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Mapping future: AI, electrification and automated testing drive auto tech forward

Mapping future: AI, electrification and automated testing drive auto tech forward

Time of India4 days ago
As the automotive world accelerates towards a smarter, cleaner and more connected future, this week's developments reveal a sector embracing complexity with innovation. From Yamaha's multi-pathway approach to electrification, to India's growing AI-powered EV ecosystem, and a global call for tighter oversight on autonomous technologies — the landscape is rapidly evolving. ETAuto brings you a curated round-up of key trends, technologies and transformations shaping mobility's next chapter.
Electrification Is Just One Lane in Yamaha's Growth Roadmap
Yamaha is exploring a diversified approach to growth in emerging markets, with electrification forming just one part of its broader strategy. Rather than a one-size-fits-all push, the company is balancing ICE, hybrid and EV options tailored to market needs.
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Smarter Infrastructure: Maharashtra Launches Six Automated Vehicle Testing Stations
Rosmerta Technologies has launched six automated vehicle inspection centres in Maharashtra to streamline and modernise vehicle compliance and roadworthiness checks, reinforcing the push toward digital governance in mobility.
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AI in Motion: India's EV Ecosystem Attracts Smart Tech Players
MediaTek is positioning itself as a key enabler of India's next-gen EVs, offering AI and high-performance computing platforms tailored to the country's unique needs. Meanwhile, Spyne has launched an AI assistant, VINNIE, designed to boost operational efficiency for used car dealerships.
MediaTek targets Indian EV market with AI
Spyne introduces VINNIE AI assistant
Global Spotlight: Oversight Tightens on Self-Driving Tech
In the US, a federal auto safety nominee has called for stricter oversight of autonomous driving systems, amid growing concerns around reliability and transparency. The move follows a Tesla driver's testimony that Autopilot failed to prevent a fatal crash.
US auto safety nominee urges active oversight Tesla driver says Autopilot failed in fatal crash
Mapping Smarter Roads: Genesys Integrates DIGIPIN in 2D & 3D Maps
Genesys International has integrated DIGIPIN technology into its national mapping solutions, enhancing the precision and interactivity of 2D and 3D spatial data across India. This upgrade supports smarter urban planning, logistics, and autonomous navigation frameworks.
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For insights into the fast-evolving automotive tech space, follow ETAuto for weekly analysis, trends, and deep dives.
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UK FTA is a turning point in how India engages with West
UK FTA is a turning point in how India engages with West

