Talent Availability in India's Automotive Industry

In conversation with Prisila, Correspondent, Asia Business Outlook Magazine. Gurunath expresses his perspective on the importance of electric vehicles in reducing India's carbon footprint and improving air quality in response to increasing environmental concerns.

Gurunath Deshmukh is an engineering graduate with over two decades of experience in the field of automotive software and electronics. He plays a pivotal role in their diverse business units, including collaborations with global client's and defense labs in India. Additionally, as a Director at Actevia Technology Services Pvt Ltd, he focuses on mobility solutions for automotive and related industries as head of sales and operations.

Revolutionizing Indian Mobility: ADAS, Connected Technologies, and EVAs Set to Transform the Landscape.

In recent years, India's mobility market has witnessed a remarkable technological transformation. While the country has long been a significant player in both passenger and commercial vehicles, the real standout has been the rapid advancement in technology, particularly over the last six to eight years. The emergence of software-defined vehicles has revolutionized critical aspects like safety, connectivity, and electrification. India's edge in this arena is thanks to its vast pool of talent, particularly in software and electronics. Domestic OEMs such as Mahindra, Tata, Maruti, and Toyota have teamed up to introduce innovations like ADAS and EVs. With these developments, India is poised to become a global top-three player in both commercial and passenger vehicle segments. Moreover, the country's substantial tech centers, notably in Bangalore, employing over 150,000 professionals in automotive engineering services, underscore its exponential growth in this sector.

ADAS Technologies Revolutionizing Indian Road Safety: Steps for Wide Adoption

The development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) has garnered global attention, particularly in the pursuit of autonomous driving. There are various levels of to achieve this, from L1 to L5, with L5 representing fully driverless vehicles. However, practical limitations and infrastructure challenges have prompted a more gradual approach. In India, this journey began a few years ago, with Mahindra and other global vehicle manufacturers investing in ADAS technologies. While India's infrastructure may need improvements, steps are being taken to enhance road safety. Object detection, pedestrian protection, and lane departure warnings are among the ADAS features gaining momentum. It is expected that the Indian government may mandate certain ADAS requirements in the coming years, leading to an influx of ADAS-equipped vehicles in the next five to eight years. This gradual integration will bring India closer to global automotive safety standards in the coming decade.

Charging Infrastructure Growth Crucial for India's EV Market Expansion

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) involves multiple key factors, including consumer mindset, infrastructure, and government initiatives. Over the past few years, there have been challenges, particularly regarding charging infrastructure. While efforts like the "FAME" schemes aimed to promote EV adoption, infrastructure limitations persist in major cities. However, there's a noticeable increase in the number of EVs, especially hybrid vehicles, on the roads. In the coming years, we can expect a significant percentage of passenger vehicles in India to shift to EVs. Two-wheelers and three-wheelers have been quick to adopt EV technology, but there's room for growth in passenger and commercial vehicles. The government is pushing for charging stations, especially on highways, and technological advancements for efficient charging. A comprehensive ecosystem is essential for the EV transition to thrive.

EVs Vital in Curbing India's Carbon Footprint and Enhancing Air Quality Amid Growing Environmental Concerns.

Efforts towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 encompass a broad spectrum of initiatives, with the automotive industry playing a pivotal role. Challenges persist, such as infrastructure development, OEMs striving for better electric vehicle offerings, and consumer hesitance in transitioning from traditional to electric vehicles. The affordability of electric vehicles is a critical factor. Price-sensitive options are imperative to drive adoption and reduce our carbon footprint, ultimately enhancing air quality. Notably, commercial vehicles are substantial contributors to emissions, necessitating adoption at all levels, from two-wheelers and three-wheelers to passenger and commercial vehicles. Success in these endeavors is key to realizing government-set sustainability goals and ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future.

"Industry players are actively investing in local data centers to ensure that data generated within India stays within its borders."

Addressing Data Privacy and Security Challenges in India's Connected Mobility Landscape.

In the realm of data security and privacy, trust remains a significant concern, especially with cloud-based and internet-reliant services. While international compliance standards have been established, the Indian context lags behind in prioritizing data security. Recent legislative efforts signify a positive change, bringing potential regulations to safeguard sensitive data.

Industry players are actively investing in local data centers to ensure that data generated within India stays within its borders. However, the onus of data security awareness also falls on consumers. Presently, many Indian consumers may not be fully cognizant of the data-related risks, particularly concerning their vehicles.

Although progress is evident, there's still a considerable journey ahead. Both industry and government are working collaboratively to establish stronger regulations, policies, and data localization measures, especially for critical data. Increasing awareness about these issues is vital for a more secure data landscape.

India's Software and IT Exports Drive Growth as a Hub for Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Technology, Transforming the Job Market.

In recent years, a notable shift has occurred within the IT industry, particularly in the domain of engineering services and ER&D (Engineering Research and Development). Traditional players like TCS, Infosys, HCL, Wipro, and others have long been involved in ER&D, primarily focusing on automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation. However, the landscape is evolving. Today, technology is permeating vehicles in new ways, incorporating skills like AI, UI design, graphics, cloud integration—skills that transcend the automotive sector and apply to general IT.

This convergence has opened the door for professionals from broader IT backgrounds to enter the autonomous vehicle technology sector. Consequently, India has witnessed a surge in global automotive tech centers, with major OEMs establishing a presence or partnering with Indian companies. This trend not only contributes to the growth of the automotive industry but also has a direct impact on the job market, providing opportunities even when the broader IT industry faces challenges.

Conclusion: The Indian market, particularly in IT engineering and automotive technologies, is entering an exciting phase. It's shifting from routine tasks to more advanced, challenging work involving algorithms, AI, and integration of data like radar and camera inputs into ADAS technologies. This boost in R&D is promising for the industry and can contribute to the growth of valuable skills in India's ecosystem.