Qualcomm leverages India's engineering talent to mold its globally competitive automotive sector role
In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, a key player is making its mark - Qualcomm. The American multinational corporation is revolutionising the industry by introducing its Snapdragon Digital Chassis, a modular, scalable platform that integrates connectivity, infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and cloud services tailored specifically for Indian driving conditions.
This technology, currently powering all new EV platforms in India, is enabling OEMs to offer intelligent, customizable, and continuously evolving vehicle software experiences. With its flexible silicon, open software stack, and local co-development model, Qualcomm's Snapdragon Digital Chassis is a compelling fit for India's high-volume, high-variance market.
Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra are among the Indian OEMs collaborating with Qualcomm to integrate its technology into production vehicles. For instance, Mahindra’s BE 6 and XUV 9e electric vehicles incorporate Qualcomm’s platforms to enhance both safety and user experience. Similarly, Qualcomm's partnership with Maruti Suzuki focuses on connected car technologies to advance digital cockpit and connectivity features within their vehicles.
These partnerships underscore Qualcomm's commitment to driving India's automotive industry towards smarter, safer, and more connected mobility. With over 22,000 engineers based in India, including 5,000 dedicated to the automotive side, Qualcomm's local engineering teams are making significant contributions to core global platforms, from ADAS algorithms to cockpit UI/UX, V2X stacks, and cloud-based diagnostics.
Qualcomm's involvement extends beyond local adaptation, becoming a core engine of Qualcomm's global automotive development. The company's President in India, Savi Soin, stated that India is not just about scale but also about design thinking and contextual engineering. Four R&D centres in Noida, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru are working on automotive projects for both domestic and global markets.
Qualcomm is also engaging in V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) infrastructure, working with regulatory agencies and pilot projects to introduce non-line-of-sight communication for safety protocols in dense traffic or low-visibility scenarios. The company is positioning itself as a systems enabler, offering lifecycle management solutions like the Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud platform for diagnostics, infotainment updates, and predictive maintenance models.
Moreover, Qualcomm is expanding its focus to two-wheelers, particularly through partnerships with companies like Royal Enfield for bike-to-cloud platforms. The goal for Maruti Suzuki is to bring advanced features to the masses without diluting reliability or affordability. Mahindra is using Qualcomm's compute platforms to offer scalable feature sets, from 360-degree vision to multi-screen cockpits.
In conclusion, Qualcomm's Snapdragon Digital Chassis is serving as a foundational technology platform powering next-generation connected vehicles in India. By enabling OEMs to offer intelligent, customizable, and continuously evolving vehicle software experiences, Qualcomm is shaping India's software-defined vehicle market, all while keeping India's unique road environment and consumer needs in mind.
[1] India Today Tech
[2] The Economic Times
[3] The Hindu BusinessLine
In the context of revolutionary advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology, Qualcomm's Snapdragon Digital Chassis is transcending the automotive industry by providing Indian OEMs, such as Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra, with the means to integrate safety, user experience, and connectivity features. [1] [3]
By expanding its focus to other transportation sectors, like two-wheelers, and engaging in V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) infrastructure, Qualcomm is becoming a pivotal player in the finance, technology, and transportation industries, each crucial to shaping India's future mobility landscape. [2]
