Indian cars are increasingly going high-tech. So far, IT-driven features have been used only in expensive cars. But that is surely going to be a thing of the past as such features are set to become ubiquitous over the next few years in the automobiles industry.
Be it the fast-increasing competition or the growing focus on passenger safety and comfort; the rising awareness about keeping the environment safe or a crying need for in-car entertainment – each auto manufacturer is trying to best the other in the milieu. Small wonder then that cars in India now come equipped with world-class features. Auto experts say the trend will gain speed as the government makes some hi-tech features mandatory so that Indian cars meet global standards.
In the past few years, there has been so much of computerisation and use of IT in the auto sector that the term `carputer’ has become an everyday word.
Take for example Dilip Chhabria’s Ambierod, a super luxury car he unveiled at the auto expo. Priced at Rs 4 crore, the car comes with features like the instrument panel (IP). The IP has an advanced ‘carputer’, which automates driving functions by using the satellite navigation system. The Ambierod has three 10-19 inches LCD TV screens, and offers Internet mobility and video conferencing. Music and movies can be viewed on demand.
Auto experts feel some of these hi-tech features will not remain confined to high-end luxury cars for long and will be available across car segments over the next few years. But, initially, the focus of car makers will be on areas like fuel efficiency and safety as far as mass-market cars are concerned.
“With the government expected to come up with more stringent safety and emission norms in the future, all manufacturers would be compelled to introduce features like an anti-braking system and air bags,” says IV Rao, executive director, R&D, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.
What is actually pushing automobile players to make cars fuel-efficient is the rising oil prices. For instance, Honda Siel has recently introduced a V-TECH engine for greater power, speed and fuel Economy. Companies are also aggressively looking at hybrid vehicles as well as alternate fuel options to make cars environment-friendly. While Hyundai has introduced the CNG version of its largest selling car Santro, Honda has unveiled its Civic hybrid.
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