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VIDEO: India's Auto Industry Confronts the Software-Defined Vehicle Era

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sun, 10 May 2026 20:16:56

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant technological shift as software increasingly determines how vehicles are designed, validated and experienced by end users. Across global and Indian markets, manufacturers and technology companies are rethinking core processes — from engineering and testing to fleet management and customer interaction.

A Sector in Transition

Connected platforms, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, domain controllers and cloud-connected fleet systems are among the tools now central to modern vehicle development. Digital twins — virtual replicas of physical vehicles used to simulate performance — and AI-led testing methodologies are also gaining traction as automakers seek to reduce development cycles and improve reliability.

This convergence of automotive hardware and software has given rise to a broader concept in the industry: the software-defined vehicle (SDV), where a vehicle's features, behaviour and performance can be updated and optimised remotely, much like a consumer electronic device.

Indian Industry Voices

Autocar Professional, an automotive trade publication, has compiled a three-part conversation series examining these developments through the perspectives of senior figures from six organisations operating in India's mobility sector — Maruti Suzuki, Volvo Asia Commercial Vehicles, Matter India, Euler Motors, OPG Mobility and technology firm PTC.

The series examines the opportunities and challenges that the SDV era presents, with a focus on what these changes mean specifically for India's mobility ecosystem — a market characterised by diverse vehicle segments, varied infrastructure and a growing base of electric and connected vehicles.

What Is at Stake

For established automakers such as Maruti Suzuki and Volvo, the shift to software-defined architectures requires rethinking supply chains, talent pipelines and validation processes built around mechanical systems. For newer entrants such as Matter India and Euler Motors, which operate primarily in the electric vehicle space, software integration is often foundational to the product from the outset.

The participation of PTC, a product lifecycle management and industrial software company, reflects the growing role that enterprise technology providers play in automotive development — supplying the digital infrastructure that underpins connected vehicle platforms and manufacturing operations.

Broader Context

The global automotive industry has seen significant investment in SDV capabilities over the past several years. Major manufacturers including Volkswagen, General Motors and Toyota have reorganised internal structures to prioritise software development alongside traditional engineering. In India, the transition is at an earlier stage, though momentum is building as EV adoption rises and regulatory frameworks around connected vehicles evolve.

The Autocar Professional series is presented in association with PTC.

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VIDEO: India's Auto Industry Confronts the Software-Defined Vehicle Era

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sun, 10 May 2026 20:16:56

A Sector in Transition

Indian Industry Voices

What Is at Stake

Broader Context

The Autocar Professional series is presented in association with PTC.

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Deep Drive Podcast | Why EV Platforms May Gain Engines

Ketan Thakkar — Sat, 09 May 2026 19:50:58

Electric vehicle sales have fallen short of early forecasts, leaving OEMs with billions tied up in born‑electric architectures. A new strategy is taking shape: re‑engineering dedicated EV platforms to accommodate hybrid powertrains. This pivot offers manufacturers greater flexibility in balancing electrification ambitions with market realities.

In this episode, we explore how global carmakers are adapting their EV investments, the engineering challenges of integrating combustion engines into electric‑first platforms, and what these shifts mean for India’s evolving mobility landscape.

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https://www.autocarindia.com/auto-videos/deep-drive-podcast-why-ev-platforms-could-get-engines-440052

VIDEO: Flex Fuel Vehicles In India: E20, E85, E100 And What’s Next | Vikram Gulati, Toyota Kirloskar Motor

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 08 May 2026 16:24:09

The Indian government has proposed a draft policy enabling E85 implementation across the country, paving the way for flex fuel vehicles to enter the market. In this conversation with Autocar Professional, Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, breaks down what the draft policy means for consumers, OEMs and India’s energy security.

Gulati explains how the new draft corrects an earlier notification by redefining flex fuel vehicles as those capable of running on blends from E20 up to E85 and beyond, including E100. He clarifies that existing vehicles in the market are aligned for E20 and that E85 will only be used by future flex fuel vehicles, with consumers retaining the choice between E20, E85 or E100 at the pump.

