At the IAA Mobility 2023, held recently in Munich, the centre stage saw a few global industry leaders delivering keynote addresses. One session stood out in this automotive technology show because the speakers (there were two senior executives) didn’t represent OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers. They represented Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Not surprising, because with the automobile softwarisation trend the penetration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) is also set to rise rapidly. It is estimated that the global automotive industry will invest USD 74. 5 billion on AI technology by 2030. That figure, as the AWS executives highlighted, is 20 times more than what the industry is spending this year!
Realigning for the New Age
As the technology landscape changes rapidly, it is also becoming increasingly important for OEMs to not only know the choices of the present customers but also of the future well enough to design and develop products and services accordingly. And, that’s why Mercedes-Benz, the inventor of the automobile, is undergoing some fundamental changes to be in tune with the times. Read the story below for more.
Read More: Mercedes-Benz makes ‘fundamental changes’ to suit the new mobility better
Another move to tap the Indian tech talent
As for the tech quotient cars from Mercedes-Benz, there’s some contribution or the other from its India engineering base in almost every model from the luxury carmaker. In the software-driven mobility tech era, demand for India’s engineering talent is on the rise. And, that’s why another German major, Continental is contemplating to set up another technology development base in India. Details in the story below.
Read More: Continental may set up second global technology development centre in India; partners Google for vehicle of the future
Two-wheelers; No more just commuting machines
One of the major developments at Continental’s Bengaluru- based global technical centre has been the single-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for two-wheelers. As the market progresses, two-wheelers, majorly used for commuting in India, are also redefining themselves as tech savvy machines for a cooler ride. Shazil Hussan delves into the tech trends in the Indian volume two-wheeler industry.
Read More: Riding into the future: Tech evolution and upcoming trends in 2W industry
Safety counts
The ABS regulation for two-wheelers (125cc and above), and crash test norms for cars have been actions towards helping mobility to be safer in India. However, there’s a lot more to be done as India still tops the list of nations with the highest number of road fatalities. In the latest of our article series by industry leaders, Dattatri Salagame, CEO, President, and Managing Director, Bosch Global Software Technologies, writes about how technology solutions and accident research can save lives on the roads.
Read More: How tech-based solutions and accident data save lives on roads
Synthetic fuel: ICE longevity enhancer?
Decarbonisation is one of the major influencers of the automobile industry’s technology roadmap. The electrification megatrend is on the rise, but it’s not the silver bullet to address environmental pollution. Synthetic fuels, which are carbon neutral in nature, could also play a major role. Kriti Saraiya brings this informative and interesting piece on synthetic fuels, an option which if industrialised in large scale, can help the internal combustion engine live longer.
Read More: Can synthetic fuel replace fossil fuels?
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