Latest news with #SDVs
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Left vs Right: How driving sides complicate the SDV revolution
In the era of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), the world's dual driving conventions, the right-hand and left-hand drive, present unforeseen complexities. While traditional vehicles simply mirrored controls to suit regional norms, SDVs must integrate vast, localised datasets, encompassing everything from road rules and signage to traffic behaviour and infrastructure design in order to navigate safely across jurisdictions. This complexity intensifies as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication, and autonomous capabilities become more prevalent. These systems are highly sensitive to local road conventions, requiring OEMs and SDV platforms to engineer for seamless cross-border adaptability. 'As SDVs gain traction, this historical bifurcation underscores the need for region-aware vehicle intelligence and infrastructure harmonization,' says Sundar Ganapathi, Chief Technology Officer – Automotive, Tata Elxsi. He explains, 'The coexistence of left- and right-hand driving significantly affects new-age vehicles, especially those equipped with V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication technologies, which depend on real-time spatial awareness and synchronised signalling.' Consider aspects like lane-change algorithms, overtaking behaviour, and roundabout navigation, they vary significantly based on which side of the road is the standard. 'Without harmonisation, vehicles may misinterpret manoeuvres or prioritise incorrect threat vectors. This becomes more critical with SDVs, where split-second decisions are made based on digital input rather than human instinct,' Ganapathi emphasizes. A Historical Split, A Modern Challenge Historically, the choice between left-hand and right-hand drive stems from colonial, military, and trade influences. India, for example, retained the British practice of left-hand traffic (LHT), while the U.S. adopted right-hand traffic (RHT) for logistical efficiency in wagon and later automotive design. Today, about 65% of the world, including the U.S., China, and most of Europe follow RHT with left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles, whereas countries like India, the UK, Australia, and Japan follow LHT with right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles. This global split makes RHT-LHD the majority standard, creating technical efficiencies for SDV development, as most autonomous driving software, simulation models, and datasets are trained and validated in RHT regions. 'The geographic fragmentation creates interoperability challenges for autonomous systems, especially those involving cross-border logistics or vehicle exports,' notes Ganapathi. While switching a country's driving orientation is an enormous infrastructural and cultural undertaking, historically, only a few nations, such as Sweden in 1967, have transitioned. Today, such changes are rare due to cost and complexity. 'Regulators are more inclined to mandate region-specific compliance for SDVs than overhaul national traffic systems. Therefore, while logically consolidating to a single driving norm may seem efficient, the pragmatic solution lies in creating SDV platforms with multi-modal capabilities.' The Role of Simulation and AI in Bridging the Divide Ganapathi points to the simulation-first approach, enhanced by Generative AI, as a game-changer in enabling SDVs to operate across diverse traffic systems. 'These simulations allow virtual validation of scenarios across geographies, reducing dependence on physical prototypes and ensuring faster compliance with local laws,' he explains. The solution lies in developing adaptive SDV software architectures that can seamlessly toggle configurations based on GPS location and local laws. 'Additionally, global standardisation efforts for V2X protocols, while still nascent, must accelerate,' he urges. Agrees, Prof. Chandan Chowdhury, Executive Director, Munjal Institute for Global Manufacturing, Indian School of Business (ISB), who adds, 'Academia must adapt automotive curricula to address these dual standards, especially in control algorithms, digital twin simulations, and regional regulation modules.' India, for instance, remains early in its V2X journey, highlighting the need for scalable, regionally compliant solutions. 'Overall, a layered AI-driven system that accommodates geo-specific datasets will be central to ensuring safe and efficient cross-border SDV functionality. Ultimately, regulatory focus is shifting toward software flexibility and validation frameworks rather than altering age-old national systems.' Legal Perspectives and Regulatory Focus From a legal standpoint, a unilateral transition to a global traffic norm isn't under consideration. 'Regulators are not contemplating a switch in traffic orientation,' says Divyangna Malik, Advocate Supreme Court of India. 'Instead, the legal focus globally is on fostering software modularity and harmonized regulatory standards to ensure interoperability of SDVs across both systems, primarily through platforms like UNECE WP.29 (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe).' She notes that while no imminent legal transition is foreseen in drive-side norms, 'strategic investments are being made to bridge localisation gaps for LHT countries within the SDV ecosystem.' Highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with the rapid evolution of automotive technologies, David Kidd, Senior Research Scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), says, 'Every region is unique and requires a hyperlocalised approach in terms of safety, technology, and solutions.' He adds, 'Driving cultures vary significantly across the world. To make SDVs truly successful, we need customised processes and algorithms that are optimised for local realities.' Kidd emphasizes on the need for flexibility and adaptability in SDV ecosystems, especially when addressing diverse cultural nuances, regulatory mandates, and behavioural patterns across geographies. Adaptability Over Uniformity In the context of SDVs, which depend on standardized, data-intensive software systems, the RHT-LHD model offers stronger logical and technological alignment. As the majority of SDV development, training data, and regulatory frameworks emerge from LHD markets, deployment is inherently more efficient in RHT jurisdictions. However, true global scalability lies in adaptability and not in enforcing a singular norm. The future of autonomous mobility depends on intelligent, region-aware software systems, robust simulation tools, and cross-border standardisation efforts that bridge the left-right divide without forcing nations to rewrite the rules of their roads.
