India's opportunity to shine in the new auto tech era
From Rocket Science to Road Tech
ISRO's innovations find new wheels
IN-SPACe is now facilitating the transfer of advanced ISRO technologies — including a fully indigenous 'Bharat ADAS' stack — to the automotive sector. This marks a significant step in India's quest for homegrown intelligent driving systems. By tapping into ISRO's expertise in imaging, sensors, and edge computing, the initiative aims to strengthen India's self-reliance in automotive safety and autonomous mobility technologies.
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AI is Reshaping Automotive Marketing
From predictive targeting to campaign optimization, AI is redefining how automakers engage with customers in India. A new era of personalized, data-driven marketing is here. By analyzing consumer behavior in real time, brands can now deliver hyper-targeted messages that drive both engagement and conversions.
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Daimler Truck's In-House Software Strategy
Daimler Truck is doubling down on its Indian innovation hub to build in-house software that decouples hardware from code. This shift is at the heart of its strategy for modular, intelligent trucking. By developing software-defined vehicle capabilities internally, the company aims to accelerate innovation, reduce dependencies, and tailor solutions for global markets.
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Navigation Tech Firms Tap into EV and ADAS Growth
India's navigation and mapping companies are transforming into intelligence enablers for EVs and autonomous driving. HD maps, AR-based guidance, and real-time updates are becoming essential infrastructure. With rising demand for ADAS features and EV-specific routing, these technologies are evolving from simple tools to critical decision-making layers in modern vehicles.
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Robotaxis: Momentum and Setbacks
Amazon-backed Zoox is preparing for a larger US rollout by scaling up production of its autonomous vehicles, aiming to strengthen its position in the growing
robotaxi market
. Meanwhile, Tesla's attempt to trademark the word 'Robotaxi' has been blocked for being too generic, reflecting the increasing scrutiny around branding in the autonomous mobility space.
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Tesla update:
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NXP Unveils 3rd-Gen Radar Processors
NXP's latest imaging radar chips are purpose-built to support higher levels of autonomous driving. The technology enables better object detection and faster system response for next-gen ADAS features.
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What This Means for the Industry
This month's stories reflect a clear trend:
Software is becoming the new engine of the auto industryStrategic collaborations are key to technological leadershipIndia is steadily positioning itself at the center of global auto-tech innovation
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this edition of the newsletter! Please share your feedback or suggestions with us so we can continue improving to meet your needs. You can email your comments to sumantra.barooah@timesinternet.in.
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