How India emerge as global infotronics hub

Creation date: 03 October 2007

Ford Motor US has chosen a Bangalore-based IT company for its E-car project to devise software modules to control car operations through mobile phones. BMW has roped in Satyam Computers to design a state-of-the-art instrument cluster (speed dials and digital tachometers) for its future models. Chrysler controls the productivity levels of its dozen-odd manufacturing facilities from the DaimlerChrysler Research Centre at Bangalore.

Yes, India is fast turning into the mecca of infotech solutions for global automobile companies and the catchphrase is 'Automobile Infotronics'.

This is techspeak for customised software solutions being developed by Indian companies for these global auto majors and the examples given above are but a few of the ways Indian minds have blended their IT and engineering skills to keep the world automobile market rolling. Cutting-edge software from Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad are making major carmakers like Suzuki Motor Corporation, DaimlerChrysler, Audi, Toyota Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Company, Volkswagen, BMW, Bosch, Delphi, Ford Motor, Siemens and General Motors opt for India.

That’s not surprising, given that electronics have become both crucial for and integral to automobiles and add up to 40% of vehicle cost. Climate control, seat controls, electronic doors & windows, infotainment, navigation and communication equipment are almost standard features in vehicles and that’s where R&D centres in India are making a difference.

Indian technology and research companies are innovating in wireless communication, vehicle and road electronics, data systems and IT, and software applications for better vehicle communication systems which is allowing safer and faster mobility on roads.

According to a recent study conducted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), India is expected to grab a major chunk of the $43 billion global infotronics market projected for 2012. India already controls more than half the world’s auto industry technical back office needs from engineering to software — in excess of Rs 1,000 crore.

One example of India’s contribution is in blending automobile technology with mobiles phones, a device that is expected to control future vehicles. Says Mumbai-based Micro Technologies India Ltd director B S Rathore, “We are devising software for Ford US to start and switch off cars by coded SMSes sent by the car owner. We have already succeeded in developing a software to identify and transfer all faults in engine control units (ECU) to owners through mobile phones. We are also trying to place sensors at different points in a car to control its electronic apparatus through the mobile phone.”

Source: The Economic Times/ India Times