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Media Confidence in Chinese Automotive Brands Grows Globally and Hits 62% in the UAE, According to CARMA's Latest Analysis
CARMA, the leading technology and consulting company, has released the second part of its 'Driving Change Series' study, which presents an analysis surrounding the Automotive industry, hyper focusing on the incoming Chinese brands in the MENA region and beyond. Findings show that Chinese automotive brands are gaining media confidence globally, with limited outright scepticism. Through a variety of online articles, media in the Philippines, Malaysia and the UAE showcased the highest levels of confidence in Chinese automotive brands (over 60% confident in each of those markets). The analysis found that positive media coverage of Chinese brands aligned with what really matters to consumers with regards to purchasing decisions. The first part of this series, which focused on consumer research, found that price, reliability and technology were key factors for those considering purchasing a new vehicle. Chinese brands were characterised by low levels of criticism and high proportions of positive coverage on pricing, technology and reliability. In addition, Chinese automotive brands – especially BYD – are increasingly seen as industry innovators. The brand garnered more than double the volume of coverage where brands are positioned as innovative (1,189 articles) compared to other Chinese brands such as Geely (402) and Xpeng (298), as well as established brands including BMW and Volkswagen (284 and 251 respectively). BYD was also found to have contributed 41% of all positive coverage on Chinese brands, and had a higher proportion of positive coverage compared to other Chinese brands and established brands. Part 2 of the series, titled 'Media Perception' presents an analysis of 12,000 media articles from 1 January 2024 to 31 January 2025. Online articles from automotive specialist outlets, news sources, lifestyle media and technology outlets in 15 markets were analysed. These articles featured over 25 Chinese brands and over 30 established brands. 'The automotive industry experienced significant turbulence over the last 18 months with headwinds affecting both Chinese and established brands. Despite this our analysis revealed that Chinese automotive brands have gained media confidence around the globe, and that positive sentiment on 'the rise of Chinese brands' is a result of BYD's success, rather than strong industry-wide performance. In fact, BYD leads in terms of share of voice compared to several other Chinese and Established brands and generated 41% of all positive coverage of Chinese brands,' says Paige Lingwood, Insights Consultant, CARMA. Technology and innovation were found to be key themes that media outlets covered with their articles – 60% of media coverage highlighted Chinese brands' use of innovative technology. Articles also focused on the rapidly evolving automotive industry highlighting trends such as tariff impacts, technology collaboration, the rise of Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs), and the role of social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok in influencing car buyers. Within the MENA region Chinese brands secured the most articles where they positioned as innovative in the UAE (75%), which helped elevate the presence and perception of Chinese brands across the wider Middle East region. Numerous articles were published by UAE media on BYD, highlighting the investment the company has made into innovation and technology. Other outlets also praised the inclusion of the Chery Tiggo 8 in the Dubai Police Fleet, noting that the model was chosen specifically as Dubai Police required vehicles equipped with the latest technology. In Saudi Arabia, high levels of confidence were reported in media narratives relating to pricing, reliability and technology. In the first part of this series, these factors were found to be the most important or consumers when purchasing a vehicle, highlighting that Chinese brands have found a winning formula for growth despite the automotive industry's challenging and competitive landscape. Part 3 of the Driving Change series will focus on a case study on BYD. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the transformative rise of Chinese automotive brands on the world stage. About CARMA: Expertly helping PR and communications professionals demonstrate the value of their work, CARMA collaborates with both global brands and local organisations across a diverse range of industries. CARMA equips PR and communications professionals with the data, insights, and context needed to make better-informed business decisions. Our technology provides the most comprehensive monitoring of print, broadcast, online and social media in every continent, across 130+ content partners and 100+ languages. Discover CARMA's suite of solutions, our team, and the work we do.
