Latest news with #ETAutoTechSummit2025


Time of India
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
ETAutoTech Summit 2025: Innovation and urgency to scale indigenous capabilities take center stage
New Delhi: At day 1 of the ETAutoTech Summit 2025 , a convergence of visionaries and leaders from across India's and the world's mobility ecosystem shared a common belief that India stands on the cusp of global automotive leadership. The discussions through the day spanned electric mobility , digital transformation , AI integration , sustainability, and the urgent need to scale indigenous capabilities . In a stirring keynote, Dr. Andy Palmer, Global Auto Industry Veteran and Chairman, Inobat Auto, called on India to reject dependence on external supply chains, especially from China, and instead invest deeply in domestic ecosystems. 'Why would you let your industry be subservient to Chinese supply?' he asked. Reflecting on his 46-year career, which has seen the industry transition from ICE to mass-market electrification, Dr Palmer outlined a three-point strategy for India's leadership in EVs– build domestic battery systems , recycling facilities, and skilled manpower; scale EV charging infrastructure , and pilot synthetic fuel stations; and enforce circularity, advancing end-to-end recycling. Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, INSPACe, traced his journey from auto to space tech, emphasising how India's auto industry has reached a stage where it can lead globally. However, he pointed out that two foundational challenges persist, namely quality and R&D investment. Create your place in the history of Indian auto. Don't just build for the market; build to lead, Dr Goenka said. 'Why would you let your industry be subservient to Chinese supply?'Dr Andy Palmer India's EV ambition India must not chase the cheapest EV, but the smartest one, said R Velusamy, President – Technology & Product Development, Mahindra & Mahindra. He emphasised leveraging large language models (LLMs) and AI for embedded intelligence in EV platforms. Echoing this, Mahesh Babu, CEO, Switch Mobility, underscored India's strength in IT and the opportunity to lead in AI and ML integration. 'Everyone gets the battery and motor. What differentiates Switch is our focus on software and digitalisation.' As the post-COVID landscape drives consumer behavior further into the digital realm, Dr. Tapan Sahoo, Executive Officer – Digital Enterprise, Maruti Suzuki India, noted the rising role of startups. He said, 'Startups bring fresh ideas and tech, but they lack scale. That's where OEMs must step in.' His colleague, Tarun Aggarwal, Head – Engineering, Maruti Suzuki, added that liquid fuels still hold untapped potential in India, warranting attention alongside EVs. "Create your place in the history of Indian auto. Don't just build for the market; build to lead."Dr. Pawan Goenka Data and AI Dr. Calev Munigety, Head, Enterprise-AI, Bosch India, highlighted the untapped potential of Generative AI . 'We are just at the beginning. The possibilities with Gen AI are infinite.' Ujjwala Karale, Senior Deputy Director, ARAI, emphasised that the conversion of data to actionable knowledge, and the collaboration between OEMs, is central to future innovation. Adding a systems lens, Dr. Lokesh Agrawal, CTO, NBC Bearings, said the rise of EVs demands a shift to system engineering, especially as scheduled maintenance becomes obsolete. He stressed the need for lightweighting at the sub-system level for improved efficiency and performance. India is also building a regulatory environment that is uniquely forward-looking. Dr. Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, shared how India is the only country to implement both E20 ethanol blending and the BS-VI emission regime, emphasising the alignment of sustainability with safety and innovation.


Time of India
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
ETAutoTech Summit 2025: Pawan Goenka urges ISRO-Auto industry collaboration on sensor tech
Sensor technology is fast becoming the beating heart of next-gen vehicles. As cars evolve into intelligent, software-defined machines, India has a golden opportunity to tap into its space ecosystem for cutting-edge innovation. Speaking at the ETAutoTech Summit 2025 in Bengaluru, Dr. Pawan Goenka , Chairman, IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), shares that among the various technologies, sensor technology should be the first to go when it comes to technology transfer from ISRO to automotive sector. 'ISRO has some 50 odd different sensors that can see application into the automotive industry ,' he shares, adding that technologies from ISRO and DRDO in the areas of sensors, ADAS and camera should be looked at by the automotive industry in collaboration with ARAI for its commercial viability. There are close to 14 space technologies that have been identified for possible transfer to automotive sector. 'There should be no one sensor that should be imported in India. We must leverage indigenous capabilities.'Dr. Pawan Goenka Goenka emphasises that two ISRO centres house hundreds of scientists dedicated solely to sensor development . He called on the auto industry to form a collaborative task force with ISRO to adapt and customise space-grade sensors for road-ready applications. 'If we can put a group together in the automotive industry to work with ISRO, we can translate the space sensor technology to automotive sensor technology,' he notes. 'There should be no one sensor that should be imported in India,' he states. 'We must leverage indigenous capabilities.' Reflecting that the technology of ISRO is very expensive and would need a recalibration and refinement to suit the automotive sector, Dr. Goenka says, 'We need to work together to make the cost right, and remove features that may be unnecessary for automotive. That's how we create viable, local solutions.' Asked about slow pick up of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellations) technology, he says, 'Three more navigation satellites will soon be launched. With that, NaVIC will be able to do everything and would be little better than GPS in terms of accuracy and data.' He adds, 'Government is making every effort to push NavIC in civilian applications to reduce dependency on foreign systems for something so critical as navigational data. NaVIC is already in use for our strategic needs and is successful.' Beyond individual technologies, Dr. Goenka stresses on the need to build Brand India, both globally and domestically. He urged Indian manufacturers to focus on quality, R&D, and technology ownerships. 'We have come a long way. Today, Indian companies are producing world-class products, using local manufacturing and sourcing,' he says. 'Now, we must aim to build and position Brand India alongside Germany, Korea, and Japan on the global automotive stage.' However, he emphasises on the need to further improvements in quality and a stronger focus on R&D. 'If we look at any vehicle closely today and the technologies it has, how much is coming in from India - it is close to zero,' he reflects. Looking ahead, Dr. Goenka sees a major global opportunity in Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and urges Indian tech leaders and automotive industry to take the lead. 'India has the core software and systems expertise. If we act now, we can become the SDV capital of the world,' he shares.


