Smart Drive

The automobile industry is seeing a shift towards connected cars. This could shape the domestic market as carmakers increase the share of EVs

- ASTHA ORIEL AND ARNAB DUTTA

TECHNOLOGY HAS taken over the automobile industry. As cars shift from sedans to SUVs and from traditional engines to electric and hybrid options, cuttingedge tech is driving this change. It is no wonder, therefore, that the notion of connected cars has now become a hot topic, leading the way in this new era of smart driving. But what is a connected car? To begin with, connected cars are vehicles that come equipped with internet connectivity and various digital technologies that enable communication between the car, its internal systems, external devices, and cloud services. These vehicles can send and receive data, offering a wide range of features aimed at enhancing safety, convenience, efficiency, and entertainment for drivers and passengers.

So prevalent has this become now that according to a report by consulting firm McKinsey, by 2030, 95% of new vehicles sold globally will be connected. This is especially significant for domestic automobile manufacturers as they race to cater to consumer demand.

OVER THE YEARS

In 1996, General Motors’ launch of the GM OnStar in Cadillac marked the automotive industry’s first big step toward connected cars, blending cutting-edge tech with vehicles. Luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi quickly followed, and by the late 2010s, smartphones and mobile internet brought even more advanced connected car systems into play.

Today, software-as-a-service (SaaS) has come a long way. With Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), connected cars now offer more than just real-time navigation and infotainment. They include vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features use sensors and cameras to boost safety and prevent accidents.