HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology platform, has revealed in its latest survey titled ‘Safer cars, safer roads’ that the concern over road safety is increasing in India, leading to a growing demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The survey was conducted in September 2024 with an aim to gather comprehensive insights into road users' perceptions and experiences regarding road safety and determine the standing of ADAS in India.

According to the survey, which involved a representative sample of 1,300 road users across India, safety remains the primary reason for ADAS adoption, influencing 78 of respondents, while technological reliability (58 percent) and ease of use (56 percent) are the other factors at play. The survey also reveals widespread acceptance of automated driving technologies in India, with 87 percent of the respondents voting in favour of ADAS to enhance road safety and 79 percent putting trust in these technologies as far as making safe decisions on the road is concerned. Government involvement was also praised by the respondents, with 87 percent wanting the government to consider ADAS as a point when drafting road safety standards.

The survey further highlights that 91 percent of respondents believe ADAS is crucial for enhancing both road and driver safety but also points out that nearly half of the respondents (49 percent) currently do not have ADAS-equipped vehicles. The positive part is that 82 percent of respondents indicated their willingness to purchase ADAS-equipped vehicles.

According to the survey, 54 percent of the respondents have been involved in a road traffic accident in the past two years. Alarmingly, out of the 91 percent of respondents who drive two-wheelers, 80 percent reported feeling unsafe on India’s roads. Further, 49 percent of respondents felt Indian roads to be relatively safe, whereas 98 percent acknowledged the risk of accidents, signalling a huge contrast between the perception and reality of road safety concerns. The top three causes of accidents are reckless driving, poor road conditions and distracted driving, according to the survey.

Abhijit Sengupta, Senior Director & Head of Business for Southeast Asia and India, HERE Technologies, said, “Our survey highlights growing road safety concerns in India at a critical time when both automakers and policymakers are recognising the urgency of enhancing road infrastructure and technology to improve safety standards. Government initiatives aimed at boosting road safety, alongside the need to support the efficient movement of goods on the logistics front, have made this a crucial time for change. While there is an overwhelming desire for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for safer driving, many road users are still not driving ADAS-equipped vehicles, revealing a significant gap between awareness and adoption. HERE Technologies is committed to bridge this gap with location intelligence, including real-time traffic, alternative route features and more, to tackle challenges like wrong-side driving and traffic congestion for both everyday drivers and commercial transporters. Our efforts align with government initiatives and aim to shape effective safety standards in partnership with policymakers and automotive OEMs.”

South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Group has announced partnerships with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to collaborate and advance research for batteries and electrification. The three institutes include IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay and IIT Madras.

As part of the understanding, the Hyundai Center of Excellence (CoE) will be set up within IIT Delhi, which will operate through sponsorships from Hyundai Motor Group. It will lead in driving advancements in batteries and electrification, specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Indian market.

Furthermore, Hyundai Motor Group aims to invest around USD 7 million over five years (2025 to 2029) to support the research at the universities. The collaboration will also focus on software and hydrogen fuel cells.

The Korean auto major will also support the establishment of the electric vehicle ecosystem in India. The collaboration will involve the Centre for Automotive Research and Tribology (CART), the only EV-related research institute in India, located within IIT Delhi.

In addition to joint research, exchange of experts from Korea and India, special lectures and technical exchanges are also planned.

Naksup Sung, Head of Hyundai Motor Group Research and Development (R&D) Planning & Coordination Center, said, “We are delighted to join forces with IITs, a group of leading engineering universities renowned for its exceptional education and research. We believe that Hyundai CoE will cultivate a strong network of talented individuals from India's academic landscape, driving innovation and future growth.”

Hyundai Motor Group officials, along with IIT representatives, including Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director at IIT Delhi, Dean Sachin C. Patwardhan at IIT Bombay and Dean Manu Santhanam at IIT Madras, attended a ceremony at IIT Delhi where they signed an agreement for the joint establishment of the ‘Hyundai Motor Group-IIT Hyundai CoE.’

Hinduja Tech Limited, a global engineering and R&D technology company and a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, has officially announced that it has completed the acquisition of TECOSIM Group, a major European engineering services supplier. The acquisition underscores Hinduja Tech’s commitment to enhancing its global automotive engineering market leadership and falls in line with its vision to be among the top 10 global mobility engineering and R&D companies.

With a strong presence in Europe and a staff of over 650 workers scattered across the United Kingdom, Germany, Romania, Japan and India, TECOSIM will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. The Hinduja Tech Group will provide a full spectrum of services, ranging from advanced technological innovation to leading systems integration, by combining TECOSIM's extensive knowledge and Hinduja Tech's solid track record. This collaboration will allow Hinduja Tech to provide a greater range of solutions, adapting to the ever-changing demands of the global mobility business and ensuring that clients have access to more comprehensive and competitive services through its unique global delivery model.

