The automotive industry is undergoing one of its biggest disruptions ever, what’s with consumer demand, government policies and the latest technology making their way into the vehicles of tomorrow.

To bring forth discussion and ignite conversation around the topic of Vehicle Dynamics & ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), SAEIndia Northern Section recently held a two-day seminar ‘Motion In Control-IV 2025’ on 6 February 2025. It featured presentations, live demonstrations and a panel discussion, at Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC), Chennai.

The event was supported by ICAT, Maruti Suzuki India, ATS, GARC, AB Dynamics, Tenneco, JK Tyre, 4active, Applus IDIADA, ZF, Stahle, CEAT, Applied Intuition, Rane, Gabriel, Continental, MRF, OXTS and Kiriu Corporation. Motoring Trends was the official media partner for the event.

It brought together industry experts from automakers, component manufacturers, testing equipment manufacturers and even educational institutions to discuss, debate and plan the way forward.

It is no secret that various factors such as consumer awareness, innovative technologies and regulatory push are enabling automakers to incorporate various sensors and AI-enabled tech such as ADAS to become a common sight.

What’s more, while these technologies are quite popular in developed markets, they cannot be simply copied-pasted in India; the adoption is not quite so simple.

The two-day open platform brought forth industry experts to share their views on how conventional vehicle dynamics solutions are paving the way for sensor-based technologies. This not only makes the vehicles safer but also opens the doors for new ways to look at vehicle design, validation and even certification for India-specific challenges.

Day 1

The first day of the event saw Vivek Trivedi, Executive Vice-President – Engineering, Maruti Suzuki India share his views on the topic of ‘Insight of Future Technologies in India related to Vehicle Dynamics & ADAS’.

Dr. Subramaniam K, R&D Head at Ashok Leyland gave a presentation on ‘Vehicle Dynamics in EV: Advantages and Challenges’.

Renji Issac, Senior Vice-President Research & Development, CEAT presented his views on ‘Tyre development in a virtual world’.

Dr. V. Vikraman, Senior Vice-President, Research & Development, Mahindra & Mahindra, gave insights on how the automaker was using the latest technology and tools for development of its high-performance SUVs.

Dr. Ramadhas Arumugam Sakuthalai, Director, GARC, spoke about how Indian testing agencies were prepared to support the automotive industry for their testing needs when it came to Vehicle Dynamics and ADAS solutions.

Amardeep Singh, Vice-Chair, SAEINS and Convenor MIC-IV, and VP – Engineering, Maruti Suzuki India set the context for plenary sessions.

This was followed by Dr. Peter Pfeffer, CEO, Mdynamics presenting his thoughts on ‘Advance Driving Characteristics Development Through Performance – HIL (Hardware in Loop) and Driving Simulator.

The audience also got to understand on what was happening in the field of validation and release of L2/L3 ADAS at scale by Aniruddha Reddy, Head of Sales EMEA & India, Applied Intuition.

In a joint presentation, Piyush Ghongade, Head- Vehicle Dynamics, CEAT and Jagdish Chauhan, Team Lead – NVH, 4W, CEAT spoke about the ‘Role of Vehicle Dynamics in Advanced NVH Tyre Tuning: Challenges and Solutions.’

Dr. Roshi John, Founder & CEO, RoshAI introduced the company’s approach towards self-driving vehicles.

Dr. Rajesh Kannan Megalingam, Associate Professor, Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, School of Engineering, Amritapuri, gave a presentation on ‘Exploring Autonomous Vehicle Scenarios in Indian Roads: Smart Centre Case Studies’.

The last session of the day saw Vipul Dave, Senior Business Development Manager – UK, Greater Europe & India AB Dynamics give his perspective on Future Trends in ADAS Testing.

Balaji Lenin, General Manager, Rane Brake Linking and Michninari Ishikawa, Manager, Nisshinbo Brake, spoke about the Brake friction material for advanced vehicle technologies.

Jojo Chacko, Technical Product Expert, Vector, spoke about ‘Addressing Challenges in Vehicle Dynamics for ADAS’.

Raunak Santosh, DGM Head – Chassis & Active Safety, IDIADA gave a presentation on ‘Vehicle Dynamics – In the age of new Technological Revolution.’

Day 2

The second day of the event saw Ms. K Rajrajeswari, Senior Engineer, GARC and S Perumal, Manager, GARC gave a presentation on Vehicle Dynamics & ADAS Testing Solutions at GARC.

Sunil Patil, Director Engineering, ZF India spoke about the ‘Scalable ADAS Systems for Emerging Markets’.

Prof C Lashmikanathan of Amrita School of Engineering, brought in the academic perspective on how educational institutions were accelerating vehicle dynamics development using modern test environment and tools.

Cederic Asselineau, Business Development Manager, Stahle, spoke about the evolution in Robotics and Software for human driving style imitation.

Steve Boyle, MD, Moshon Data, shared his view on ADAS & lack of knowledge surrounding it with everyday users.