The discussion also covers Toyota’s two-year pilot project with the FFV Innova running on E100, the readiness of Indian OEMs across two-wheeler and four-wheeler segments, and the policy enablers the industry is waiting for — including CAFÉ norms, dispensing infrastructure, pricing differentials between ethanol and E20, and financial incentives for flex fuel vehicle buyers.

Gulati draws on the Brazil parallel, where E27 is the base fuel and the national ethanol use averages 55%, and outlines the economic case for ethanol in India: every $10 rise in crude oil adds $16–18 billion to the forex import bill annually and shaves close to 0.5% off GDP growth. He also addresses concerns around water usage and food security, citing India’s surplus rice and sugarcane production and the role of second generation ethanol in the road ahead.

With Indian car sales at 4.6 million units last year and growing 14% year on year, Gulati makes the case that India’s clean mobility transition needs every technology- battery electric, strong hybrids, plug-in hybrids, CBG and ethanol, working together.

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VIDEO - Inner Circle: Managing Digital Transformation in the Evolving Tech Era

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 08 May 2026 12:41:29

As vehicles become increasingly software-led, the automotive industry is undergoing one of its biggest technological shifts yet. From connected platforms and OTA updates to domain controllers, AI-led testing, digital twins and cloud-connected fleets, software is now shaping how vehicles are engineered, validated and experienced.

In this special 3-part conversation by Autocar Professional, industry leaders from Maruti Suzuki, Volvo Asia Commercial Vehicles, Matter India, Euler Motors, OPG Mobility and PTC discuss the opportunities, challenges and realities of the software-defined vehicle era, and what it means for India’s mobility ecosystem.

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VIDEO - Inner Circle: Managing Digital Transformation in the Evolving Tech Era

Autocar Professional Bureau — Fri, 08 May 2026 12:41:29

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VIDEO: Technology, AI And SDVs Set To Redefine India’s Mobility And Manufacturing Landscape

Prerna Lidhoo — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:18:24

As India's automotive and manufacturing sectors navigate a period of rapid technological change, the conversation around artificial intelligence often skews alarmist. But Upkar Saini, Vice President of India Sales at PTC, pushes back on that narrative firmly — AI, he argues, is a tool that empowers engineers and product teams, not one that replaces them.

Speaking on the sidelines of an Inner Circle event, Saini outlined how AI, software-defined vehicles (SDVs), and product lifecycle management (PLM) platforms are reshaping how India's industry designs, builds, and iterates on products in an increasingly volatile and complex world.

On the electric vehicle front, Saini offers a grounded perspective: while India's EV ambitions are real, internal combustion engine vehicles will remain a significant part of the country's mobility mix for the foreseeable future, a point often lost in the enthusiasm around electrification.

With PTC expanding its India presence and the government targeting manufacturing's contribution to reach 25% of GDP by 2030, Saini sees R&D investment and digital transformation not as optional upgrades, but as essential infrastructure for what comes next.

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VIDEO: Technology, AI And SDVs Set To Redefine India’s Mobility And Manufacturing Landscape

Prerna Lidhoo — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:18:24

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India's EV Push Is About Energy Security, Not Just Clean Transport, Says Exponent Energy CEO

Prerna Lidhoo — Mon, 04 May 2026 17:19:46

India's electric vehicle transition is less a clean energy story and more a question of national energy resilience, according to Arun Vinayak, Founder and CEO of Exponent Energy. Speaking in an interview with journalist Prerna Lidhoo, Vinayak made the case that India must treat EV adoption as a strategic imperative, particularly in the commercial vehicle segment.

Commercial vehicles, Vinayak noted, account for close to 70% of on-road energy consumption in India. Electrifying this segment, he argued, should take precedence over the passenger vehicle market, given the economic weight it carries and the fuel import exposure it represents.

The West Asia crisis, he said, had already demonstrated the geopolitical risks embedded in India's dependence on oil imports, and had driven a measurable surge in demand for electric alternatives. The disruption, in his view, underscored the urgency of localising EV supply chains rather than replicating the import dependencies that currently exist in fossil fuel markets.

