At the Connected, Autonomous & Electric Vehicle (CAEV) Expo 2025 held in Bangalore, India, in late April, Counterpoint analysts Somen Mandal and Abhilash Gupta explored India’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape. Their on-the-ground insights reveal how the country is accelerating its transition from conventional vehicles to those that provide connected, software-defined mobility.

The Interview

Key Takeaways from the Discussion:

• The CAEV Expo has matured, changing its focus from connectivity and related telematics to a broader emphasis on software-defined vehicles (SDVs), mirroring global industry shifts.
• A diverse ecosystem was on display, with participation from IoT module makers, telematics and video telematics providers, simulation and software specialists, GUI developers, and cybersecurity firms.
• The Indian market is witnessing increased integration of telematics and connectivity solutions, with both domestic and global companies ramping up their presence and partnerships.
• OEMs and consumers in India are showing stronger demand for advanced connectivity, driving rapid adoption and market growth.
• Software-defined vehicle specialists, such as Vector and Sonatus, are actively collaborating with Indian OEMs to enable the transition from hardware-centric to cloud-native and software-defined architectures.
• Cybersecurity is becoming a core pillar in the SDV journey, with companies like SecureThings and Thales not only showcasing solutions but also expanding their teams in India.
• GUI players like QT Corp are enabling seamless integration of sensor data into vehicle dashboards, supporting the move toward intelligent and user-friendly interfaces.
• Innovative solutions beyond vehicles, such as smart helmets, waste management solutions, and electricity consumption optimization, highlight the event’s focus on holistic mobility innovation.

Analyst Takeaways:

• India is no longer lagging in the global connected and SDV race; it is emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets in this space, with robust ecosystem participation and increasing consumer demand. We are now seeing most new vehicles equipped with embedded connectivity and Level 2 ADAS features, powered by chipsets from companies like Qualcomm and Mobileye.
• The shift from hardware-driven to software-centric vehicle architectures is gaining momentum, supported by strong collaborations between global technology leaders and Indian OEMs. Indian software players like Tata Elxsi and KPIT are expanding their global footprint, while leading international companies such as Vector and Sonatus are strengthening their presence in India to capitalize on opportunities in the SDV era.
• India needs strong collaboration across the ecosystem – from academia to industry players – to accelerate its transition into the SDV era. Active participation from all sectors reflects the country’s readiness for this shift and supports the development of local solutions that can position India as a global hub for SDV innovation.