Time of India
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
ETAutoTech Summit 2025 kicks off in Bengaluru, spotlights sustainable mobility
The sixth edition of the ETAutoTech Summit 2025 officially kicks off today at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru, Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center. Spanning two days — June 18 and 19 — the summit returns with the central theme: 'Driving Sustainable Pathways for Future Mobility.' As the automotive world accelerates toward electrification, AI integration, and sustainable practices, this flagship event by ETAuto brings together industry leaders, technocrats, and policymakers to shape the road ahead. Key focus areas at this year's summit The summit will spotlight technologies and strategies transforming mobility — including alternative fuels like hydrogen, ethanol, and ammonia — as well as new CAFE norms, emissions regulations, net-zero strategies, and sustainable manufacturing. Technology innovations in focus include infotainment, displays, battery technologies, ADAS, connected vehicles, telematics, autonomous driving, cybersecurity, and safety in software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Also featured are discussions on localisation in powertrain and ER&D, and the role of AI, generative AI, and simulation in automotive product development. Beyond panel discussions and keynote talks, the technology showcase floor will be a major highlight, featuring over 50 exhibitors. From high-efficiency electric drivetrains to full-stack autonomous systems, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the innovation pipelines of OEMs, startups, and Tier-1 suppliers. With India emerging as a global R&D hub, the sessions are set to reveal how technology and policy are converging to create scalable, sustainable innovation. Leading Voices in Attendance Esteemed speakers and dignitaries sharing their perspectives include: Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACeDr. Andy Palmer, Global Auto Industry Veteran & Chairman, InoBat AutoFrank Stephenson, Renowned Automotive Designer Other industry stalwarts include: Rajendra Petkar, President & CTO, Tata MotorsDr. N. Saravanan, CTO, Ashok LeylandManu Saale, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz R&D IndiaR. Velusamy, President, Automotive Tech & Product Development, M&MMahesh Babu, CEO, Switch Mobility Sessions will be moderated by auto industry expert Arun Malhotra and Avik Chattopadhyay, Founder of The Indian School for Design of Automobiles. India's auto industry stands at a strategic crossroads. With global supply chains shifting, climate targets tightening, and digital disruption accelerating, forums like ETAutoTech Summit are not just think tanks — they are action hubs. By convening industry, government, and academia under one roof, the summit aims to spark collaboration, accelerate technology adoption, and build a roadmap for clean, connected, and competitive mobility. Stay tuned for exclusive coverage, interviews, and insights from the summit floor.


Time of India
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
ETAutoTech Summit 2025 set to shape the future of sustainable mobility and automotive innovation
As the global automotive industry embraces AI, machine learning, and green mobility, ETAuto is bringing back its flagship event — ETAutoTech Summit 2025 . Themed 'Driving Sustainable Pathways for Future Mobility', the sixth edition of the annual summit will take place on June 18–19, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru, Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center. The two-day event will bring together technocrats, policymakers, and global experts to discuss the latest technology trends that are redefining the automotive future — from electrification and connected vehicles to software-defined mobility and sustainable manufacturing. This year's summit will delve into a wide array of topics: Hydrogen, Ethanol, and Ammonia as alternative fuelsNew CAFE norms and emissions complianceApproaches to achieving net-zero goalsAdvancements in infotainment, battery, and display technologiesConnected tech, telematics, ADAS, and autonomous drivingSafety and cybersecurity for software-defined vehicles (SDVs)Evolving powertrain strategies and ER&D localisationThe role of AI, generative AI, and simulation tech in product development Industry Titans in Attendance The much-awaited event will also see the attendance of prominent dignitaries such as Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space & Chairman, ISRO; Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe; Dr. Andy Palmer, Global Auto Industry Veteran & Chairman, InoBat Auto; and Frank Stephenson, renowned automotive designer, among others, who will share their valuable insights into the evolving automotive landscape. Other key industry voices include: Rajendra Petkar, President & CTO, Tata MotorsDr. N. Saravanan, CTO, Ashok LeylandManu Saale, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz R&D IndiaR. Velusamy, President, Automotive Tech & Product Development, M&MMahesh Babu, CEO, Switch MobilityModerated by Arun Malhotra, Industry Expert and Avik Chattopadhyay, Auto Industry Expert and Founder, The Indian School for Design of Automobiles Tech Showcase: 50+ Exhibitors and Cutting-Edge Innovations The summit will also feature a technology exhibition with 50+ exhibitor booths, showcasing next-gen solutions–from electric drivetrains to autonomous vehicle tech. Participants will gain deep insights and firsthand exposure to transformative innovations, breakthrough technologies and emerging trends that are shaping the industry. So, join us for this trend-defining event that aims to drive dialogue, collaboration, and action towards a smarter, cleaner, and more resilient mobility future. Don't miss out — register now at: