Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I have over 35 years of experience in automotive safety, connected devices, and infotainment, spanning roles from systems architect to business unit head. I have led global teams to deliver end-to-end products from concept to production. My expertise covers product lifecycle management, hardware-software integration, ADAS, and cybersecurity. I am also an inventor with patents in cybersecurity, LBS, and Telematics. Additionally, I have contributed to the industry through publications on cybersecurity, test methodologies, and LBS.

Q2. How do you see the automotive infotainment and telematics market evolving globally over the next 5–10 years—especially with connected, autonomous, shared, and electric (CASE) trends?

The automotive infotainment and telematics market is undergoing a profound transformation driven by CASE megatrends. Over the next 5–10 years, we can expect a rapid shift toward software-defined, connected cockpits built on centralized compute platforms. Value creation will increasingly come from software, user interface, and connected data services rather than hardware.
Key Trends:
1.    Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV): Migration from discrete ECUs to domain and zonal controllers.
2.    Subscription & Monetization: OEMs turning vehicles into digital platforms for lifetime revenue.
3.    Integration with CASE: EVs and shared fleets amplifying OTA, telematics, and cybersecurity needs.
4.    Ecosystem Consolidation: Tier-1s and chipmakers entering software and service domains.

Q3. How are advances in AI, 5G, edge computing, and cloud integration transforming telematics and infotainment ecosystems?

AI, 5G, edge computing, and cloud technologies link a car to the cloud. This connection makes vehicles smarter, quicker, and more personalized.
Key developments:
1.    Edge AI: Real-time perception, voice, and personalization with reduced latency.
2.    5G and beyond: Enables ultra-low-latency V2X, rich streaming etc.
3.    Cloud:  Fleet Analytics: Supports predictive maintenance, OTA updates, and data monetization.
4.    Developer Ecosystems: Cloud APIs and SDKs allow new third-party infotainment apps.

Q4. Which global or regional markets currently offer the most promising growth potential for Indian-designed telematics and infotainment products?

1.    Two-wheeler EV: Solutions for city transportation and last-mile delivery
2.    Africa & Latin America: Similar market dynamics, Export opportunities, and connect with the Indian diaspora
3.    Europe/North America:  Development potential for software and validation contracts

Q5. Are Indian OEMs’ evaluation criteria significantly different from global OEMs, especially in terms of innovation risk appetite and cost sensitivity?

Indian OEMs are more cost-sensitive, localization-driven, and need India-centric customizations.
Key differences:
1.    Cost & BOM optimization.
2.    Localization & Make-in-India emphasis.
3.    Selective innovation 

Q6. Among established global leaders and emerging Indian firms, who do you think is setting the benchmark for technology integration or design excellence?

1.    Global Leaders (Upskilling): Bosch, Continental, Harman, Denso, Qualcomm, NVIDIA
2.    Indian Service providers (Upskilling): Tata Elxsi, KPIT, TCS, etc
3.    Startups in the two-wheeler EV segment:  Homegrown solutions, customizations, etc.
4.    Automotive OEMs (M&M and Tata):  Driving EV and Automotive safety

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

Targeted questions towards strategic direction, IP ownership, scalability, and profitability.
1.    Customer base:  % of repeat business, Churn rate
2.    What is your revenue and profitability?
3.    What actions have been taken in the last three years to improve revenue/profitability
4.    YOY initiatives to improve efficiency
5.    What are the tangible and intangible assets that help to differentiate your offerings
6.    People:  Churn rate, upskilling programs
7.    Partner network