Central to Exponent Energy's approach is ultra-fast charging, which Vinayak positioned as a prerequisite for commercial viability in the fleet and logistics sector, where vehicle downtime directly affects operator revenue. He also pointed to retrofitting—converting existing internal combustion engine vehicles to electric—as a practical tool to accelerate adoption without waiting for full fleet turnover cycles.

Standardisation, however, remains a significant obstacle. Vinayak identified the proliferation of competing technology pathways as a factor undermining investor confidence, with financiers reluctant to commit capital in the absence of clear, uniform technical standards across the sector.

On the commercial opportunity, Vinayak put the addressable market for commercial EV energy in India at $90 billion. Realising that potential, he said, would require closer collaboration between EV companies and financial institutions to structure products that make electric fleets accessible to fleet operators.

Exponent Energy is also preparing to extend its focus to intercity electric buses, a segment Vinayak sees as a natural next step given the scale of inter-city freight and passenger movement in India.

Exponent Energy was founded to develop energy systems for commercial electric vehicles, with a focus on fast-charging infrastructure. The company operates in a market where electric penetration in the commercial segment remains low relative to passenger vehicles, even as government policy has increasingly prioritised fleet electrification through schemes such as the PM e-Bus Sewa programme.

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India's EV Push Is About Energy Security, Not Just Clean Transport, Says Exponent Energy CEO

Prerna Lidhoo — Mon, 04 May 2026 17:19:46

Exponent Energy is also preparing to extend its focus to intercity electric buses, a segment Vinayak sees as a natural next step given the scale of inter-city freight and passenger movement in India.

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VIDEO - April ’26: India’s Auto Juggernaut Shows No Signs of Slowing. What Lies Ahead?

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sat, 02 May 2026 19:50:41

April 2026 dispatches show demand resilience, all segments see growth. While original equipment manufacturers kept price hikes to a minimum, the market has already priced in a 5-6% fuel price increase expected in May. Despite these headwinds, auto sales growth underscores the underlying resilience of the Indian economy.

PV segment dispatches grew to 4.45 lakh units. Two-wheeler dispatches and retail sales both touched 19 lakh units in April, marking roughly 15% growth year-on-year. The three-wheeler and commercial vehicle segments posted double-digit growth, while the tractor segment expanded by 15%. Electric vehicle sales momentum shows no signs of slowing and the growth momentum is expected to continue.

However, headwinds are building. El Niño's impact could reduce average rainfall by 7-8%, potentially dampening rural demand. Rising input costs combined with the anticipated fuel price hike pose risks to sustained growth.

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VIDEO: Oben eyes Bharat push with ₹99,999 AI-powered EVO: Madhumita Agrawal

Anurag Chaturvedi — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:15:25

Oben Electric is sharpening its mass-market play with the launch of the EVO electric motorcycle, priced at ₹99,999 for the first 10,000 customers, as it looks to expand deeper into Tier 3, Tier 4 and rural markets.

Speaking to Autocar Professional, Madhumita Agrawal, Founder and CEO, Oben Electric, said the product is designed around design, performance and functionality, with AI integration expected to improve riding efficiency by up to 15%.

The company is targeting the sub-₹1.5 lakh segment, which accounts for a large share of India’s motorcycle market, and expects smaller cities to drive a significant portion of demand.

Oben is also scaling its retail footprint to 300–350 dealerships, with a growing presence beyond Tier 2 cities.

Watch the full conversation here:

VIDEO: Maruti Suzuki Positions Digitisation and AI as Core to Its Long-Term Strategy

Prerna Lidhoo — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:20:36

Maruti Suzuki India Limited is placing digitisation at the centre of its corporate strategy, with the company's product planning division working to convert large volumes of data into operational decisions, build resilience into its supply chains, and develop vehicles that integrate digital experiences comparable to consumer technology devices.

