Qualcomm launches Snapdragon Ride platform in India to accelerate connected vehicle innovation

Maruti Suzuki partners with Qualcomm to embed advanced Snapdragon Digital Chassis and Elite chips into its new electric vehicles, signalling a major leap in connected car technology for the Indian market.Maruti Suzuki, the biggest car manufacturer in India, has, as of now, made an official move to team up with Qualcomm. They're planning to incorporate the tech giant’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis platform into their upcoming electric vehicles, which are being specially designed for the Indian market. This partnership was confirmed publicly during Qualcomm’s “Snapdragon for India” event, where leaders from Maruti Suzuki and Qualcomm came together on stage — a symbolic moment showing the merging of automotive manufacturing with the latest digital tech. Now, the Snapdragon Digital Chassis isn’t just any ordinary suite; it’s a pretty comprehensive set of technologies aimed at making vehicles smarter. It covers a lot: from infotainment screens, digital dashboards, in-car connectivity with 5G and Wi-Fi, all the way to sophisticated driver-assistance systems, or ADAS. While they’re still ironing out details on how much of it Maruti Suzuki will implement initially, the idea is that they might adopt either the full platform or just some key parts, probably focusing on their electric vehicles and maybe even some high-end internal combustion models down the line. It’s a big jump in technology for them, aiming to keep pace in an automotive world that’s rapidly becoming more digital and connected. Interestingly enough, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis isn’t new to India. Several local car makers have already jumped on the bandwagon, using it in their flagship models. Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, for example, have integrated these technologies into their top-of-the-line vehicles. They’re leveraging cloud-connected services to facilitate real-time diagnostics, improve vehicle features, and even make development more data-driven. Take Mahindra’s new Scorpio-N SUV — it uses Qualcomm’s third-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms, which enable advanced features like driver monitoring and object detection, lifting safety and comfort to a whole new level. In addition to just infotainment and safety tech, the partnership with Qualcomm also involves integrating Snapdragon Elite automotive chips. These chips power a range of high-end features, including real-time driver monitoring and voice control interfaces, which rely on a pretty powerful processing setup involving the Oryon CPU, Adreno GPU, and Hexagon NPU. Basically, it marks a clear sign of Maruti Suzuki’s efforts to modernize its vehicle lineup with smarter, more interactive features that could change how drivers interact with their cars. This move isn’t just a trend — it’s fast becoming a must-have for automakers aiming to meet ever-changing consumer expectations and stricter regulations. From industry trends and recent happenings, it’s clear Qualcomm’s role in India’s automotive scene is growing. The Snapdragon Auto Day event, for instance, also highlighted Qualcomm’s efforts in two-wheeler connectivity with the Snapdragon Ride platform, showing how they’re scaling their smart mobility solutions across different vehicle types. For Maruti Suzuki, locking in this Qualcomm partnership is a big step forward — especially as they gear up to launch their first-ever EV. It’s not just about making the vehicle electric, but also ensuring it’s packed with next-gen digital infrastructure. This whole development ties into a bigger industry movement, where Indian automakers are increasingly embedding advanced semiconductor tech into their upcoming products, all in an effort to stay ahead. Tata Motors, for example, is pushing boundaries with really long EV warranties and integrated tech stacks, which intensifies the competition. For Maruti Suzuki, teaming up with Qualcomm is a strategic move to stay relevant and innovate ahead, keeping the company firmly planted at the top of the market. In sum, Maruti Suzuki’s official embrace of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis and Elite chips seems like a smart, calculated step — one that’s aimed at integrating intelligent vehicle systems into their future lineup. It’s a move that’s likely to establish a new benchmark in India’s automotive tech landscape, pushing the industry forward into a new era of connected, smart vehicles. Source: Noah Wire Services

The automotive high-performance electric vehicle market is poised to grow from $155 billion in 2024 to $778 billion by 2032, driven by advances in battery technology, supportive government policies, and soaring consumer demand for powerful, sustainable vehicles.The Automotive High Performance Electric Vehicles (HPEV) market is really on the verge of some massive growth, I mean, it’s expected to jump from around US$155 billion in 2024 all the way up to a staggering US$778 billion by 2032. That's a pretty crazy leap — we're talking about a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 38.1% from 2025 to 2032, which shows not just more numbers but a true shift in how the automotive world is changing, driven mainly by new tech and what consumers are now looking for. This rapid expansion? Well, it’s powered by a bunch of factors coming together — like improvements in battery tech, better powertrain systems, and charging stations becoming easier to access. And, to be honest, governments aren’t just sitting back either; they’re pushing with policies—strict rules to cut down emissions and incentives encouraging folks to go electric. Europe, for example, really shines in this arena, with its varied policies helping push EVs quickly into the mainstream and creating a pretty friendly regulatory environment that’s set to boost market growth even more. When you look at market segments, there are clear trends. High-performance EVs are gaining popularity in both personal and commercial sectors. Major players like Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and Nissan are making big investments in R&D, trying to stay ahead with the latest tech and keep holding onto their share of the pie. Meanwhile, newer brands from Asia—think BYD, ZOTYE, SAIC—are also making waves by tapping into local market strengths and focusing on innovation. Regionally, North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific are leading the charge. Each has its own unique drivers — like better infrastructure, supportive economic policies, and a rising demand for greener transportation options. Europe, specifically, is benefiting from expanded charging networks and policies aimed at shrinking the carbon footprint of roads, which really helps high-performance EVs find their footing more quickly. Another thing to note is how luxury and sporty EVs are evolving—they’re not just about green credentials anymore but also about performance standards that redefine the game. Consumers increasingly want powerful, sustainable rides, which pushes manufacturers to develop high-energy batteries and advanced powertrain tech to meet those high-performance benchmarks. Looking at the industry side of things, this huge growth is both exciting and challenging. There are massive opportunities—think investors, carmakers, parts suppliers, the aftermarket and more—but also hurdles. Issues like sourcing raw materials for batteries, recycling old batteries, and scaling up infrastructure need serious strategic planning and cooperation among players. For everyone involved in the supply chain—OEMs, logistics companies, parts distributors, repair shops, fleet operators—it’s crucial to stay ahead of these market shifts. They’ll need to prepare for laaarger vehicle electrification, manage increasingly complex servicing needs, and ride the wave of trends focusing on vehicle performance and energy management. All in all, this fast-evolving HPEV market isn’t just growing; it’s transforming the entire automotive scene — marked by rapid growth rates, tech breakthroughs, and regional policies that all play a part. For those who can adapt and push innovation, the upcoming opportunities are pretty huge. It’s a fascinating time, no doubt, and it looks like this wave of change won’t slow down anytime soon. Wouldn’t you agree? This industry is really shaping up to redefine what we expect from vehicles in the years ahead. Source: Noah Wire Services

