Snapdragon for India Auto Day 2025: Qualcomm and Will.i.am Unveil a Vision for AI-Powered Cars and Media

Indian customers are increasingly prioritizing safety features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and airbags. A survey indicated that 91% of customers have kept ADAS active, showing a significant demand for such technology. Features like tracking, geofencing, and visual cues instead of audio alerts are also becoming standard expectations in vehicles, reflecting a shift towards a safety-first approach in automotive purchases.

Qualcomm aims to democratize automotive safety in India through Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, which allows vehicles to communicate with each other and infrastructure. This technology can be implemented cost-effectively across all vehicle types, including two-wheelers and three-wheelers, which are often less equipped with advanced safety features. V2X can alert drivers to dangers they cannot see, enhancing safety for all road users, particularly vulnerable ones.

Tata Elxsi is collaborating with Qualcomm to develop virtual models of Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This partnership aims to streamline the development process by reducing dependency on hardware, enabling faster product development lifecycles. The integration of advanced middleware with Qualcomm’s platforms will enhance the capabilities of SDVs, facilitating continuous updates and improvements throughout a vehicle's lifecycle.

Qualcomm's local engineering teams, numbering over 22,000 in India, are crucial in driving innovation for both Indian and global automotive manufacturers. The company emphasizes developing cutting-edge technologies tailored for local market needs, including advanced digital cockpit solutions and connected vehicles. This local expertise positions India as a key innovation hub, enhancing the automotive ecosystem's capacity to produce world-class experiences.

Customers in India are increasingly seeking feature-rich cars that include technologies like automatic climate control, multiple screen setups, and ADAS. This tech-savvy generation prefers simplified interfaces that allow them to access features with minimal steps. Additionally, there is a growing desire for visual cues over audio alerts, emphasizing a trend towards enhancing user experience and interaction within vehicles.