The world of connectivity is transforming the automotive landscape, playing a crucial role in enhancing value for customers. Speaking at the ETAuto Connected Vehicle Summit 2025 in Chennai, Dr. N Saravanan, CTO, Ashok Leyland, emphasises the direct correlation between connectivity and the value it generates for customers. He points out that connectivity, in various forms and levels, is an integral part of a vehicle, underscoring the need for better data collection and mining to enhance and refine the mobility experience.

Opening his keynote with the statement, “Connectivity is not something that you put on a vehicle, but it is a part of the vehicle that you take with you further,” Dr. Saravanan highlights that the commercial vehicle (CV) segment is driven by customer value and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). He notes that while network and technology may vary, their true impact lies in how they are utilised to enhance key aspects of CV operations, including vehicle utilisation, fleet management, service optimisation, and carbon neutrality.

He further emphasises that CV growth is directly linked to economic growth, and to support both economic progress and the country's decarbonisation mission, it is essential to harness the full potential of connected vehicle technologies.

Highlighting the industry's shift from standalone products to mobility solutions, Dr. Saravanan stresses the importance of connectivity and the preparedness of the entire ecosystem—including smart infrastructure, cybersecurity laws, enforcement mechanisms, and data sovereignty. “The differentiator in the CV segment would be the seamless connectivity a vehicle offers with the network,” he remarks, further adding it is all going to be about transition from hardware to tech-enabled mobility solutions.