NXP Semiconductors has unveiled its new S32R47 imaging radar processors in 16 nm FinFET technology, which the company shared will support Level 2+ to Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.

In its 3rd generation, the radar processor delivers up to 2x processing performance in the radar MPU in a 38 percent smaller IC footprint. It also includes AI/ML support for features like enhanced Direction of Arrival (DoA) processing and object classification. The solution achieves comparable or better performance with up to 89 percent less antenna channels than alternative solutions.

Combined with NXP’s mmWave radar transceivers, power management and in-vehicle networking solutions, the S32R47 family meets functional safety ASIL ISO 26262 ASIL B(D) requirements and prepares the automotive industry for new levels of autonomous driving. The company stated that as per a Yole Intelligence’s Status of the Radar Industry 2024 report, by 2029, around 40 percent of passenger vehicles sold will be equipped with Level 2+ / Level 3 ADAS capabilities, along with increasing number of Level 4 autonomous vehicles.

The company stated that to meet the fast-growing autonomous driving market for SDVs, automotive OEMs and tier 1 suppliers will need to improve radar performance as it is essential for safe, advanced autonomy features such as piloted driving or fully automated parking.

“The S32R47 can efficiently process three times, or more, antenna channels in real time than today’s production solutions. It enables improved imaging radar resolution, sensitivity and dynamic range - required by demanding autonomous driving use cases - while still meeting the stringent power and system cost targets set by OEMs for volume production”, said Meindert van den Beld, Senior Vice-President & General Manager, Radar & ADAS, NXP Semiconductors.

NXP stated that imaging radar leverage richer point cloud data for more detailed modelling of the environment, which is a key enabler for AI-based perception systems. This simply allows the vehicles to manoeuvre efficiently and safely in most challenging environmental conditions, such as complex urban scenarios.

The S32R47 integrates a high-performance multi-core radar processing system, allowing denser point cloud output and enhanced algorithms that enable next- generation ADAS systems. This the company stated results in better separability of objects, improved detection reliability and more accurate classification of objects such as vulnerable road users or lost cargo.

Pune-headquartered mobility solutions company KPIT Technologies has announced its acquisition of Caresoft Global’s Engineering Solutions business. This strategic move is poised to significantly enhance KPIT’s offerings in cost optimisation and innovative engineering solutions for the trucks, off-highway and broader mobility sectors.

The acquisition of Caresoft Global’s Engineering Solutions arm will allow KPIT to leverage Caresoft’s deep-rooted relationships and extensive domain knowledge within the commercial vehicle segment, particularly in trucks and off-highway vehicles. Furthermore, it is expected to accelerate KPIT’s expansion into the burgeoning Chinese automotive market, capitalising on Caresoft’s established presence and understanding of local OEMs, new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers and suppliers.

A key driver for this acquisition is the increasing pressure on global OEMs to innovate rapidly and reduce costs amidst supply chain uncertainties and the growing influence of Chinese competitors.

KPIT believes that an integrated approach encompassing vehicle software, hardware design and manufacturing is crucial to address these challenges.

Kishor Patil, Co-Founder, CEO & MD, KPIT Technologies, said, “At KPIT, we are deepening relationships with trucks and off-highway makers and accelerating foray into China. Also, OEMs across segments are looking for a partner who can bring more agility and cost efficiency by taking an integrated view of software, hardware, and manufacturing. With Caresoft’s strong expertise, we have a strategic partnership which will bring unparalleled value to the mobility ecosystem.”

The integration of Caresoft’s expertise in cost benchmarking and teardown analysis, gleaned from hundreds of vehicle models, will enable KPIT to ramp up value creation through comprehensive full vehicle cost reduction solutions for passenger cars, trucks and off-highway vehicles. This includes tapping into insights from Caresoft’s technology optimisation programs and expanding into areas like software benchmarking. The combined entity also aims to explore downstream implementation opportunities.

Beyond cost optimisation, the acquisition will equip KPIT with new capabilities in manufacturing and industrial engineering, plant layout planning and assembly line optimisation. This will empower OEMs to make more informed decisions from the initial product design phase through to production, ensuring efficiency and quality.

Mathew Vachaparampil, CEO, Caresoft Global, said, “This milestone reflects more than growth. It honours our shared values with KPIT: being relentlessly customer-centric and caring deeply for our people. We will jointly deliver more value to our automotive customers in terms of technology, cost, and speed to market.”

Caresoft Global will restructure its remaining business into three distinct units: Benchmarking, Technology Optimisation & Cost Reduction Engineering, Engineering Talent Solutions and Engineering Solutions (the acquired entity).

Noida-headquartered fuel-tech startup Nawgati has raised USD 2.5 million in pre-series A funding round from Ajay Upadhyaya and participation from Deepak Bhagnani Family Office, MeitY Startup Hub, Aamara Capital and notable angel investors including Sanjay Sharma (ex-Accenture MD), Ashish Sharma and Prithvijit Roy (founders of BRIDGEi2i) and Vivek Mathur (former Partner & COO at Elevation Capital).

