Smart, connected and automated vehicles

By Rajeev Chaba, President & MD, MG Motor India

Innovation and technology have driven the reins of the connected car space in the automobile industry. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, digital transformation has taken the front seat in transforming cars into an ecosystem of on-demand, in-car services.

In the future, cars will not be seen as products but as platforms, paving the way for a lifetime of services to provide key differentiation to customers. This, in turn, will allow innovators and developers to create novel solutions and business models to enhance the ownership experience.

Among the most intensively researched automotive technologies are automated and connected vehicle technologies. The potential of urban automobiles is ‘Connected, Electric Shared and Autonomous Vehicles,’ thanks to a worldwide shift toward electrified vehicles and significant advances in computer power, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things.

There have already been significant waves in this segment, and the journey of connected cars has taken a turn for the better. With the advent of 5G, new interface points will emerge and offer new opportunities for the fast-emerging ecosystem of innovators.

In line with this transformation, MG Motor India’s vision of CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric) has empowered us to offer holistic, software-driven mobility solutions to ensure a safer and smarter driving experience.

MG has introduced several ‘firsts’ in the Indian automotive industry, with the first internet SUV – MG Hector with 50+ connected features, the first Pure Electric Internet SUV – MG ZS EV, the first Autonomous (Level 1) Premium SUV – MG Gloster, and India’s first SUV with personal AI assistant and Autonomous (Level 2) technology- MG Astor.

In addition to this, MG Motor India has introduced the automobile industry to the innovative concept of CaaP (Car as a Platform),

which caters to the fast-changing requirements of new-age customers. With software at the heart of vehicle development, MG has developed an ecosystem of various in-car services and subscriptions in utility, entertainment, parking, security, consumer payment, and others, evolving with time and creating safer and smarter driving experiences.

ADAS is the leading step towards autonomous vehicles in India that prioritize driver and passenger safety through forward-looking tech-backed solutions. It is not a substitute for the human eye and driver vigilance. The technology was introduced in luxury cars, but it gradually made its way to mass-produced vehicles with time. ADAS is a driver assist system that enhances the driving experience and safety. As a conduit of automated vehicle technology, MG Motor India is the first carmaker to introduce ADAS level 2 to mid-segment in India, strengthening the future of mobility. ADAS software driving solutions significantly improve driving safety and comfort by tuning the software to Indian roads, ensuring an optimized solution for Indian traffic conditions.

Evolving engineering capabilities have championed trends in the automotive space, bringing enhanced driving performance, power, safety, and reliability. MG Motor India has played its part in developing this market with CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric) mobility and industry-first AI-based assistance features. AI/ML advancements combined with the introduction of futuristic and reliable EVs will break down the barriers and transform the automobile industry, making it connected and sustainable.

Just like our smartphones have become personal computers over the last decade, with continuing disruptions in the automotive industry, the car is becoming a smart device on wheels that will allow you to work, socialize, or be entertained, with no compromise on safety, wherever you go.

This is part of our PCQuest 35 Years Series on the Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow of Technology.