Date: August 25,2023. Continental has released its projection that around 30% of new car sales in India will be equipped with Level 2 ADAS technology by the year 2030. This announcement comes as part of the company’s commitment to advancing safety and automation. It addresses the rapidly growing Indian automotive market.
Level 2 ADAS technology represents a significant step towards vehicle automation. It is offering features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automated parking. These features enhance driver comfort and safety by offering partial automation while demanding the driver’s ongoing attention and involvement.
Continental’s projection aligns with the global trend towards increased integration of ADAS and autonomous driving technologies in vehicles. Urban traffic congestion and road safety worries continue, prompting interest in advanced driver assistance systems to improve accident prevention. These systems are crucial for accident reduction and improved traffic control, addressing persistent urban traffic congestion and road safety fears.
According to Jeremy McClain, System & Software Business Leader, Autonomous Mobility at Continental-“I’m surprised by the swift acceptance of new safety technologies. Few Level 2 camera plus radar systems were available in the Indian car market a few years ago. Only a few imported vehicles constituted the meager fraction. You can see that 5–10% of brand-new cars have the same features, which is, in my opinion, a quite rapid rate. By the end of the decade, that percentage is anticipated to rise to 25 to 30 percent.”
McClain is aware that an easy copy-and-paste approach, particularly in ADAS technology, will not work for a nation like India. Using a recent visit as an example, he explains that while bringing hardware is not the biggest obstacle, software skills play a bigger role.
The company’s optimism for Level 2 ADAS in India originates from rising consumer awareness regarding automotive safety features. Moreover, this aligns with the Indian government’s efforts to enact stricter vehicular safety regulations. Continental believes that the combination of these factors will drive demand for vehicles equipped with advanced safety systems.
However, the projection also acknowledges the challenges that come with technology adoption in a diverse and dynamic market like India. Factors such as infrastructure readiness, affordability, and consumer education will play crucial roles in determining the pace of adoption.
To achieve its goal, Continental plans to collaborate closely with Indian automakers to integrate ADAS technology seamlessly into their vehicle models. This collaborative approach seeks to address the unique requirements of the Indian market. It also ensures upholding safety and quality standards.
As Continental sets its sights on the next decade, its projection underscores the transformative potential of ADAS technology. This potential is particularly evident in India’s automotive landscape. With safety and innovation at the forefront, the company stands ready to play a key role in shaping the future of mobility in the country.
