India Connected Cars Market Assessment, By Network, By System Type, By Components, By Vehicle Type, By Communication Type, By Sales Channel, By Application, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2017-FY2031

India Connected Cars Market size was valued at USD 6.06 billion in FY2023 which is expected to reach USD 25.75 billion in FY2031 with a CAGR of 19.82% for the forecast period between FY2024 and FY2031. The India connected cars market is experiencing significant growth and transformation, driven by advancements in automotive technology and increasing consumer demand for smart and connected vehicles. Connected cars refer to vehicles equipped with internet connectivity and integrated systems that provide enhanced safety, convenience, and entertainment features. The market is witnessing several latest trends and drivers. One prominent trend is the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, enabling vehicles to connect with other devices and systems for seamless communication and data exchange. Another trend is the rise of telematics systems, allowing real-time tracking, remote diagnostics, and vehicle monitoring. Additionally, there is a growing focus on infotainment systems that provide entertainment and connectivity options, such as navigation, media streaming, and voice recognition.

Several drivers are fueling the growth of the India-connected cars market. Firstly, increasing consumer preference for advanced technologies and enhanced driving experiences is driving the demand for connected cars. Consumers are seeking features like smartphone integration, remote vehicle control, and predictive maintenance. Secondly, regulatory initiatives and government policies promoting road safety and vehicle connectivity are encouraging the adoption of connected car technologies. The implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and the mandatory inclusion of features like emergency calling systems contribute to the market growth. Thirdly, the expanding 4G/5G network infrastructure and the decreasing costs of connectivity solutions are enabling wider accessibility to connected car services. Lastly, automotive manufacturers and technology companies are actively investing in research and development to develop innovative connected car solutions and form strategic partnerships to strengthen the connected car ecosystem. These drivers collectively contribute to the growth and development of the India connected cars market.

For instance, in 2023, MG Motor India has unveiled a groundbreaking alliance with Jio Platforms, a prominent digital services provider in India, with the objective of providing a wide array of connected car functionalities. The primary goal of this partnership is to bring about a transformative impact on the automotive sector by facilitating the seamless integration of Hinglish Voice Assistant-enabled experiences. This innovative collaboration is specifically targeted towards MG's recently launched Comet EV, which is commonly referred to as The Smart Electric Vehicle. Through this association, MG Motor India aims to revolutionize the automotive industry by offering advanced connected car features and enhancing the overall driving experience for its customers.

Rising Awareness of the Benefits of Connected Cars

The rising awareness of the benefits of connected cars is significantly impacting the India Connected Cars Market. As consumers become more informed about the advantages that connected car technologies offer, such as improved safety, convenience, and enhanced driving experiences, coupled with reducing emissions and optimizing energy usage, the demand for these vehicles is increasing. Connected cars provide features like real-time traffic information, predictive maintenance, emergency assistance, and seamless integration with smartphones, leading to a more connected and efficient driving experience. Additionally, the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency has propelled the demand for connected electric vehicles (EVs) in India. The rising awareness and understanding of the benefits associated with connected cars are driving market growth as more consumers recognize their potential to transform the way we drive and interact with our vehicles.

For example, in 2022, MG Motor India has unveiled the key features of its i-SMART technology for the upcoming new ZS EV, emphasizing its advanced capabilities. With more than 75 connected car features, the i-SMART system promises to deliver a seamless and enhanced driving experience. This announcement showcases MG Motor's commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technology and connectivity options in their vehicles, catering to the growing demand for smart and connected cars in the Indian market.

Infrastructure Development

The expansion and improvement of the country's network infrastructure, particularly the 4G/5G network, are instrumental in enabling seamless connectivity for connected cars. A robust network infrastructure ensures reliable and high-speed data transmission, facilitating real-time communication and data exchange between vehicles, smart devices, and the cloud. Moreover, the availability of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) is essential for the growth of connected EVs in India. The establishment of an extensive charging network across the country promotes the adoption of connected electric cars by addressing range anxiety and providing convenient charging options. Additionally, the development of smart cities and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) infrastructure, such as smart traffic management systems and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication networks, enhances the overall connected car ecosystem and supports the integration of connected vehicles into the urban environment. The continuous improvement and expansion of infrastructure are crucial in realizing the full potential of the India-connected cars market. for example, in 2022, Tata Elxsi, a leading design and technology services provider, collaborated with V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) technology to develop innovative solutions for connected vehicles. By integrating V2X technology into Tata Elxsi's offerings, the partnership aims to enable seamless communication between vehicles and the surrounding environment, enhancing safety, efficiency, and overall driving experience for users. This joint venture highlights the commitment to advancing connected car technologies and shaping the future of intelligent transportation systems.

Government Regulations

Government regulations and initiatives play a vital role in driving the adoption of connected car technologies in India. The Indian government has implemented several regulations aimed at enhancing road safety and improving vehicle connectivity. One such regulation is the mandatory implementation of emergency calling systems, commonly known as eCall. This system automatically alerts emergency services in the event of a collision, enabling prompt assistance and potentially saving lives. Additionally, the government has been actively promoting the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) across the country. ITS encompasses various technologies, including connected car solutions, to improve the overall transportation system's efficiency, safety, and traffic management. These initiatives have created a favorable environment for automotive manufacturers and technology providers to develop and deploy connected car technologies in compliance with government regulations. By fostering the adoption of connected car technologies, the government is paving the way for a safer and more connected future of transportation in India.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the India connected cars market. The country witnessed a severe economic slowdown due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and reduced consumer spending during the pandemic. As a result, the demand for new vehicles, including connected cars, experienced a decline. Automotive manufacturers faced production disruptions and supply chain challenges, affecting the availability of connected car models. Moreover, consumers became more cautious about making large purchases, including vehicles, due to uncertain economic conditions. However, the pandemic also highlighted the importance of connected car technologies, such as remote diagnostics and contactless features, which can contribute to enhanced safety and convenience. As the situation gradually improves and the economy recovered, the India connected cars market rebounded, driven by the growing adoption of smart and connected vehicles.

Impact of Russia-Ukraine War

The Russia-Ukraine war had the potential to impact the India connected cars market in various ways. Firstly, the conflict disrupted the global supply chain, as many automotive components and technologies are sourced from international manufacturers, including those based in Russia and Ukraine. Disruptions in the supply chain led to delays in production and delivery of connected car models, affecting the availability of these vehicles in the Indian market. Additionally, trade uncertainties resulting from the war led to fluctuations in currency exchange rates and increased import costs, which may impact the pricing of connected cars. Furthermore, the overall economic uncertainty caused by the conflict results in a decline in consumer confidence and spending, potentially reducing the demand for connected cars in India.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The key players in the India connected cars market are witnessing a promising outlook driven by the increasing demand for advanced automotive technologies. Major players in the market include Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. These companies are actively investing in research and development to enhance connectivity features in their vehicles, such as IoT integration, telematics, and infotainment systems. Additionally, partnerships and collaborations with technology providers and telecommunications companies are being forged to expand the connected car ecosystem. With the rising consumer preference for smart and connected vehicles, the India connected cars market is expected to experience substantial growth in the coming years.

For instance, in 2023, Mercedes-Benz India is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the quality and features of their luxury electric and connected vehicles, aiming to deliver an enhanced driving experience for their customers. This strategic implementation of AI underscores Mercedes-Benz India's commitment to technological advancement and superior automotive offerings.