MapmyIndia eyes soaring demand for vehicle IoT devices

Delhi-headquartered CE Info Systems, popularly known as MapmyIndia, is stepping up efforts to tap the market opportunity for connected vehicle devices such as GPS trackers, dashboard-mounted video recorders, as well as connected infotainment systems, which are witnessing a strong uptake in the aftermarket as tech-savvy consumers look to keep their vehicles up-to-date with the changing times. 

The company has introduced a range of IoT devices under its sub-brand 'Mappls', which is positioned as a one-stop solution for connected gadgets as well as navigation services for the end consumer. The Mappls Gadgets range comprises the CarEye, a vision-based remote vehicle monitoring device that offers both vehicle inside and outside monitoring capabilities; advanced GPS trackers which can be deeply installed for vehicle theft prevention and tracking, as well as infotainment systems under its 'IceNav' brand that offer in-built navigation functionality alongside high-output music playback. 

The Mappls Navisor augments safety of two-wheeler riders by using AR technology for providing distraction-less navigation prompts on the move.

For two-wheeler riders, the company's product range also includes smart-helmet kits – Navisor and Navaudio – that aim to enhance rider safety by offering distraction-less navigation cues. The retrofit devices combine AR technology with audio-visual prompts to minimise rider distraction while navigating a route on two wheels. 

According to Rohan Verma, CEO and executive Director, MapmyIndia, "Our comprehensive product suite of the Mappls Gadgets, paired with the free-to-use Mappls mobile application, offers users complete peace of mind with relation to the safety of their loved ones and vehicles, through real-time as well as historical monitoring of vehicle GPS coordinates, and leveraging connectivity, and vision-based technologies for live surveillance."

With its embedded 4G SIM-based connectivity, the Mappls CarEye offers live vehicle surveillance with its dual-facing camera system that monitors vehicle cabin as well as surroundings.

Auxiliary eyes in the cockpit

While the CarEye dashboard-mounted, dual-facing camera system with 4G connectivity is uniquely targeted at vehicle owners who want to ensure the safety and security of their loved ones traveling by themselves or with a driver, by being able to remotely monitor the vehicle cabin, as well as the road. Additionally, the device also offers integrated vehicle immobilisation function to enhance vehicle security in terms of theft protection. 

The CarEye's Live Surveillance function can be triggered in the Mappls mobile application, which also shows real-time vehicle location as well as speed. With in-built connectivity by virtue of a 4G SIM, the CarEye allows remote monitoring of the vehicle surroundings, particularly useful when it is parked in untrusted areas. The Live Surveillance capability is one of the key USPs of the device, and differentiates the product from the scores of aftermarket dashboard-mounted cameras available in the market. With on-site storage of the driving footage, the device also aids insurance companies to settle claims more accurately by bringing in a degree of transparency.

In a recent interaction with Autocar India, Verma said, “While the automotive landscape is undergoing transformation across the CASE megatrend, MapmyIndia, on the other hand, has been building N-CASE or navigation-led connected, autonomous, shared and electrification technologies. All of this is in our recognition to the consumer’s want for great technologies which can help make their commutes connected, sustainable, safe, and more personalised.”

Although CarEye offers integrated tracking, and immobilisation capabilities, MapmyIndia's advanced GPS trackers which leverage its geospatial technology, offer a cost-effective solution to enhance vehicle security. The company's range of GPS trackers comes priced between Rs 4,490 and Rs 12,990, and allows consumers to seamlessly track a vehicle's real-time location on the Mappls mobile application.

The GPS trackers with an embedded SIM card can either be deeply installed in a vehicle, or be used through the OBD port to offer the freedom of multi-vehicle operability. The trackers relay real-time vehicle information to the Mappls application, which notifies geofencing alerts, over speeding and undue stoppage warnings, while also offering daily distance travelled and trip analysis, as well as ignition on/off and immobilisation functions.

Huge parc of car owners keen to upgrade to connected infotainment

With the in-car infotainment space undergoing rapid advancements with OEMs equipping their new models with faster, larger, and highly-connected infotainment devices, there is a growing demand in the aftermarket with a growing lot of consumers keen to upgrade their existing vehicles to modern-day, connected infotainment systems.

Acknowledging the sizeable market potential, Verma mentioned, “There are so many vehicles which are two to four years old on the roads, and they do not yet have the state-of-the-art connectivity functions like new vehicles. There is a big market out there of consumers wanting to upgrade their existing entertainment systems to connected infotainment devices that allow high-quality audio, video, and navigation capabilities.”

Christened IceNav, the Mappls infotainment system range offers Android-OS-based universal touchscreen devices with in-built navigation and smartphone connectivity functionalities.

In this context, the Mappls IceNav range with its two models – IceNav 7216 and 7464 – comprises Android-OS-based touchscreen infotainment systems that offer connectivity functions, along with high-quality audio output, as well as offline navigation being their key USPs. The devices come offered in universal 9- and 10-inch screen sizes, with 2GB RAM-32GB ROM, as well as 4GB RAM-64GB ROM configurations and allow consumers to explore the full potential of wireless smartphone connectivity, navigation, and music playback. With pre-loaded maps under the NaviMaps application, these infotainment systems also provide offline navigation with 3D maps, and make the experience seamless with MapmyIndia’s unique ‘Junction View’ technology that eliminates driver’s confusion while approaching a junction.

As per Verma, while 40 percent of the company’s business comes from OEM-integrated products, 10 percent of its revenue stream is formed by the aftermarket, wherein MapmyIndia is working with OEMs to supply these devices as part of their ‘Approved Genuine Accessories’ within their retail outlets. While the devices can also be ordered at the Mappls portal, and are also available at individual retailers, the company is ensuring top-notch customer service with a network covering more than 200 cities.

“We have a pan-India service network covering more than 200 cities, with our team traveling to help in installation or maintenance of these devices. Therefore, as a brand, we have tried to cover the entire gamut of the connectivity needs, right from the OEM to the aftermarket, targeting both private-use customers, as well as fleet operators,” Verma signed off.