will gain remote control of locks, horn, headlights, windows and the vehicle's air conditioning - allowing Nissan customers the ability to cool down the car in advance of their drive. As the app is compatible with GPS, GLONASS and GSM M2M Technology, users can easily locate their vehicle with a touch of a button - an ideal theft deterrent and security feature.
Through a designed 'Nissan SmartCar' mobile app, headed by the Japanese automaker, and powered by etisalat's network and M2M Control Center platform, the all-new Nissan Maxima 2016 and the Nissan Patrol 2016 will provide customers with convenience, control and security. It will allow drivers to remotely lock or unlock their vehicles, control cooling and even instantly message the owner if the car is involved in a collision.
The global connected car market will be worth ?39 billion in 2018, according to forecasts from research firm SBD and the GSMA. Over the next few years, there will be an increase in the number of new cars equipped with fitted mobile connectivity.
An agreement signed on Tuesday between etisalat and Nissan Middle East will have the giants work closely together to deliver scalable, secure, interoperable and intuitive connected experiences to customers. Under the terms of the deal, Nissan Middle East and etisalat will jointly pursue opportunities to develop connected car technologies and applications to enhance the connected car ecosystem in the UAE and the region.
Nissan's managing director for Middle East, Samir Cherfan said: "Our new 'Nissan SmartCar' application .. re-iterates to our tech-savvy customers that Nissan is the true leader of 'Innovation that Excites'."
"The 'Nissan SmartCar' application will help our customers stay better connected with their vehicles, offering a variety of control tools that will make driving more convenient and safer, " Cherfan added.
Salvador Anglada, chief business officer at etisalat, said: "Keeping with the evolution of the IoT era, it underpins etisalat's commitment to support the nation's long-term strategy in promoting digitisation initiatives."
abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com