Sandeep Raina, Executive Officer (Product Planning) at Maruti Suzuki, outlined the company's approach in a conversation with journalist Prerna Lidhoo, describing data management as both a challenge and a source of competitive advantage. "Managing data complexity is both a challenge and an opportunity," Raina said, pointing to the scale at which the company now collects and processes information across its operations.

Data Privacy and the Digital Pipeline

As Maruti Suzuki expands its digital infrastructure, Raina identified data privacy as a priority within its processes. The company's operations generate data across manufacturing, supply chain logistics, and customer-facing systems, raising questions about governance and protection that the company says it is actively addressing.

The emphasis on data protection reflects a broader shift in the Indian automotive sector, where regulatory frameworks around digital data are evolving. India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, passed in 2023, places new obligations on companies handling personal data, a development that has prompted automotive manufacturers to review how they collect and store customer information.

Supply Chain Realignment

Raina also addressed the restructuring of Maruti Suzuki's supply chains, describing agility as a requirement in a period of global uncertainty. The company, which relies on a network of domestic and international suppliers, has faced disruptions in recent years stemming from semiconductor shortages and shifting trade conditions.

Maruti Suzuki's supply chain exposure is significant given its production volumes. The company sold over 2.1 million vehicles in the domestic market in the financial year ending March 2024, making it the market leader in India with a share of approximately 41 percent. Disruptions at any point in its supplier network carry consequences at scale, which Raina cited as a reason for building adaptive systems rather than fixed procurement models.

AI in Manufacturing

On the factory floor, Raina said artificial intelligence is functioning as an enabler in manufacturing and production processes. The application of AI in automotive manufacturing has accelerated globally, with use cases ranging from quality control through machine vision to predictive maintenance and production scheduling.

Maruti Suzuki operates multiple manufacturing facilities in Haryana, including its plants at Gurugram and Manesar, as well as a newer facility in Kharkhoda. Integrating AI tools across these operations requires what Raina described as a reskilling of the workforce to handle the convergence of software and hardware systems — a challenge the company is working through as it upgrades its production capabilities.

Vehicles as Digital Platforms

A recurring theme in Raina's remarks was the expectation that cars must now deliver experiences that feel as seamless as smartphones. This reflects a direction being pursued across the global automotive industry, where vehicles are increasingly defined by their software capabilities rather than solely by mechanical performance.

Maruti Suzuki, which has historically competed on affordability and reliability in the mass-market segment, is navigating this shift in a market where connected features and digital interfaces are becoming factors in consumer purchase decisions, particularly among younger buyers.

Multi-Pathway Approach to Future Mobility

Raina described Maruti Suzuki's approach to future mobility as following multiple pathways simultaneously rather than committing to a single technology direction. This positions the company alongside a number of global manufacturers that are pursuing hybrid, compressed natural gas (CNG), ethanol-blended fuel, and battery electric options in parallel, rather than transitioning exclusively to electric vehicles on a fixed timeline.

Maruti Suzuki has been slower than some competitors to introduce battery electric vehicles in India, a position that has drawn scrutiny. The company has maintained that infrastructure readiness and consumer price sensitivity in its core market segments require a more phased transition. Its first mass-market electric vehicle, the e Vitara, is expected to reach buyers in 2025.

Industry Context

The conversation between Raina and Lidhoo forms part of a broader discussion within India's automotive sector about how traditional manufacturers are responding to structural shifts driven by electrification, connectivity, and changing consumer behaviour.

India is now the third-largest automotive market in the world by volume, and its trajectory over the next decade is expected to be shaped significantly by how companies like Maruti Suzuki manage the transition from combustion-engine manufacturing to digitally integrated, software-defined vehicles — while sustaining the cost structures that have made them dominant in a price-sensitive market.

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Video: Auto Sector Scales 7-Year Peak, EV Adoption Surges, but West Asia Risk Looms, Says Shailesh Chandra, President SIAM

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:49:09

Shailesh Chandra, MD, CEO Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles & President, SIAM, discusses India’s automotive sector reaching a 7-year high amid geopolitical headwinds from the West Asia crisis. While the sector has managed current challenges effectively, he warns that a prolonged conflict could pose significant risks to the industry.

