WionDrive News Desk 
Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) is strategically evaluating the applicability of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the Indian context, focusing on the potential value these features bring to consumers given the specific challenges of Indian road conditions. As the prevalence of ADAS technology grows in the Indian passenger vehicle market, Maruti Suzuki is carefully considering its merit and outlining a roadmap for its integration.
Value-Centric Approach
According to CV Raman, Chief Technical Officer at MSIL, the company acknowledges that while they have the capability to introduce ADAS, not all functionalities are suitable for Indian urban settings or highways. MSIL’s priority is to ascertain the value proposition ADAS offers to end consumers concerning its practical usage.
Customizing ADAS for India
Maruti Suzuki India’s flagship offering, the Invicto MPV, notably omits ADAS despite sharing its platform with the Toyota Innova HyCross that features ADAS capabilities in its top-end variant. The decision highlights Maruti Suzuki’s focus on ensuring the relevance and utility of ADAS in the Indian context.
Extensive Testing and Roadmap
CV Raman emphasizes the importance of ADAS technology aligning with Indian conditions and customer expectations. Extensive testing is underway to validate its effectiveness within the local environment. The technology’s availability is recognized, but its appropriateness and benefits in the Indian market are the key considerations driving Maruti Suzuki’s strategy.
ADAS in Indian Market Dynamics
The ADAS technology demand is on the rise in India, driven by the desire for improved road safety and driving convenience. However, the nation’s unique road infrastructure challenges, including the lack of standardized signage and lane markings, impact the reliable functionality of sensor-fusion-based safety technology.
Adapting to Challenges
Developing ADAS for India necessitates adaptation to these distinct challenges, encompassing diverse road conditions, erratic traffic patterns, and the absence of consistent lane markings. The technology must prove robust enough to handle varying scenarios and provide reliable assistance to drivers.
Industry Trends
While Maruti Suzuki is strategically evaluating ADAS, other major players like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai Motor India, Honda Cars India, and MG Motor India have already begun offering ADAS in some models. Hyundai’s ADAS-equipped variants of the Verna sedan contribute up to 15% of the model’s sales, showcasing a growing consumer interest.
Cost-Effective Implementation
Continental, a renowned Tier-1 technology supplier, observes strong demand for ADAS in the Indian market. They are focusing on modular solutions that offer cost-effective application options, aiming for broad applicability across multiple platforms and efficient scaling.
Future Outlook
ADAS features are gaining prominence in the Indian automotive landscape and are poised to become more prevalent in the coming years, reflecting the growing importance of road safety and driving assistance in the region.
