Volvo is allowing European drivers to track their vehicles using Vodafone‘s IoT technology. All Volvo models are compatible with the Vodafone Automotive VTS S5. It offers vehicle tracking and recovery through Vodafone Automotive’s secure operating centres, which are open 24 hours a day and work in collaboration with local authorities in 44 European countries.

In testing, the device obtained Cat S5 approval from Thatcham Research, a certification that might enable car owners to get lower insurance premiums or access to specific insurance packages for their vehicle. The tracking device is equipped with IoT technology from Trinsic Connected Car.

“Our close and longstanding partnership with both Vodafone and Volvo Car continues to keep us at the top of our game, helping us to deliver unique and bespoke IoT services that address our customer’s specific needs,” said Darren Webb, CEO of UK-based Trinsic. “We aim to sit at the centre of customer’s commercial needs and Vodafone’s unbeatable technical capability. We are delighted to extend the Trinsic Connected Car program to provide Volvo Car with Vodafone’s stolen vehicle tracking technology and recovery service, to ensure that the safety and security of our customers come first.”

The tracking feature is available 24 hours a day and can determine a car’s location to within 10 meters. Drivers can also track their car’s whereabouts in real-time, verify data from prior trips, and get instructions to their car using the app, whether they’re walking or driving.

The device detects a little card carried by the driver and notifies Vodafone Automotive immediately if the car is stolen or driven without the card present. If the car is in a garage or being moved, additional modes can be triggered to prevent misleading alerts.

In a theft attempt, the system can recognize efforts to tow the car away, tamper with the battery, or cut wiring. If the automobile is stolen, a Vodafone operator will contact local police to provide a minute-by-minute log of the car’s location, supporting the police in securing the car’s recovery and a conviction.

“At Volvo, we have always put the safety of our customers first and, as we move into an increasingly digital world, we know how important the role of technology is in achieving this,” said Hanif Jivani, accessories program manager at Volvo Car. “Vodafone Automotive’s stolen vehicle recovery service will help us protect our customers and keep them reassured that their car is fitted with the highest standards of security in the industry.”

Nick Gliddon, business director at Vodafone, added: “Should you happen to fall victim to vehicle theft, our stolen vehicle tracking technology puts you in the best possible position to locate and recover your car. We are delighted that companies such as Volvo are using our technology and connectivity to help their customers when they need it most.”