Prakash Abhayanker, Head India Operations – 4active Systems brought in his perspective on what the Future of ADAS Testing meant for the company.

Rejin Sathianesan, Senior Technical Expert, Bosch gave a presentation on Securing ADAS: ‘Protecting the future of ADAS system’.

In the last session for the event, a panel discussion took place on the topic of ‘Navigating the Future: Bridging ADAS and Vehicle Dynamics for Smarter Driving’. The panellists included – Bob Rupani, Veteran Auto Journalist; Balasubramanian N, VP – Product Engineering, Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre in India; Nagarajan, Vice-President, SAE India; Ramanathan, Vice-Chair, SAEINS & MD, ATS and Hari Krishnan M, Co-Convenor MIC-IV & Senior GM, Engineering, Maruti Suzuki India. A range of topics were discussed ranging from how automakers and suppliers had to make the latest technology work in India but also making it more robust and affordable. The panel was moderated by Nilesh Wadhwa, Assistant Editor, Motoring Trends.

The event also saw partner organisations give demonstrations on technologies such as – Automated Emergency Braking (AEB), self-parking technology, automatic braking and cruise control among others.

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Technology group MAHLE is demonstrating its commitment to a multi-faceted approach for sustainable transportation at the 2025 IAA Mobility exhibition (being held from 9 to 14 September 2025) in Munich, Germany. The company is showcasing (in Hall A1) a portfolio of production-ready innovations designed to accelerate the decarbonisation of road traffic, emphasising that its solutions address immediate customer challenges rather than being distant concepts.

A central theme of MAHLE's strategy, encapsulated under the ‘Efficiency³’ banner, is technological diversity. The group is advancing solutions across three core areas: electrification, thermal management and sustainable internal combustion engines. This broad approach is presented as vital for effective climate protection, enhancing European competitiveness and safeguarding employment, positioning it as a necessary alternative to a single-technology pathway.

A key innovation for electrification is a new range extender system. This compact unit acts as an onboard generator, dramatically alleviating range anxiety by enabling electric vehicles to achieve up to 1,350 kilometres on a single charge. The system's 800-volt high-voltage generator boasts a peak efficiency of over 97 percent and is designed for cost-effective integration into existing vehicle platforms. By allowing for a smaller, right-sized battery, it also contributes to reducing both material costs and charging times on long journeys.

Complementing this is a novel thermal management module, which directly tackles the issue of battery range loss in cold weather. Acting as the central interface for the vehicle's cooling and refrigerant cycles, the module integrates a high-efficiency heat pump. This elegant solution eliminates the need for additional energy-draining heaters, maintaining optimal temperatures for the drivetrain and passenger comfort while increasing overall range by up to 20 percent. Its compact, future-proof design is compatible with current and next-generation refrigerants.

For the existing global vehicle fleet, MAHLE is presenting a pragmatic solution for immediate carbon reduction with its ethanol-powered Power Cell Unit. This package of specially developed engine components, including wear-resistant pistons and adapted valves, allows internal combustion engines to run on pure bioethanol (E100). Lifecycle analyses indicate this technology can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 70 percent, offering a viable and immediate path to decarbonise millions of vehicles without compromising performance.

Beyond powertrains, MAHLE is leveraging biomimicry and artificial intelligence to enhance component efficiency. A revolutionary bionic radial blower, its blades inspired by the aerodynamic efficiency of penguin flippers, was developed using an AI-assisted process termed ‘superhuman engineering’. The result is a component that is significantly quieter and 15 percent more energy-efficient than conventional blowers.

The company's exhibit also features its smart charging infrastructure solutions. The established chargeBIG system offers a scalable, cable-based charging network, now including a compact wallbox and a mobile unit for temporary sites. Furthermore, MAHLE is advancing inductive charging with a convenient positioning system, recently recognised as a global standard by SAE International, which ensures optimal vehicle alignment for energy transfer efficiency exceeding 92 percent.

Additional highlights include diagnostic tools like the E-HEALTH Charge unit, which can assess a high-voltage battery's health in just 15 minutes, and an intelligent cabin climate control system that uses AI to personalise the environment for each occupant. Through this comprehensive array of products, MAHLE is positioning itself as a pivotal force in shaping a efficient and sustainable mobility landscape.

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The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, has announced the readiness of its ambitious and pioneering project, the ‘ADAS Test City’.

The new facility spread across 20 acres in Takwe near Talegaon, Pune, is designed as a pseudo city to replicate the diverse road conditions in India, which will be instrumental to test and validate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in a safe, secure, repeatable and controlled environment. The idea is to support the development of ADAS solutions to meet the real-world scenarios in India. The ADAS Test City is also the first-of-its-kind such dedicated facility in the country.

Furthermore, ARAI also announced that it will host ‘The ADAS Show’ in association with Aayera, at the new facility on 12 December 2025, where it expects automakers, tier 1 suppliers and technology companies to showcase their innovation and test vehicles.

