India is one of the most potential markets for telematics solutions globally. Over the last four years, the country registered increased deployment of telematics solutions especially in commercial vehicle segment. Key application areas of the market include- cold chain, courier, pharma, retail and others. Presently, cold chain sector accounted for highest market share, followed by courier and others. Cold storage freight trailers are deploying telematics solutions to gather time-series data of the temperature inside the cargo container.

Tata Motors has consistently pioneered new segments, in commercial and passenger vehicles. Dr. Timothy Leverton, Head - Advanced and Product Engineering, Tata Motors Ltd, shares his thoughts on the automotive industry in general and his company’s plans in particular. Excerpts... Could you elaborate on the current trends in Auto Manual v/s E-Clutch v/s Fully Automatic transmission systems and their applications in various types of automotive vehicles? In the current scenario, AMT is the second most preferred choice by the Indian consumer, after MT (Manual Transmission) and is expected to increase by seven times, with AT expected to grow by three times, from the current market share.

A quick swipe with the thumb, a light wave with the hand, and the driver can accept an incoming call, activate the required driving mode or start their favorite song – gesture-based control is already known from the world of entertainment electronics and has been making inroads into vehicles for some time now. Driving further development of this new control system in cars, Continental has unveiled an innovation project that, for the first time ever, focuses the detection zone of gestures on the steering wheel.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) announced the launch of the All New Innova, which in its latest avatar will be titled ‘Innova Crysta.” Competitively priced in the range of Rs 13,83,677 and Rs 20,77,930 (Ex-showroom Mumbai), the new Innova Crysta will be available in two grades with an automatic transmission (Zx and Gx) and four grades with manual transmission (Zx, Vx, Gx and G). The Innova Crysta comes with an all-new frame and an all-new 2.8 ltr diesel engine for the first time with an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. It also offers an all-new 2.4 ltr diesel engine with an all-new 5-speed manual transmission.

Elektrobit (EB), a leading developer of cutting-edge, embedded technology solutions for the automotive industry, has announced its expansion to two new international locations: Timisoara, Romania and Bangalore, India.

New functions, flexibility, and updates throughout the entire lifecycle of a vehicle — all at an attractive price. These are the requirements of today’s automotive manufacturers and end users for infotainment systems. The new car radio platform from Continental rises to these challenges with a sophisticated concept and intelligent architecture.

HARMAN’s vision is to provide a seamless connected infotainment and audio experience for the Indian market, through our leading products and systems, software and connected services, says Prathab Deivanayagham, Senior Director - Connected Car, HARMAN India. He elaborates on the emerging industry trends and his company’s future plans.

NVIDIA has created a leadership position for itself in developing technology to power self-driving cars. Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director - South Asia, NVIDIA Graphics Pvt Ltd, explains the company’s capabilities in the automobile industry and beyond.

More often than not, it is the sudden diversion of attention from the road ahead that causes a fatal accident. This form of distracted driving is usually due to using the mobile phone, looking at someone or something behind, trying to balance a coffee cup, or any such reason. HUNED CONTRACTOR writes on the various factors of distracted driving as also on the new technologies that automotive OEMs are developing to make vehicles safer.