At GIIAS 2025, BYD unveiled its largest and most immersive booth yet in Indonesia, combining VR and AR technologies with the launch of the advanced e-Platform 3.0. Showcasing a diverse electric vehicle lineup and a new lifestyle brand concept, BYD is pushing the boundaries of EV innovation and education in Southeast Asia’s automotive scene.At GIIAS 2025—the biggest and most eagerly awaited automotive event in Indonesia—BYD, short for Build Your Dreams, really stole the show. The company drew lots of attention from folks in the industry, tech lovers, and everyday consumers. They brought a pretty comprehensive display of their electric vehicle offerings and lifestyle products, making their booth a real stand-out. The overall design and presentation weren’t just eye-catching—they showcased BYD’s dedication to pushing the envelope in electric mobility, sustainability, and engaging their customers in new ways. It kinda reminded everyone that they’re serious about leading in this space. The BYD booth itself had this cool, futuristic vibe, stretching over nearly 3,000 square meters—making it one of the largest at GIIAS. The layout was carefully planned, splitting the space into different interactive zones where entertainment, learning, and tech merged seamlessly. One of the biggest hits was the BYD Vision zone, which used VR (Virtual Reality) tech to give visitors a truly immersive experience. People could put on VR headsets and, wow, explore vehicle features and innovations as if they were right inside the cars. Naturally, this led to long lines and a lot of excitement, with folks eager to see everything firsthand. They also introduced AR (Augmented Reality) tech that displayed detailed info about their latest models’ specs and design nuances. This cutting-edge tech approach really cemented BYD’s status as a front-runner in EV innovation. A major highlight was their reveal of the e-Platform 3.0—this is an advanced electric vehicle platform, you see, supporting better chassis performance and overall vehicle efficiency. It’s a core piece of their latest models, showing that BYD remains committed to foundational automotive tech, especially something that helps improve powertrain integration and keeps the ride smooth and responsive. Alongside these technical displays, they also showcased original car parts with a touch of elegance. This allowed industry insiders and tech enthusiasts alike to get a glimpse of the engineering complexity involved in BYD’s EVs—a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship beneath the surface. When it came to the vehicles themselves, the lineup on display was pretty extensive. You had models like the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, M6, and the recently launched Atto 1—some painted in a bright yellow that really grabbed attention. They even set up a test drive zone, featuring nearly ten EVs, so potential buyers and fleet managers could actually try out the cars’ performance themselves. This is a smart move, especially for decision-makers considering electrification for their fleets. Plus, the booth showcased the high-performance Yangwang U9 supercar, which features the cutting-edge e⁴ Platform with four independent electric motors and BYD’s unique DiSus X suspension system. This supercar could do some wild stuff—like ‘tank turns’ and wheel movements timed perfectly to music—highlighting BYD’s blend of luxury, high tech, and sporty performance. But it wasn’t just about vehicles. BYD also promoted a broader lifestyle concept through its “BYD Lifestyle” zone. Here, visitors could check out eco-friendly bags, tumblers, and character merchandise—all designed to reinforce the idea that sustainable living isn’t just about cars, but about a whole lifestyle. They also teamed up with Pi-ma! to create a series of smartphone cases inspired by automotive themes—featuring futuristic designs and natural landscapes, marrying tech with everyday products. This isn’t just about selling cars—BYD is positioning itself as a lifestyle brand that appeals to environmentally conscious folks of all ages and backgrounds. Education played a key role, too. BYD wanted to help demystify EV technology and make it more accessible. Visitors could see clear displays showing powertrain systems and read up on the benefits of EVs—like energy efficiency, safety, and lowering environmental impacts. They also offered interactive EV driving simulations, making the whole learning process fun and practical—kind of like giving visitors the skills and confidence needed to support EV adoption, especially in Indonesia’s fleet and aftermarket sectors. Looking at the bigger picture, BYD’s booth at GIIAS 2025 was a clear statement of their focus on innovation, product variety, and education. They combined advanced digital experiences—like VR and AR—with real-world test drives and engaging learning tools, positioning themselves as a key player in Indonesia’s transition to electric mobility—and, really, in Southeast Asia overall. It’s pretty clear that they’re determined to shape the future of transportation here, and I think they’re well on their way. Source: Noah Wire Services