Pratik Rakshit

Tata Motors' DrivePay platform now features voice commands for in-car commerce. Drivers can order coffee and recharge FASTag using spoken commands. This system enhances the payment experience for electric vehicle owners. It aims to make cars commerce endpoints, not just payment terminals. This integration signifies a platform-level connected-car strategy for Tata Motors.

Hyundai's Pleos Connect infotainment system and Gleo AI agent are set to redefine vehicle interaction. This advanced AI will integrate deeply into future Hyundai and Kia models, enhancing user experience. Gleo AI understands multiple commands and zone-specific requests, offering intuitive control over vehicle functions. While promising, its full potential hinges on cloud connectivity and regional rollout plans.

BMW India's newly released X1 Long Wheelbase has opted to not include adaptive cruise control in its safety features. Instead, prioritizing local customer feedback, the focus shifted towards a comprehensive 360-degree camera system, indispensable for navigating India's often challenging parking environments. While it retains many advanced driver-assistance systems, buyers are left to choose between the highway benefits of adaptive cruise control and the urban practicality offered by enhanced par...

Gabriel India is acquiring a significant stake in HL Klemove India's technology. This move grants access to advanced sensor and software for driver assistance systems. HL Klemove operates across perception, decision, and control layers for autonomous driving. Localized production of radar and smart cameras will reduce costs for Indian automakers. This partnership aims to make advanced driver assistance features more accessible.

Hyundai's new Ioniq 3 vehicle launches this month with advanced cabin software. This system, Pleos Connect, offers a connected-car infotainment platform for European drivers. The car's software will continuously improve through data analysis and over-the-air updates. Hyundai is developing a large data center to support these evolving vehicle capabilities. Buyers will receive new features over time without needing to purchase a new car.

Maruti Suzuki is developing a system to map supplier locations and weather data. This technology aims to provide advance alerts for potential supply chain disruptions. The company seeks to mitigate production halts and protect customer delivery timelines. Cybersecurity is also a critical concern as digitalization increases. Collective learning from past disruptions benefits the entire automotive ecosystem.

Maruti Suzuki is launching the updated Baleno as part of a strategic offensive, leveraging impressive sales figures and a significant order backlog. This new version is tailored to the changing preferences of its buyers, revealed through ethnographic research. Notably, the enhanced Baleno will introduce the industry's first pedestrian detection combined with automatic braking, showcasing Maruti’s commitment to innovation in the premium hatchback market.

The 2026 Baleno facelift comes equipped with advanced Level 2 ADAS and a superior audio system, elevating the driving experience. A uniquely designed cooled wireless charging pad enhances daily usability for drivers. While the infotainment interface remains user-friendly and the instrument cluster keeps its hybrid aesthetic, drivers will find the enhanced driver-assistance systems operate consistently, albeit with non-adjustable settings. These features are a highlight of the top-tier Alpha(O) v...

Apple unveiled its first foldable iPhone, the Duo, with impressive specifications. The device's high Indian pricing makes it comparable to purchasing several motorcycles. Its 256GB model costs nearly the same as a Triumph Scrambler 400 XC. Higher storage variants are priced similarly to Royal Enfield Interceptor and Super Meteor models. The total cost of all four Duo variants could buy four different motorcycles and helmets.

DrivePay smoothly handles car charging payments by connecting five different systems. Making sure these systems work together flawlessly is a big engineering hurdle. To avoid charging customers twice, we need really solid ways to track each transaction's status. Plus, reconciliation is key so everyone involved is on the same page about what happened with each payment.