Transforming autonomous driving

In a month-long study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), drivers using Tesla's Autopilot and Volvo's Pilot Assist systems were found to engage more in non-driving activities like checking phones or eating. The research highlights the need for stronger safeguards to prevent distraction and ensure driver attentiveness. In this week's ETAutoTech newsletter, we have curated detailed stories from the auto technology sector.

Drivers more likely to be distracted while using partial automation tech, study shows

China shields EV innovation

China has urged its automakers to keep advanced EV technology within the country while expanding globally, exporting knock-down kits for assembly abroad. The directive aims to safeguard Chinese innovation amid rising global competition and regulatory risks, particularly discouraging investment in India and requiring oversight for Turkey.

China asks its carmakers to keep key EV technology at home


Automotive ER&D revolution

Automotive sector research and development (ER&D) investment is set to rise, driven by advancements in connected mobility, digital vehicles, sustainability, and AI. Automakers are focusing on integrating smart, eco-friendly technologies, while overcoming challenges related to cost and technological adaptation for future innovation.

Global automotive ER&D spending expected to soar, with focus on digital vehicles, sustainability and AI integration: BCG Report


Bridging automotive skills gap

India's automotive sector is on the verge of transformation, but a significant skill gap, especially in EV and AI technologies, hampers progress. Experts emphasize the need for stronger industry-academia collaborations, targeted education, and reskilling initiatives to propel India into global automotive leadership.

Bridging the skill gap: India’s auto sector at a crossroads as skilling becomes key to global leadership


Collaborating for safer mobility

Honda has partnered with IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay to advance AI technologies, focusing on Cooperative Intelligence (CI) for collision-free and automated driving. The collaboration aims to refine CI through joint research, leveraging academic expertise to enhance global mobility solutions.

Honda partners with IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay for advanced AI research in automated driving technologies


Seamless satellite tolling

The government is launching a GNSS-based toll collection system to enable barrier-free highway travel. Vehicles will be fitted with OBUs to calculate tolls based on distance traveled, improving convenience. The system will roll out by 2025, with full implementation across national highways by 2027.

Satellite-based toll system to have factory-fitted unit, phased launch


Bosch's hydrogen push

Bosch is eyeing India and China for its hydrogen engine powertrain technology in commercial vehicles. With hydrogen infrastructure in development, Bosch aims to introduce multiple powertrain options by 2030. The company is also working on electric vehicles but sees hydrogen as a key solution for India.

Bosch targets India and China for hydrogen engine powertrain in commercial vehicles


Innovation driving future

In today’s fast-paced and fiercely competitive landscape, innovation is more critical than ever, especially in the mobility and transportation sectors. In this video from Technology Talks episode, renowned technocrat and Chairman of Reliance New Energy Council, Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, discusses strategies for boosting India’s innovation, the concept of "affordable excellence" behind the Tata Nano, why the car fell short of expectations, the potential of hydrogen as a gamechanger, and the ambitious goal of achieving green hydrogen at USD 1 per kilogram.

How Indian players can excel in ‘affordable excellence’


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