Dr. Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI said, “ADAS are pivotal in enhancing road safety, and ARAI remains committed to driving the adoption of safe, smart, and sustainable mobility solutions across industry. Our upcoming ADAS Smart City Track represents a landmark initiative – India’s first dedicated proving ground designed to enable automotive and auto-tech manufacturers to rigorously test and validate their technologies in real-world conditions. We thank the Ministry of Heavy Industries for their gracious support under their Capital Goods Scheme which has enabled us to install the modular infrastructure for Verification and Validation of ADAS at the Test City. This facility will play a crucial role in advancing ADAS capabilities by empowering manufacturers to deliver best-in-class safety solutions to consumers. Moreover, this ADAS Smart City Track will not only facilitate but will boost indigenous ADAS/AV technology development from the budding start-up ecosystem. Hence, events such as The Adas Show, organised in collaboration with Aayera, are instrumental in fostering open dialogue and collaborative innovation in the realm of intelligent mobility. We look forward to insightful deliberations and a successful event on 12th December 2025.”

Syed Fareed Ahmed, Director, Aayera, added, “THE ADAS SHOW is India’s definitive platform where automotive leaders, technologists, and innovators converge to showcase and discuss the most advanced driver-assistance and safety technologies. The previous editions were inaugurated by Dr. Hanif Qureshi, IPS, Additional Secretary (Automobiles), Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India at ICAT, and witnessed participation from leading OEMs such as Honda, JSW MG Motors, BMW, Volvo, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki India, alongside global technology leaders including Bosch, ZF, Valeo, Harman, Starkenn, Rosmerta, Dassault Systemes, NXP, Uno Minda and many more. The Adas Show is a dynamic and engaging event that unites vehicle manufacturers, ADAS technology companies and testing equipment providers to present cutting-edge innovations in real-world scenarios.”

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Bengaluru-headquartered engineering R&D service company L&T Technology Services has inked a strategic partnership with Silicon Valley-based SiMa.ai, a leader in Physical AI. The partnership will focus on driving AI-driven solutions across mobility, healthcare, industrial automation and robotics.

As per the understanding, LTTS’ will combine its deep engineering expertise and domain focus with SiMa.ai’s MLSoC ONE platform and software SDK. SiMa.ai will deliver industry-leading AI hardware and software solutions by leveraging LTTS’ core engineering capabilities and human capital investments across key areas such as in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), AD/ADAS, industrial automation & robotics and healthcare.

Amit Chadha, CEO & MD, L&T Technology Services, said, “SiMa.ai cements LTTS’ position as a leader in AI-led ER&D solutions. By combining SiMa.ai’s groundbreaking AI computing technology with our expertise in design and implementation, we are empowering clients across robotics, mobility and healthcare to accelerate time-to-market, enhance operational efficiency and deliver unparalleled value. Together, we are driving the industry forward, embedding intelligence into innovative solutions that are sustainable and scalable.”

Krishna Rangasayee, Founder & CEO, SiMa.ai, said, “Our collaboration with LTTS symbolises the synergy required to scale physical AI applications globally. LTTS brings unmatched engineering capabilities and client reach, making them an ideal partner. By working together, we enable industries to harness the full potential of AI, delivering high performance and power efficiency to clients while simplifying the adoption process.”

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Rapido, a leading ride-sharing platform in India, has joined forces with the Jaipur Police Commissionerate to launch a new initiative focused on improving women's safety in the city's public transportation. This partnership, which follows a week-long awareness campaign, will see the installation of dashcams in 100 Rapido cabs to enhance ride monitoring and emergency response times.

Rapido stated that at present, 40 percent of its cab users in Jaipur are women. The initiative, titled ‘Sashakt Nari – Zimmedari Hamari’ (Empowered Women – Our Responsibility), was flagged off by Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph and Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajarshi Raj. The campaign underscores the shared responsibility of citizens, service providers and law enforcement in ensuring women can travel safely and with confidence.

Rajarshi Raji said, "Women's safety is a collective responsibility that goes beyond the role of the police. When communities, technology partners, and law enforcement work together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for women. Initiatives like this campaign help build confidence, enabling women to move freely for work, education and daily life."

Sudipta Sen, Senior Manager at Rapido Cabs, noted, "At Rapido, safety is not an add-on; it is the foundation of every ride. With 40% of cab users in Jaipur being women, our collaboration with Jaipur Police focuses on practical measures that can make every journey safer and more reassuring. By introducing dashcams, providing 24x7 support, and driving awareness campaigns, we are working to make mobility safer, inclusive and truly empowering for women. Our goal is to ensure that every woman in Jaipur should be able to travel with confidence and see mobility as a catalyst for her independence and participation in the city’s growth.”

The dashcams will supplement Rapido's existing safety features, which include an in-app SOS button, real-time ride tracking and a call-masking feature for female customers.

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