Global semiconductor leader Qualcomm Technologies is rapidly expanding its presence in India’s automotive sector. The company sees the country as a strategic hub for research, development, and future mobility solutions.

India’s digital mobility transformation is accelerating. Automakers are moving from low-tech vehicles to fully connected, digital-first platforms. Qualcomm wants to lead this transition by providing the underlying hardware, software, and AI-driven capabilities that power the cars of tomorrow.

Currently, the company operates with a strong engineering base of 22,000 professionals in India. To further strengthen its innovation ecosystem, Qualcomm is actively exploring strategic acquisitions of local startups. This approach will accelerate its R&D efforts in connected cars, electric vehicles (EVs), and autonomous driving technologies.

Nakul Duggal, Group General Manager for Automotive and Industrial & Embedded IoT, explained Qualcomm’s strategy to ET Auto:

“It’s really about the level of attention we’re giving to the Indian market, and that’s driven by the future opportunity we see. As the market evolves from being relatively low on digital integration to becoming increasingly digital-first, the potential becomes more compelling.”


Qualcomm’s Journey in India’s Automotive Sector

Qualcomm began focusing on the Indian automotive market six to seven years ago. This timing coincided with the emergence of EVs and connected mobility solutions. Since then, the company has observed a major evolution in how Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) design and localize vehicles.

Earlier, global automakers often imported platforms with minimal changes for Indian buyers. Today, manufacturers customize platforms extensively, integrating infotainment systems, connected services, and local regulatory requirements. This shift demands more sophisticated software, local engineering talent, and flexible technology platforms—an area where Qualcomm excels.

Duggal noted that this localization presents challenges. Automakers must deliver competitive features for the Indian market while meeting global performance and safety standards. Qualcomm’s role is to simplify these complexities through its hardware and software ecosystem.


Consumers Show Willingness to Pay for Digital Features

One critical insight from Qualcomm’s market study is the Indian consumer’s appetite for digital experiences. Buyers now value infotainment, digital clusters, and connected features, provided the price is reasonable.

Duggal shared a striking example:

“Two motorcycle manufacturers produced the same model in two variants: one with a digital cluster and one with an analog cluster. Initially, 20% were digital and 80% analog. The digital version sold out immediately, even though it cost ₹500 to ₹1,000 more. Meanwhile, demand for the analog version stayed flat.”

This behavior proves that value-driven digital features can influence buying decisions, even in cost-sensitive segments like motorcycles. For automakers, this signals a huge opportunity to differentiate through affordable digitalization.


OEMs Now Want Full Control of the User Experience

A decade ago, car manufacturers mostly relied on Tier-1 suppliers for infotainment and cluster systems. Differentiation often came from minor visual changes, while the underlying software remained standard.

Today, OEMs demand full ownership of the user experience. They want to customize interfaces, integrate local apps, and control how customers interact with their vehicles.

Qualcomm supports this vision with cutting-edge tools. Its collaboration with Epic Games integrates Unreal Engine, allowing automakers to design visually rich, interactive, and personalized dashboards.

However, Duggal emphasizes that this shift requires strong internal capabilities at automakers. They must learn new tools, define design specifications, and create unique UX strategies. Qualcomm provides training and co-development support to help OEMs succeed in this transformation.


Snapdragon Digital Chassis: Qualcomm’s Automotive Backbone

At the core of Qualcomm’s strategy is the Snapdragon Digital Chassis. This platform transforms how carmakers integrate technology.

Traditionally, automakers purchased “black box” solutions from suppliers—hardware and software bundles with fixed functions and limited visibility.

With the Digital Chassis, Qualcomm offers:

  • Scalable hardware for infotainment, connectivity, and safety.
  • Customizable software tools for UI/UX and feature development.
  • End-to-end co-development with OEMs to optimize systems.

This open and flexible approach allows automakers to differentiate without being locked into rigid supplier solutions.


Partnership With Google Enhances In-Car Experience

Qualcomm has also strengthened its partnership with Google. Over the past decade, the two companies have collaborated to bring Android-based solutions into vehicles.

This partnership now integrates:

  • Google Maps and Navigation
  • Voice Assistant capabilities
  • Gemini AI tools for intelligent features
  • Android Automotive OS for native app support

Unlike smartphones, cars must balance entertainment with safety-critical systems. Qualcomm provides pre-integrated solutions that combine Google services with real-time automotive requirements. This reduces development complexity for automakers and shortens time-to-market.


ADAS and Intelligent Infrastructure: India’s Leapfrog Opportunity

As Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) adoption grows, Qualcomm sees huge potential for India. Instead of retrofitting old infrastructure, the country can build intelligent mobility systems from the ground up.

Qualcomm envisions road-mounted cameras, connected sensors, and V2X communication to provide real-time hazard alerts.

Duggal highlighted China’s successful model, where highways deployed V2X technology five years ago. Drivers received portable devices at toll booths that warned them about animals, pedestrians, or stalled vehicles ahead.

“India has the opportunity to leapfrog by integrating these solutions now, reducing accidents and easing traffic congestion,” he said.


Revenue Targets and Acquisition Strategy

Qualcomm’s automotive business is scaling rapidly. The company currently earns around $950 million in quarterly automotive revenue and aims for $8 billion annually by 2029.

To accelerate innovation, Qualcomm is actively scouting Indian startups in:

  • Connected mobility solutions
  • Electric and autonomous vehicle technology
  • AI-driven automotive software

These strategic acquisitions will strengthen local R&D, create synergies with global teams, and boost India’s role as an innovation hub in the company’s automotive roadmap.


The Road Ahead

Qualcomm’s commitment to India’s automotive sector signals a long-term vision. By investing in local talent, collaborating with OEMs, and leveraging global technology platforms, the company is positioning itself at the heart of India’s mobility revolution.

As digital-first vehicles, ADAS, and EV adoption grow, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis and AI-driven solutions will likely shape the connected vehicle ecosystem for years to come.

For Indian automakers, this partnership-driven approach offers a fast track to advanced technologies, a better user experience, and a competitive edge in global markets.

Also Read – Marathon Fusion Unveils Mercury-to-Gold Breakthrough

By Admin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *