Affordability is emerging as a crucial enabler for the adoption of advanced technologies across industries. As innovation progresses, cost-effective solutions are key to bridging the gap between cutting-edge tech and widespread use. This shift is making transformative technologies more accessible, driving growth and enhancing competitiveness in the global market. In this week’s newsletter we curated stories from the auto technology world which throws light on how affordability can be seen as the key facilitator for advanced tech adoption. Read the following stories for this week’s ETAutoTech newsletter.
Hesai slashes prices
Hesai Group, a leading lidar sensor maker, plans to halve prices in 2024, making lidar more accessible for electric vehicles, even budget models. CEO David Li predicts lidar's rise as a safety standard, akin to airbags. Hesai eyes global expansion amid surging demand, aiming to double production and break even soon. Read the following article.
China's Hesai to halve lidar prices next year, sees wide adoption in electric cars
Cars get smarter
Over-the-Air (OTA) updates are transforming vehicles into dynamic, upgradeable machines. By enabling wireless software updates, OTA enhances convenience, safety, and customer satisfaction while reshaping service, insurance, and marketing strategies. Indian automakers like JSW MG and Tata Motors lead adoption, positioning OTA as a cornerstone of modern and connected driving experiences. Know the detailed report here.
Why OTA updates feature is becoming essential for modern vehicles
Mercedes bets big
Mercedes-Benz is deepening ties with China's Momenta, investing USD 75 million to integrate its advanced driving assistance software in future models. As competition in China intensifies, Mercedes aims to reclaim market share by leveraging Momenta’s autonomous technology in both domestic and international models, marking a strategic shift in its supply chain. Read the following article.
Mercedes to use Momenta software in 4 models, accelerate China comeback, sources say
Pony AI debuts
Pony AI secured USD 260 million in its US IPO, valuing the China-based robotaxi firm at USD 4.55 billion. Selling shares at USD 13 each, it highlights US investor interest in China’s tech firms amid global competition in autonomous driving. Pony joins peers Zeekr and WeRide in tapping US capital markets. Here is the complete report.
China's Robotaxi co Pony AI raises USD 260 mn in US IPO
Hydrogen fuels future
India eyes hydrogen as a game-changer for carbon neutrality, focusing on cost-effective H2ICE technology for transportation. Industry leaders stress policy support, reduced hydrogen costs, and ecosystem development. With government commitment and collaborative industry efforts, hydrogen adoption could transform India's automotive landscape, aligning with sustainability goals and future mobility needs. Read to know more about this.
What industry wants for H2ICE adoption; govt seeks stronger representation for tech roadmap
Hinduja Tech expands
Hinduja Tech Limited, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, has acquired TECOSIM Group, a European engineering services provider, to strengthen its global mobility engineering presence. This strategic move combines Hinduja’s tech innovation with TECOSIM’s expertise in virtual validation and body engineering, driving innovation and sustainable solutions in the global automotive sector. Read the following article.
Hinduja Tech acquires TECOSIM group to enhance global mobility engineering services
Asia leads automation
Scott Wooldridge of Rockwell Automation highlights Asia's leadership in automation, driven by sectors like semiconductors and EVs. Discussing AI, cobots, and digital twins, he underscores workforce reskilling, sustainable solutions, and India's rising manufacturing potential. Strategic acquisitions and innovation position Rockwell to shape the region's smart manufacturing future. Here is the detailed interview.
Generative AI and robotics are redefining manufacturing in Asia and beyond, says Rockwell Automation's Scott Wooldridge
Innovation drives BAJA
BAJA SAEINDIA 2025, an engineering competition, sees 200 teams designing and racing All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) with a focus on sustainability and autonomy. New categories, including hydrogen-powered (hBAJA) and autonomous (aBAJA) ATVs, reflect the evolving automotive industry. The competition, supported by Chitkara University and BPCL, prepares students for future mobility challenges. Read the complete article here.
BAJA SAEINDIA 2025 organises vehicle design competition with Chitkara University, Chandigarh
Key insights on durability, NVH, and EV engineering
In this webinar by SAE India and ETAuto, industry experts dive into key topics of automotive durability and NVH validation. With the rise of electric vehicles, these areas are evolving rapidly. Watch the following video with an insightful session for automotive engineers focused on durability and NVH.
SAE India Webinar on Automotive Durability and NVH Validation - Watch
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