Japan Forward
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Japan Forward
Nissan Needs A Total Restructuring Plan to Survive
Nissan Motor Co has announced a large-scale restructuring plan that includes cutting 20,000 jobs. The workforce reductions will amount to approximately 15% of the group's global workforce and are slated to be implemented by FY2027. The company will also close 17 vehicle production plants worldwide, including in Japan, leaving it with only 10. Nissan is struggling due to continued sluggish sales in the world's two biggest motor vehicle markets, the United States and China. One problem is its product lineup, including the company's failure to introduce hybrid vehicles in the US market, where that vehicle type is popular. It has also suffered from sluggish factory utilization rates and restructuring costs. Those forced the company to post a net loss of ￥670.8 billion JPY ($4.6 billion USD) for the fiscal year ending March 2025 (FY2024). It will take time to improve the appeal of Nissan products. Moreover, the company must optimize excess equipment and personnel to turn around business performance. Unfortunately, the restructuring process will have an impact here in Japan, but that is unavoidable. Nissan Motors President Ivan Espinosa leaves the company after a press conference in Yokohama on the afternoon of May 13. Nissan's president, Ivan Espinoza, told reporters that the job cuts are essential if Nissan is to survive. What he said is true. Under its new leadership, we look for the company to display determination to survive and strive doggedly to complete its reconstruction plan. The motor vehicle industry is said to be undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, and the competitive landscape is changing dramatically. That is due in part to the rise of Chinese automakers specializing in electric vehicles (EVs). There are also concerns about the impact of additional tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on automobiles. Nissan estimates that these tariffs will result in a decline in operating profit of up to ￥450 billion ($3.1 billion) in FY2025. ホンダの三部敏宏社長（三尾郁恵撮影） Nissan is not the only company that will see its profits squeezed by additional tariffs. Honda Motor Co also expects its operating profit to fall by ￥650 billion ($4.46 billion) in the same period. That represents a significant decrease in profits from fiscal 2024. Also, Nissan and Honda's planned merger fell through in February. However, the two companies have maintained a strategic partnership in the field of next-generation vehicles, including EVs and software defined vehicles, known as SDVs. Nissan's Espinosa also revealed that the company is considering collaboration with Honda in the United States. The plan is to produce Honda vehicles at Nissan's US plants. Even without going as far as integrating the two companies, there surely are ways for Honda and Nissan to utilize each other's management resources to improve business performance. Hopefully, not only these two companies, but all Japanese manufacturers will give full play to their savvy to protect the nation's key industries. (Read the editorial in Japanese ) Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Tata Elxsi rises on collaboration with Mercedes-Benz R&D India
Tata Elxsi rose 2.2% to Rs 6115.85 after the company announced a strategic collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) to support engineering and software development for Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs). The partnership aims to scale next-generation automotive innovation from India, with Tata Elxsi contributing its deep expertise in automotive software, including platforms for autonomous, electric, and connected vehicles. This engagement is part of Mercedes-Benzs broader strategy to enhance its SDV capabilities, which focus on delivering integrated software architectures for improved vehicle performance, intuitive interfaces, and seamless user experiences. Tata Elxsi will leverage its proprietary solutions such as the AVENIR SDV suite and AUTONOMAI ADAS suite, backed by its network of Mobility Innovation Centres and engineering talent. Manoj Raghavan, MD and CEO, Tata Elxsi, said, "This collaboration underscores our deep domain expertise and capabilities in Automotive Software and Digital, including Software Defined Vehicles, and provides us with a unique opportunity to contribute to the Mercedes-Benz vision of building the world's most desirable cars. We have been partnering with MBRDI for over a decade now, and this collaboration marks a milestone moment and sets the stage for further scaling and deepening our relationship." Tata Elxsi is a leading provider of design and technology services across industries including automotive, broadcast, communications, healthcare, and transportation. The company reported 12.4% fall in net profit to Rs 172.4 crore in Q4 FY25 from Rs 196.9 crore in Q4 FY24. Revenue from operations for the period under review aggregated to Rs 908.3 crore, up 0.3% YoY.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
How AI is transforming automotive marketing in India