The start-up shared that it has earmarked the funds towards strategic global expansion initiatives and to further strengthen its domestic footprint across India. Additionally, it plans to scale its fleet management solutions, currently deployed with Mahanagar Gas, to other major fuel corporations. This move aims to solidify Nawgati's position in providing intelligent and connected solutions for fleet operators and fuel station networks.

Vaibhav Kaushik, CEO and Co-founder, Nawgati, said, "We are thankful for the support of such a distinguished group of investors who share our vision for transforming fuel operations. This funding will be crucial in deepening our Indian market presence and accelerating our entry into international markets. Our focus remains on delivering tangible value to both businesses and end consumers as we scale our partnerships and technology offerings."

Nawgati has developed Aaveg, a comprehensive platform that integrates fuel stations, fleet operators and consumers. This unified system optimises fuel network utilisation, streamlines refuelling processes, reduces customer wait times and provides real-time visibility into fuel availability and fleet movements.

Furthermore, Nawgati's technology offers critical operational insights for fuel station owners, enabling improved forecasting, smarter resource allocation, congestion mitigation, enhanced compliance management and data-driven strategic decision-making.

Lead investor Ajay Upadhyaya, said, "Nawgati is tackling a significant pain point in a high-impact industry that has seen limited technological disruption. I am enthusiastic about supporting their team as they bring much-needed efficiency, transparency, and scalability to fuel and fleet management, both within India and on a global scale. Their vision and execution capabilities make them a compelling player in this space."

This pre-series A funding builds on previous investments from key players such as Maharatna PSU GAIL, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), MeitY Startup Hub, investors from Shark Tank India, BITS Spark and Girnar Growth Ventures.

In a landmark development, Uber Freight, in collaboration with Aurora, has announced that fully autonomous lorries (trucks) have been completing return journeys between Dallas, Texas and Houston, Texas (approximately 386km) since April.

These driverless Class 8 trucks are transporting live, commercial freight with no human intervention behind the wheel. This event marks a significant moment as Uber Freight becomes the first logistics platform to offer shippers access to this technology on public roads.

The company shared that the haulage sector has long grappled with issues such as high driver turnover and underutilised assets. Autonomous trucking aims to ease these pressures while providing tangible benefits for shippers, carriers and consumers.

Uber Freight’s autonomous vehicle (AV) carriers have achieved notable results to date:

• Over 500,000 supervised autonomous miles covered on public roads while carrying freight over the past four years.
• The company has moved freight for more than 20 shippers across various industries.
• Goods delivered include everyday essentials such as pet food, paper products, beverages, appliances and packaging materials.

Lior Ron, Founder & CEO, Uber Freight, said, “This milestone is a clear example of what can be achieved when innovation meets logistics leadership. Working with Aurora, we are shaping a future where autonomous lorries enhance the efficiency and reliability of supply chains. This is the kind of value that shippers across the industry are seeking – and why we are dedicated to building a more intelligent and resilient freight network.”

Uber Freight started its journey in autonomous trucking in 2021 with strategic alliances to commercialise AV technology. The integration of the Aurora Driver into the Uber Freight platform has resulted in a seamless end-to-end solution where booking, tracking and load adjustments are managed digitally and efficiently.

This deep integration positions Uber Freight as the first and only logistics network to fully synchronise with autonomous lorries, ensuring freight is matched to suitable routes with minimal human involvement.

With nearly USD 20 billion in freight under management (FUM) and a substantial logistics network, Uber Freight claimed it is well-placed to scale the commercialisation of autonomous lorries. Their leadership in this area extends beyond technology to encompass collaboration and trust-building with shippers, carriers, and partners.

Through initiatives such as the Premier Autonomy Programme, which offers early access to over one billion of Aurora’s driverless miles to Uber Freight carriers through 2030, the company is enabling carriers of all sizes to improve their operations through autonomous technology.

Looking ahead, preparations are underway to support Aurora’s expansion of driverless operations to El Paso and Phoenix by end-2025, opening up new routes and opportunities for the sector.

Leading insurance technology firm RenewBuy makes strategic foray into automotive loan segment with RB Wheelz brand.

The RB Wheelz brand will provide a full suite of automotive loan products — including new vehicle financing, balance transfers and top-up loans — all accessible through RenewBuy’s upgraded digital platform. The integration is designed to offer consumers a seamless experience by combining financing and insurance under one digital roof.

The company estimates that the automotive financing market is expanding at a CAGR of 15–16 percent, which makes it an attractive opportunity for digital-first players like RenewBuy.

In the final quarter of FY25, RenewBuy disbursed nearly INR 1 billion in automotive loans. Looking ahead, the company aims to onboard approximately 10,000 customers and scale its loan disbursement to INR 15 billion in FY2026. The initial rollout will focus on four-wheelers and fleet vehicles.

Indraneel Chatterjee, Co-Founder, RenewBuy, said, “Having served consumers in the insurance space for nearly a decade, we are now expanding our footprint in the financial services ecosystem. We’re leveraging our technology and a 150,000 strong advisor network to bring loan services to consumers across metros and smaller towns. Over 75 percent of buyers in Tier II and III cities are opting for vehicle financing — a high-potential segment we aim to empower with accessible, seamless, and digital solutions.”

RenewBuy’s upgraded platform now includes a dedicated loan feature, supported by partnerships with 18 leading banks and NBFCs.