AI is steering the future of transportation, taking the driver’s seat in the race toward fully autonomous cars. From navigating bustling city streets to enhancing safety with split-second decisions, self-driving technology is reshaping mobility. The dream of AI-powered cars is closer than ever. This week’s ETAutoTech newsletter will take you through some of the interesting and detailed articles on AI, robotaxis and much more.
Autonomous shift strategy
General Motors is exiting the robotaxi market, merging its Cruise unit with in-house teams to focus on driver assistance systems. After setbacks, including a suspension in San Francisco and job cuts, GM pivots to profitability while competitors like Waymo and Zoox dominate the autonomous vehicle space. Read more here.
GM abandons robotaxi operations derailed by accident
Innovation amid uncertainty
Amid a volatile global landscape, industrial manufacturing and automotive CEOs are charting a cautious yet optimistic course for 2024. With confidence in economic growth, a push for generative AI upskilling, and a focus on sustainability, the sectors anticipate consolidation, innovation, and resilience to drive transformation despite geopolitical uncertainties. Here is the detailed article.
CEOs confident on growth as AI and workforce challenges reshape automotive and manufacturing sectors
Autonomous AI growth
iMerit opened its 12th global location, an Automotive AI Center of Excellence, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This expansion taps into the booming automotive AI market, focusing on autonomous mobility and ethical AI. With strong local talent and gender diversity, iMerit strengthens its role as a leader in AI-driven innovation. Read more here.
iMerit expands with new Automotive AI Center of Excellence in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Driving tech innovation
Hyundai Motor Group has partnered with Google to integrate Android Automotive OS and Google Maps’ Places API, enhancing navigation and infotainment features in its vehicles. The collaboration debuts in Kia's North American models. Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N earned top honors at the 2025 China Car of the Year Awards. Read the following article.
Hyundai partners with Google to revolutionise in-car navigation and infotainment
Reviving EV strategy
Volkswagen partners with California-based Rivian to overhaul its struggling EV software strategy. Facing stiff competition, falling profits, and labor strikes, VW seeks Rivian's agility to create a competitive operating system by 2026. The move marks a high-stakes effort to modernize amidst challenges threatening its dominance in the EV market. Read the detailed article.
Volkswagen bets on US startup to save its EV strategy
Fueling green mobility
At the 9th ETAuto EV Conclave, Volvo Eicher’s Rajinder Singh Sachdeva highlighted the potential of EVs in the commercial vehicle sector while addressing challenges like payload capacity and infrastructure gaps. He proposed LNG and hydrogen as alternative fuels, emphasising policy support and innovation to accelerate sustainable mobility solutions. Read more.
About 45% of VECV's R&D budget allocated to new energy vehicles, says VECV's Rajinder Singh Sachdeva
Electrifying auto futureAt the 9th ETAuto EV Conclave in New Delhi, industry leaders highlighted software's transformative role in electric vehicles (EVs) and Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). Experts discussed advancements in digitalisation, integration of hardware and algorithms, and how EVs provide a clean slate for innovation, shaping the future of sustainable mobility. Here is report from the conclave.
ETAuto EV Conclave 2024: Electrification accelerating the transition of SDVs
Touch-free vehicle future
At CES 2025, Continental will unveil its "Intelligent Vehicle Experience Car," showcasing biometric technologies for touch-free vehicle access, personalised interaction, and enhanced security. The demo vehicle highlights the growing role of software-defined vehicles, using facial recognition and movement analysis to enhance user experience, safety, and convenience. Read more here.
Continental to unveil Intelligent Vehicle Experience Car at CES 2025
Tech-driven automotive design
Automotive brands are shifting towards tech-driven, sustainable design reflecting the demands of the alpha generation and ESG goals. From logo redesigns to tech-infused features, brands like Audi, Jaguar, and Tata Motors are embracing a purpose-led evolution. These changes align with future-forward, environmentally-conscious values for both electric and luxury vehicles. Here is the detailed article.
What's with automotive brand styling and tech, ESG goals?
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