Interoperability will be key to the success of connected vehicles in India. Highlighting that the country holds a 5% market share in the global connected vehicle segment, with over 80% of Indian customers expressing interest in investing in one, Ujjwala Karle, Deputy Director & Head, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) states, “Connected technology is a gamechanger with its benefits in enhancing safety, boosting efficiency, improving user experience, and opening up new service models.” However, she stresses that it is the “interoperability of connected technologies that will be the real success factor.”

Reflecting on the uniqueness of Indian market and need for used cases to build robust connected technology systems and best practices, Karle shares, ““ARAI is developing demo cases with 5G for connected vehicles. We are also in the process of creating threat libraries to strengthen cybersecurity.”

She emphasizes that seamless connectivity between infrastructure, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) ecosystems will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of connected technologies.

Pointing out that mobile technology is now a staple in India, Karle notes, “It can play a crucial role in driving the acceptance of V2X in the country.” However, she underscores the urgent need for a robust cybersecurity policy to ensure a safe and secure environment for connected vehicles.

Observing that the automotive landscape is evolving with startups and unconventional players leading the transition through tech-driven mobility solutions, Karle remarks, “Collaboration in the industry is critical and is evolving.”