The global automotive softwarisation trend is swiftly redefining the passenger car. It seems to be also creating some new competition for the ER&D businesses of IT firms. The SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) technology trend is making vehicle OEMs build / strengthen their own software tech prowess.
Automakers’ tech alliances threaten IT’s ER&D bastion
The trend is also leading to collaborations between automakers. And, that may also be eating into some opportunities for IT firms, even as they are also strengthening their focus on automotive software.
To EV or not to EV?
It’s a leader among the global megatrends in the auto industry, but its journey isn’t turning out to be an easy one. The EV megatrend is being bet upon to be the future, but current sales trend of electric cars reflect that the larger customer population isn’t quite charged up. Strong hybrid tech is also posing competition to pure electrics.
Zero Emission Trucks also need demand incentives, says govt scientific advisory
Encouraging only a single tech not the right strategy for India: Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava
Strong hybrids rev up to fly past EVs in green race as car sales make a pit stop
Paving the road for clean transportation
While debates around EVs grow, alternative fuel options are gaining traction gradually. In the transition to clean transportation, and a reduced dependence on diesel, the trucking industry is warming up to LNG (Liquified Natural Gas). What’s making a section of the fleet operators, who are usually very cost conscious, opt for the more expensive option?
VECV signs MoU for deployment of 500 Eicher Pro 6055 LNG trucks with Baidyanath LNG
Blue Energy Motors rollouts 500th green fuel truck
Hyundai’s INR 100 crore investment for Hydrogen tech development
Hydrogen is emerging as a potentially big gamechanger in the people and goods transportation sector. It’s still early days, but efforts are afoot to make Hydrogen a part of the evolving new energy mix. And, Hyundai, one of the betters on Hydrogen tech, is putting money on where its mouth is, towards advancing Hydrogen technology in India.
IIT Madras and Hyundai Collaborate for Hydrogen Technology Advancement in Tamil Nadu
Autonomous Driving takes a ride on Uber
While the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) trend moves ahead on the fast lane, Autonomous Driving has been facing a rough ride for some time. Some have given up, some are waiting and watching, while some are making efforts to make it work. And, Uber is being seen as a route to acquaint customers with Autonomous Driving tech, and perhaps eventually make them go for Autonomous Driving cars (if and when they hit the market).
GM's Cruise to deploy its autonomous vehicles on Uber platform
Volvo is sticking with Uber to win the autonomous driving 'marathon'
Preparing for the future, today
Be it SDVs, EVs, autonomous driving cars, or any other new tech for mobility, unless there’s significant localisation it’s not going to work for any domestic market. As the new technology trends make inroads, it’s imperative that India makes the necessary moves to have its tech ecosystem in place. And, statements should be followed by concrete action.
We should have the ability to create crucial technologies on our own: MeitY Secretary
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