As vehicles evolve into smart, connected devices, automotive marketing is experiencing a seismic shift – driven by Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and accelerated by AI-powered solutions. From hyper-personalisation and predictive analytics to ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are reimagining customer journeys to resonate with today's digitally savvy vehicle buyers. AI is fast becoming central to the automotive martech (marketing technology) stack, fundamentally reshaping how automotive brands position, promote, and sell their products. Where once the vehicle buying and ownership journey were defined by physical touchpoints—showroom visits, dealer interactions, and test drives, AI-driven tools today are disrupting this paradigm by enabling highly personalised experiences, shortening buying cycles, improving lead quality, and redefining aftersales engagement. Unlike traditional broad-stroke campaigns, AI-driven martech empowers OEMs to allocate marketing budgets more efficiently. These intelligent systems not only tailor experiences to individual preferences but also provide real-time insights that help brands engage better with potential buyers, nurture leads, and optimise every step of the purchase funnel. 'The future of AI-powered vehicle marketing points towards deeper personalisation and seamless customer journeys,' says Dikshant Dave, Founder & CEO of Zigment AI. 'Brands will increasingly leverage AI for sophisticated lead nurturing, instant engagement across digital platforms, and predictive analytics to anticipate customer needs. The result will be a fully integrated and frictionless buying experience, significantly enhancing consumer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and operational efficiency.' Dave highlights a growing interest among Indian OEMs in embedding AI into their martech strategies to create consistent and personalised digital experiences. 'At Zigment, we've observed a significant surge in interest from our clients and prospects in deploying agentic AI solutions. This shift allows OEMs to unify fragmented data, offer seamless omnichannel interactions, and automate lead nurturing, ultimately driving greater efficiency from their marketing budgets and enhancing customer experiences.' 'With our enterprise-grade Mahindra AI platform , we're building intelligent interfaces and connected experiences, that continues to evolve even after the purchase,' says Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M). 'Customers today expect their vehicles to behave like smart devices and as an extension of their digital lifestyles - AI is key to making this a reality.' Gollagunta emphasises the importance of ethical AI and data responsibility in building trust. 'The future of automotive marketing is hyper-personal, immersive, and responsive. Think AR-driven showroom experiences, voice-based vehicle configurators, and real-time support - all powered by AI. At Mahindra, we place strong emphasis on ethical AI, robust data privacy measures, and transparent governance. We strongly believe that customer trust is not negotiable - it's the foundation on which the future of intelligent mobility must be built.' AI-led marketing platforms must meet the highest global data compliance standards, including GDPR and SOC 2. 'Brands adopting AI-driven marketing platforms ensure rigorous data protection measures, secure data handling practices, and comprehensive audit trails,' notes Dave. 'These protocols ensure that consumer data remains secure and privacy-compliant, maintaining trust and safeguarding brand integrity in AI-powered marketing initiatives.' Virat Khullar, Head of Marketing at Hyundai Motor India Ltd., echoes the sentiment. 'AI is reshaping automotive marketing by integrating data, technology, and human insights to deliver more personalised and relevant experiences. It's helping brands move beyond traditional, broad-based campaigns towards more precise and agile strategies,' he says. Highlighting Hyundai's focus on targeted marketing and real-time performance tracking, Khullar notes, 'AI allows us to better understand customer needs, improve lead generation, and drive continuous improvement. As AI continues to evolve, it will play an even greater role in building deeper customer connections and shaping the future of automotive marketing.' Udit Malhotra, Head of Marketing, JSW MG Motor India, sees AI as a pivotal force in changing how consumers engage with auto brands. 'While it (AI) is still in its nascent stages and the full potential is yet to be unleashed, it is causing a shift in the patterns of how consumers interact with auto brands. AI tools provide deeper insights into consumer preference and behaviours, giving a competitive edge.' Malhotra notes that Indian consumers are evolving from value-conscious to lifestyle-oriented buyers who seek tech-savvy, personalised, and globally aligned experiences. 'They expect the brand to be tech savvy and responsive, offering modern and personalised experiences that is out-of-the-box and creates an aura of exclusivity around them.' In our pursuit of excellence for innovation, Malhotra says, 'JSW MG Motor India has embraced the transformative power of Generative AI across multiple facets of our operations and are consistently up for new challenges that can be solved using the power of AI. We leverage AI for Enriching Customer Experience (Avira – AI based personal assistant) and for Sales Planning & Forecasting (SalesIQ).'