In this insightful conversation, Chandra reveals there is marked shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) in India and the growth trend is expected to continue. He also shares perspectives on Delhi’s draft EV policy, emphasizing that policy frameworks should be enabling rather than mandated to foster sustainable growth.

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Video: Over 6000 Two-Wheeler EVs Sold Every Day in March’26, EV Penetration in 2W Mkt Crosses 9%

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:23:58

India's e-2W industry registered retail sales of 1,90,941 units in March 2026, a daily run rate of 6,159 units, marking 45% YoY growth over March 2025's 1,31,460 units and beating the previous monthly best by nearly 46,000 units.

The growth was driven by a confluence of structural factors, while discounts were largely not present in the market. The PM E-Drive Scheme was set to close on March 31, prompting urgency among buyers, though the government extended it by four months to July 31, 2026, with a reduced subsidy, four days before the deadline.

Festivals like Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, the new year for Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, which are two of the top e-2W buying states, and Navratri in many parts of the country helped carry the momentum. Meanwhile, the Iran oil crisis accelerated EV adoption as ICE fence-sitters moved toward zero-emission mobility.

March also saw a new ownership model emerging in the 2W EV space, BaaS. What was confined mostly to the 4-wheeler space has started trickling down to 2W EVs. TVS rolled out Battery-As-A-Service across its EV portfolio on March 12, lowering upfront costs without traditional discounting, and launched the Orbiter V1 at ₹49,999 under the BaaS model. Hero MotoCorp had already announced BaaS for its products.

The full-year picture is encouraging too. The electric two-wheeler (E2W) segment recorded strong growth in Financial Year 2026 (FY26), crossing the 14 lakh unit mark. Growth was supported by new product launches, improving charging infrastructure, and rising consumer acceptance.

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Video: BMW Breaks Sales Records in CY2026, Plans 23 More Product Launches This Year

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:52:03

BMW India has achieved a historic milestone, outpacing Mercedes-Benz to become the number one luxury car brand in the January–March 2026 quarter. In this exclusive interview, Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, breaks down the company's ambitious product offensive that led to record sales of 4,567 units.

We discuss BMW’s massive plan to launch 27 products in 2026, including 15 from BMW, 10 from Mini, and 2 from BMW Motorrad. BMW has already launched 4, the company plans to launch 8 products in Q2CY26. Mr. Brar also provides a candid look at how global geopolitical tensions, specifically the West Asia war, are impacting the luxury segment and why high-net-worth buyers are currently "reserving their cash flow."

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VIDEO: India's Auto Industry Posts Record Sales in FY26 Across All Vehicle Segments

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:51:55

India's automobile industry ended the financial year 2025–26 with record sales across every major vehicle category, including passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, tractors, and three-wheelers, marking the sector's strongest performance to date. The recovery was uneven across the year. Sales momentum picked up sharply in the second half of FY26, driven in part by reductions in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that lowered vehicle costs and stimulated consumer demand.

Within the passenger vehicle segment, the shift toward premiumisation and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) continued to gather pace. Buyers are moving toward higher-specification models, a trend that has reshaped product strategies across manufacturers.

Market concentration in the passenger vehicle space has increased, with a small number of established players accounting for a dominant share of sales. Industry observers note this consolidation raises the barriers to entry for new manufacturers seeking to build scale in the segment.

Electric vehicle sales grew during the year, but overall penetration across the industry remained at low levels. The trajectory raises questions about the pace at which EVs can achieve mainstream adoption in the Indian market, where affordability and charging infrastructure continue to be considerations.

Alternative fuels retained a significant presence in the broader energy mix. Compressed natural gas (CNG) and ethanol-blended fuel options continued to feature in India's multi-fuel approach, offering consumers choices outside both conventional petrol and diesel and full electrification.

On the international front, export volumes recorded growth, though the industry continued to navigate supply chain pressures and uncertainty around the regulatory environment. Stakeholders are watching policy developments closely as the sector looks ahead to FY27.