Kumar Prabhas, CEO, Hinduja Tech Limited, said, "We are delighted to have TECOSIM Group join the Hinduja Tech family. This reinforces our unwavering commitment to innovation and growth. TECOSIM Group’s virtual validation and body engineering expertise perfectly complements our existing capabilities, allowing us to offer a comprehensive range of solutions. Together, we will drive the future of automotive engineering and shape the contours of the global mobility landscape."

Udo Jankowski, Managing Director, TECOSIM Group, said, "Joining forces with Hinduja Tech is a game-changer for TECOSIM. Their global reach and industry expertise, coupled with our technical strengths, create a winning combination. We are excited to embark on this journey, delivering exceptional value to our clients and driving technological advancements in the global mobility value chain.”

With a priority to provide a seamless customer experience by tackling common pain points like ride rejections among others, the app-cab aggregator Rapido has established cab zones at airports in cities like Visakhapatnam and Surat. 
Keen to expand its presence, the company is working to expand its reach to other cities with airports such that it can tap airport routes with competitive fares and well-conditioned vehicle fleet. 
Revealing that they are expanding their airport services across other metro cities in the current quarter of FY2024025, Rapido Cabs Head, Rajiv Bhyri, mentioned at an event in Kolkata that they see airport routes as a key area for growth due to the high demand for reliable, round-the-clock transportation options. 
“With the increasing number of travellers, we believe our airport services will offer riders the lowest prices while our zero-commission model maximises captains' earnings,” he averred. 
Providing an insight into Rapido’s strategy to address the ride rejections faced by commuters that use app-based aggregators, Bhyri said, “Rapido is focused on providing a seamless customer experience and resolving common pain points such as ride rejections that many commuters face with app-based aggregators. With the rise in airport traffic, our strategy emphasises affordability and reliability. By offering competitive fares and maintaining a fleet of well-maintained vehicles, we aim to ensure a dependable and pleasant journey for our customers.”
Entering an association with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Rapido has already began offering affordable and seamless commute solutions to travellers at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. The service was inaugurated by State Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty. State Transport Secretary Dr Saumitra Mohan and others were also present. 
To set up dedicated cab service zones at Kolkata Airport where travellers can easily access safe, reliable and budget-friendly rides through its platform, Rapido is emphasising on tech-powered SaaS business model. This business model is designed to guarantee real-time ride availability and highly competitive pricing. 
"With the launch of this service at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, we're not just offering cost-effective travel solutions but also creating valuable employment opportunities for our local drivers. The technology-driven approach aligns with our vision of making West Bengal a leader in smart mobility and we're confident this initiative will set new benchmarks,” expressed Chakraborty.
Rapido Co-founder Pavan Guntupalli explained: "At Rapido, our mission is to revolutionise mobility by delivering reliable, safe and affordable solutions through innovation. Our collaboration with the Airports Authority of India to introduce dedicated cab zones at major airports is a significant step in enhancing the traveller experience while empowering local communities through job creation. With Rapido’s technology-driven platform, passengers can expect seamless airport commutes at the most competitive prices."
 

Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched ‘Hero For Startups’ (HFS) programme that will support innovative startups that are working on mobility solutions.

Startups shortlisted for the initiative will get exclusive access to Hero MotoCorp’s world-class Research and Development facilities in Germany and India, the company’s dealers, suppliers and partners, along with mentorship.

An opportunity to work on paid Proofs of Concept (PoCs), which the company believes will enable successful PoCs to integrate their solutions into Hero MotoCorp's diverse product portfolio. This will not only unlock valuable market exposure, but also accelerate growth and visibility of their innovations.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Hero For Startups is our commitment to shaping the future of mobility and beyond through innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. Rooted in the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat, it is a transformative platform that empowers India to excel on the global stage. Inviting dreamers, doers, and visionaries, this initiative is a catalyst for extraordinary ideas to tackle real-world challenges for Bharat while opening doors to unprecedented opportunities. Hero For Startups accelerates India’s rise as a global leader, setting new benchmarks for innovation and impact and creating a world of possibilities for generations to come.”

Hero For Startups will work towards –

Fostering innovation by driving development of cutting-edge technologies and disruptive solutions to transform the mobility sector.

Strengthening innovation by collaborating with emerging startups, providing them with resources and support to create technology-driven innovation that invigorates the automotive industry.

Sustainability and long-term impact to shape the future of mobility through innovation that is scalable and sustainable.

They will also get technical support giving them access to manufacturing and business teams, which will allow startups to test, develop, and deploy their solutions.

Tailored bootcamps will focus on enhancing the technological and operational capabilities of startups, preparing them for future industry challenges and ensuring the sustainability of their solutions

Lastly, startups will get guidance from experienced industry professionals and strategic mentorship from Hero MotoCorp’s leadership team, empowering them to scale their ventures and make a transformative impact on the mobility sector.