New Delhi: India’s untapped potential to be a global manufacturing hub, the exemplary role of the newcomers and startups, how CASE (Connectivity, Automation, Shared, Electrification), is defining the megatrends of 2050, the importance of ‘Design in India’, the need for ramp-up by the suppliers for the next technology wave, how technologies can impact the adoption of future emission norms, and the different means and ways for sustainable good practices in production were discussed in detail at the two-day ETAuto Technology Summit 2022 on June 22 and 23.
The summit, graced by over 36 industry stalwarts, veterans and experts, who made the best use of the opportunity to communicate, learn, interact and connect with one another and look together into the industry future and think of sustainable ways to shape it up.
Convened to discuss, debate, and design a convenient, safer and more sustainable future for the automotive industry, ETAuto Technology Summit 2022 kicked off with the keynote address by Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor. He said though India has the potential, it is not doing well on a global scale in manufacturing. He highlighted how the newcomers and startups in the auto industry are giving a wake-up call to the traditional giants and compelling them to get their acts together.
This was followed by a detailed panel discussion about the mobility mega trends in 2050 and how they will be defined by CASE (Connectivity, Automation, Shared, Electrification), collaboration, metaverse, and may end up changing the future city landscapes.
The Next session saw a healthy discussion between manufacturers and components makers about the need for ‘Design in India’ and the role that digital twin and virtual validation will play in this. Yet another panel of industry experts brought to light the need to prepare for the next wave of technology disruptions. It also saw a component maker share his strategy of how his company always looked at a 3-year business plan and ended up developing a product in less than 3 months with technology upgradation and adequate testing.
“Technology also comes at a cost, but is the cost worth the risk we take for the future?” The answer to this question at the concluding session of Day-1 was explored at a fireside chat about smarter ways of manufacturing with technology for a sustainable future.
Each session was followed by a Q/A round where participants got a direct chance to get answers for their queries from the experts at that session.
The event also witnessed some insightful presentations by key technology players in the industry.
DAY 2 of the ETAuto Tech Summit 2022 began with an enriching discussion on how the nodal agency plans and executes the policies in collaboration with the government. It also showcased how these technologies can impact the adoption of future emission norms, and how the government’s roadmap for technology advancement impacts the industry’s adoption and growth.
In the next session the veterans talked about how not just the hardware but the software will drive the car of the future. With concerns about cyber security and data privacy, a healthy debate brought to light its pros and cons for manufacturers and consumers alike, along with the need for firm regulations from the government on data accessibility.
This was followed by an interesting discussion in a panel which consisted of OEMs and component makers. The speakers noted how unlike in the past, it is the promise of a good experience inside a car, not just the exterior, that will determine a consumer’s decision to buy. Together they agreed that automotive tech will be on an innovative edge in the near future and OEMs will be open to quirky ideas for developing the cockpit of the future.
The ETAuto Technology Summit 2022 concluded with a knowledge- heavy session on how the energy-mix can be leveraged with technology to achieve sustainability and safety on roads.
