Autocar Professional’s March 1 issue is all about connectivity

The world is literally standing at crossroads- the interface between human experience and technology and Autocar Professional seeks to connects the dots between the OEMs and the suppliers with its Connectivity & Electronics Special March 1 issue.

This 64-page issue brings you exclusive interviews, in-depth analysis and detailed insight about how automobiles are increasingly transforming into computers on wheels.

Innovating for seamless connectivity
Dynamics between OEMs and auto component makers are changing at a fast and furious pace. The phygital focus and growing demand for IoT solutions is inspiring Indian component manufactures to push the innovation envelope-

- Connectivity heavyweight, L&T Technology Services is literally driving this change. Along with implementing 5G and incorporating ACES trends, the company is also developing offerings and solutions to enhance the cyber security requirements of automotive players. Shailendra Shrivastava, Global Head of Transportation says the company is expanding reach to accommodate OEMs across the ecosystem.

- Bosch and Microsoft plan to develop software solutions that cut down innovation cycle and reduce development costs for vehicle software.

- Tier 1 major, UNO Minda is investing heavily in the space and expects a 10-fold growth from the connectivity, electronics and telematics verticals over the next five years.

- Motherson Sumi Infotech & Design (MIND) is amplifying capabilities and augmenting its IoT and telematics vertical.

- Meanwhile Spark Minda is working with two-wheeler makers in India, Europe and some ASEAN markets to launch tailor-made versions of keyless entry solutions.

- However, a Capgemini Invent study on user behaviours in US, Europe and China indicates that the demand for connectivity in cars in mainly from millennials and 50 percent do not use on-board connected services. When they do, demand is mostly for emergency services like immobilisation and roadside assistance.

- Industry veteran and the Chief Technology Officer of Tata Motors, Rajendra Petkar believes that the advantage of the Connected Vehicle does not end with the user. He expects OEMs to use the data for better life-cycle management, reducing maintenance cost and to push for better warranty terms which will be beneficial for the user in long-term.

Electronics and electrification
As electrification continues to drive innovation across India Auto Inc,

- Hella eMobionics joins forces with Kinetic Electric Motor Company to tap the growing potential in the EV market. In an exclusive interview with Autocar Professional, Dr Naveen Gautam, managing director, Hella eMobionics and Manish Motwani, founder and CEO, Kinetic Electric Motor elaborate on how they plan to leverage synergies.

- Electric two-wheeler maker Ather Energy plans to make its over-the-air updates even more dynamic. In a candid conversation, co-founders Swapnil Jain and Tarun Mehta detail how they plan to help the user get the most from their vehicles by taking advantage of remote diagnostics and better integration with the overall ecosystem.

Taxing times
Rising fuel prices is surely making the chatter for EVs even louder. With taxes making up more than 50 percent of the cost, find out how the politics of petrol pricing stack up in this in depth analysis on the burning issue.

Export Focus
The Indian arm of German major Schwing Stetter, the Group’s highest revenue contributor is banking heavily on its newly inaugurated fifth manufacturing facility in Cheyyar, Tamil Nadu. We reveal the company's aggressive export strategy in place along with plans to develop made-in-India concrete machining equipment for the world.

Used cars gaining ground
The used car segment is slowly and steadily gaining momentum. Compared to the 18 percent degrowth in new car sales in the past one year, used car sales are up close to 17 percent.  

Find out how the pre-owned car segment is projected to shape up going forward as industry leaders highlight the need for a greater degree of innovation, trust and transparency in the ecosystem. We get you an excerpt from the recent episodes of ‘Brobot Dialogues’— a series of discussions on the automotive industry.

What’s the buzz?
That apart, it’s been an action-packed fortnight for the automotive industry.
- Tata Motors gives clear indication of its future focus areas with its move to hire CV industry veteran Marc Llistosella as its new CEO and MD. Find out more on the implications in the March 1 issue.

- Hyundai Motor India celebrates 25 years of its journey in India and the battle lines are more distinct than ever with competition in the passenger vehicle segment increasing. Find out how the Korean carmaker plans to maintain its lead going forward.

- Can the Kiger help Renault script a profitable journey in India? We get you details of what the trends seem to indicate.

But that’s not all. This issue is packed with news and views on all the top movers and shakers across the automobile industry in the past 15 days. Make sure you grab your copy today.

How you can read this issue 
Autocar Professional magazine is also available through all good newsagents and for download from Magzster. You can also buy one-off copies of Autocar Professional magazine – contact Ganesh at ganesh@haymarketsac.com. Alternatively, never miss an issue – subscribe to Autocar Professional magazine today