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VIDEO- India's Car Protection Market Poised for Growth as Adoption Lags Global Peers

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:12:37

India sells more than four million cars annually, yet fewer than one in fifty carries any form of paint protection film (PPF) — a gap that industry executives say reflects both an awareness problem and a significant commercial opportunity.

By comparison, roughly 28% of new cars in the United States and 37% in China receive PPF treatment. The disparity places India near the bottom of global adoption rates despite conditions that, according to CarzSpa CEO Anckur Sama, make paint protection more necessary there than in many markets where it is already standard.

In a recent conversation with automotive journalist Hormazd Sorabjee, Sama pointed to India's road conditions, air quality, and seasonal monsoons as factors that accelerate paint degradation faster than in temperate climates. Airborne pollutants, abrasive dust, and prolonged exposure to moisture contribute to surface damage that conventional car washes do not address — and may worsen.

Sama cautioned that routine washing practices common across Indian households, including daily cleaning by building security staff using dry or coarse materials, can cause micro-scratches that accumulate over time and dull a vehicle's finish.

On the technical side, Sama drew a distinction between ceramic coatings, which form a chemical bond with the paint surface to repel contaminants, and PPF, a physical polyurethane film that absorbs impact and resists scratches. The two products serve different protective functions and are not direct substitutes, he noted.

CarzSpa, which operates a chain of car detailing and protection centres across India, is among the companies looking to expand the domestic market. Sama said growing consumer awareness of vehicle resale value and the increasing cost of premium car paint finishes were beginning to shift attitudes among Indian buyers.

India's automotive sector has seen sustained volume growth over the past decade, with the country now ranked among the world's top five passenger vehicle markets. Whether the protection and detailing segment follows a similar trajectory will depend, analysts say, on price accessibility and consumer education.

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Lexus to Tap Toyota Customer Base in India, Deepens Multi-Fuel Play: Hikaru Ikeuchi

Prerna Lidhoo — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:11:12

Lexus has officially entered India’s luxury EV space with the ES 500e but unlike its German rivals, the brand isn’t rushing into an all-electric future. In this video interview with Autocar Professional's Prerna Lidhoo, Hikaru Ikeuchi, President of Lexus India, explains why the company is taking a measured, multi-pathway approach to electrification balancing hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs based on customer demand. Priced at ₹89.99 lakh, the ES 500e brings a 580 km claimed range, AWD capability, and a new Lexus design language. But the bigger story lies in Lexus’ strategy prioritising customer choice over aggressive EV expansion.

The discussion examines the Lexus ES 500e in detail, unpacking its specifications and market positioning while placing it within Lexus India’s broader strategy. It explores why hybrids continue to remain central to the brand’s approach in the country, even as electrification gains momentum, and analyses how Lexus intends to compete with established German rivals such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi.

The interview also delves into the company’s distinctive “guest-first” philosophy and boutique retail model, while assessing whether the Indian market is truly ready to embrace luxury EVs at scale. Ultimately, it raises a key question: could Lexus’ measured, slow-and-steady EV strategy prove to be the smarter play for India?

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Video: Renault Bets on Duster, Hybrid Tech for India Comeback

Autocar Professional Bureau — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:32:20

With the launch of Duster, Renault is gearing up for a renewed push in India. It has drawn a fresh product strategy with focus on localisation. In this conversation with Autocar Pro, Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Renault India, outlines how the company plans to rebuild its presence in one of the world’s most competitive car markets.

The launch of Renault Duster marks the beginning of a broader product offensive rather than a standalone launch. Renault is betting on hybrid technology as a key growth driver, positioning it as a practical alternative to diesel, especially in urban conditions. Duster Hybrid is expected to be launched in India by Diwali this year.

Hidalgo also highlights plans to scale up production at Renault’s Chennai facility and improve cost competitiveness through localisation. With a multi-energy platform and a more structured approach to growth, Renault is looking to steadily expand its footprint in India.

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