Driving the future: Automotive industry’s digital revolution

India’s automotive sector is fast embracing connected technologies and V2X advancements to improve safety, efficiency, and user experience

The automotive industry is experiencing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid integration of cutting-edge technologies. This evolution is reshaping the automotive landscape, making it smarter, more environmentally friendly, safer, and more efficient, while significantly enhancing the overall user experience. Central to this transformation is connected technology, which not only fuels today’s most innovative advancements but also charts the course for the industry’s future.

Cellular V2X technology provides real-time vehicle connectivity, offering a host of conveniences to vehicle and fleet owners.

Connected technology has ushered in the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) within vehicles, manufacturing processes, and mobility infrastructure. Through these software-driven technologies, vehicles can communicate seamlessly with each other and the cloud, elevating the entire ecosystem to unprecedented levels of intelligence.

V2X GAINS GROUND

A prime example of this revolution is the concept of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), which is reshaping the automotive sector and enhancing mobility intelligence. According to CyberMedia Research (CMR), V2X technology is making significant inroads in India, accounting for a substantial share of the market, with passenger vehicles at ≅30% and a yearly growth rate of >60%.

Cellular V2X (C-V2X) technology provides real-time vehicle connectivity, offering a host of conveniences to vehicle and fleet owners. These include features like remote engine activation for cabin pre-conditioning, driving behaviour enhancements, and the ability to plan routes with estimated travel times. Moreover, V2X offers robust safety features, including vehicle tracking, geo-fencing, alerts for towing or theft, and predictive maintenance capabilities.

The electric vehicle (EV) sector, a catalyst for significant industry transformations, has witnessed exceptional growth. Overall, the electric passenger segment has surged by >120%, and the electric two-wheeler segment has seen a growth of >40%. Roughly 80% of electric vehicles in the passenger and two-wheeler segments are equipped with connected technology. This seamless integration empowers consumers with real-time information, enabling them to meticulously plan inter and intra-city routes with access to charging stations, select traffic-efficient pathways, and ultimately optimise both EVs – battery life and range.

Real-time connectivity is pivotal for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, enabling real-time processing of data from cameras, sensors, radar, and lidar.

V2X technology is also making waves in shared mobility services, particularly in the electric vehicle sector. Connected technology enhances ride-sharing, mid- and last-mile delivery, and rental services, delivering lesser travel time, convenience, improved performance, and enhanced efficiency.

Besides, safety remains paramount in the sector with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) gaining rapid adoption in India, surpassing 350%. Real-time connectivity is pivotal for processing data captured by various cameras, sensors, radar, and lidar, especially as ADAS evolves towards higher levels of autonomy.

THE ERA OF INDUSTRY 4.0

As the automotive industry advances into Industry 4.0, manufacturing processes continue to evolve. The transition began with the shift from traditional mass production to the adoption of digital technologies like computer-aided design and manufacturing, accompanied by automation.

Industry 4.0 introduces a wealth of innovations, including the integration of machines embedded with the IoT devices, the utilisation of big data, the harnessing of cloud computing capabilities, and the application of artificial intelligence. Today, smart factories exemplify Industry 4.0, featuring interconnected machines that enable predictive maintenance and streamline quality control. Machine learning optimises production processes, and the introduction of 3D printing and autonomous robots is revolutionising vehicle design, manufacturing, and maintenance.

Connected technology enhances ride-sharing, mid- and last-mile delivery, and rental services, delivering lesser travel time and convenience.

The subsequent phase, Industry 5.0, underscores the industry’s commitment to human-machine collaboration and advanced automation. This new chapter in automotive manufacturing emphasises cooperation between humans and machines, heralding even more profound transformations in the years to come.

In the near future, the automotive industry will become increasingly reliant on digitalisation, embracing real-time, high-speed connectivity. With the introduction of 5G and plans for the next generation of connectivity like 6G, the industry is set to heavily leverage cloud connectivity, enabling instant data transfer and responses. The reduced latency will bolster vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, thereby enhancing road safety and ushering in features like vehicle autonomy and augmented reality.

This transition promises a future of smoother operations, enhanced consumer experiences, greater safety, and the integration of sustainable energies. The automotive industry is on the brink of a profound and exciting transformation that will redefine the way we experience and interact with vehicles.

By John Martin

Martin is the Lead - Smart Mobility Practice with the Industry Intelligence Group at CyberMedia Research.

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