Stellantis has opened a new software facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The new centre, which is the company’s second global innovation centre in the country, will focus on the development of software and technological innovations key to the advancement of automobiles and mobility.

The new centre was launched by Yves Bonnefont, Chief Software Officer at Stellantis, together with the Stellantis India top management team on October 12.

The facility, spread across 50,000 square feet, will serve as the primary development centre for STLA SmartCockpit – one of the three technology platforms that are key to Stellantis’ digital transformation strategy due to arrive in 2024 and deployed across the four STLA vehicle platforms. In addition, the Bengaluru centre will play a crucial role in the development of AI and ADAS technologies for STLA AutoDrive. Additionally, the Base Software Development team in Bengaluru will support Base software platforms made with the Classic and Adaptive Autosar frameworks.

New software hub to support digital drive
The Bengaluru office will house state-of-the-art labs, including a next-generation acoustic lab, which is tasked with the development of specific audio signatures as well as premium audio experiences for Stellantis vehicle owners worldwide. The setting up of the new digital hub is in line with the carmaker’s and global mobility sector’s digital transformation.

“Stellantis is proud to contribute to the age of software-defined vehicles,” said Yves Bonnefont, Stellantis Chief Software Officer. “As a global organisation, we are committed to fostering talent across geographies. The Indian tech talent and its innovative start-up ecosystem are important to accelerating Stellantis’ transformation to a sustainable mobility tech company. India plays a key role in Stellantis’ digital approach and development.”

Stellantis has accelerated the hiring process for the new centre that will eventually employ approximately 500 people. In addition to leveraging multi-pronged hiring strategies, the company is investing in the upskilling and reskilling of local talent to help empower them to take on global assignments. The company is also collaborating with Indian universities to explore the development of industry-specific curricula and support ongoing expansion.

Stellantis’ software-driven strategy deploys next-generation tech platforms, building on existing connected vehicle capabilities to transform how customers interact with their vehicles and to generate 20 billion euros (Rs 158,660 crore) in incremental annual revenues by 2030.

Along with the software hub, Stellantis in India is also represented by two the Jeep and Citroen brands.