Hindustan Times

time29 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

UK FTA is a turning point in how India engages with West

The signing of the free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK last week was no ordinary moment — not just because 99% of Indian exports to the UK will now enter tariff-free, or because British luxury cars and Scotch whisky are about to get cheaper. The real story is India's evolving place in global trade — more assertive, more selective and no longer willing to play by someone else's rulebook. The immediate economic benefits are eye-catching. For British exporters, tariff cuts on whisky (down from 150% to 75% right away, and to 40% in a decade), high-end vehicles, cosmetics and dairy offer new access to India's swelling consumer base. For Indian exporters — particularly in textiles, jewellery, EVs, marine products and generics — the UK market is now wide open, with tariff advantages over rivals like China and Vietnam. The UK's access to Indian public procurement markets and its offer to exempt Indian professionals from social security payments sweeten the deal further. Also, Indian yoga teachers, chefs and tech workers will find short-term visas easier to secure— a meaningful breakthrough on the politically sensitive issue of mobility and immigration India's MSMEs are expected to be among the biggest winners. Industry analysts estimate a 30-40% rise in Indian exports to Britain in the next five years. That's not just numbers on paper — that's jobs on the ground, especially in states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. But perhaps the most significant thing about this deal is what isn't in it — agriculture. India drew a red line, clearly flagging at the outset that it's non-negotiable, which the UK respected. Our government is fully aware of our responsibility to protect the rights of our farmers. Opening up Indian farming to global agribusiness is politically radioactive. The UK agreement avoids that minefield. This signals something larger: India is happy to do trade, but only on terms that don't destabilise our broader economic progress. This new pragmatism — open on industry, cautious on food — could now become the blueprint for other negotiations, particularly with the ongoing one with the US. Hours after the India-UK deal was inked, eyes turned to the US. Trade talks with the US have been ongoing for some months. On Thursday, India's ministry of external affairs confirmed that both sides are working on the 'first tranche' of a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Behind the scenes, pressure is mounting. After reimposing 10% reciprocal tariffs on global exports in April 2025, the US specifically slapped a 26% tariff on Indian goods, though a pause was granted till August 1. That ticking clock now adds urgency to the ongoing BTA talks. Here's the sticking point: The US wants access to India's agriculture and digital markets. India, meanwhile, wants tariff rollbacks, supply chain integration and protection for its strategic sectors. The Union government is clear: India will negotiate hard and the US should not mistake flexibility for submission. The UK deal becomes a silent message to the US: We're open to trade but we won't be bullied. The UK FTA also shifts the geopolitical axis slightly. Post-Brexit, Britain badly needed a big trade deal. India, flush with economic confidence and global attention, was in no rush. That power asymmetry is visible in the final text of the agreement— cautious, layered, incremental. This is not a one-shot silver bullet. It's a living document, built to expand, revise tariffs and add new sectors over time if required. For India, the pact also sends signals elsewhere, to the EU, Japan and Asean. In July alone, the US concluded trade deals with Vietnam, Japan and Indonesia — all part of its Indo-Pacific economic strategy. India, however, is forging its own path. It's building a trade perimeter that keeps sovereignty intact while enabling access and investment. There is, of course, no escaping the historical undertones. Two centuries ago, Britain came to India in the name of trade and stayed to conquer and rule. Today, Britain is back, but on an even keel. That reversal is more than symbolic. Indian policymakers, once wary of the term free trade because of its colonial baggage, are now redefining it. The FTA is not about deference, it's about mutual interest. India is opening doors, but it's also setting terms. This is more than a trade agreement. It is a shift in posture. It is a turning point in how India engages with the West. Gone is the tentative, aid-seeking India of old. This is a country that brings its own terms to the table, and expects others to adapt. The British see this deal as a lifeline in a post-EU economy. India sees it as leverage, a card it can play while negotiating with bigger economies like the US and EU. Undoubtedly, this trade deal is historic. Not just for what it delivers, but for what it represents — the arrival of a more assertive, strategic, and self-confident India on the global trade stage. As for the Americans, they would be wise to study the UK deal not as a template to copy, but perhaps as a warning. Push too hard, especially on food and data, and India will simply say no. Syed Zafar Islam is a national spokesperson of the BJP and former member of Parliament. The views expressed are personal

‘Probably will know in an hour…': Donald Trump and EU chief begin trade deal talks in Scotland; seen as make-or-break
‘Probably will know in an hour…': Donald Trump and EU chief begin trade deal talks in Scotland; seen as make-or-break

Time of India

time31 minutes ago

  • Time of India

‘Probably will know in an hour…': Donald Trump and EU chief begin trade deal talks in Scotland; seen as make-or-break

Donald Trump trade deals (AI image) US-EU trade deal: US President Donald Trump has begun trade deal talks with European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland. Ahead of the talks, Trump spoke of the likelihood of a trade deal saying, '. .probably will know in an hour.' Trump and Ursula von der Leyen are looking to resolve a prolonged transatlantic trade dispute as the deadline approaches. Earlier Trump indicated a 50 percent probability of reaching an agreement with the European Union, which faces a reciprocal tariff of 30% unless a trade agreement is secured by August 1, with US officials confirming on Sunday that "no extensions" would be granted. Von der Leyen's European Commission, representing EU member states, is actively pursuing an agreement to protect trade relations valued at $1.9 trillion annually in goods and services. An EU diplomatic source told AFP that a framework for agreement emerged following late-night discussions on Saturday, several crucial matters remained unresolved. The ultimate decision remains with Trump. A diplomatic source was quoted as saying that while a political agreement exists, it awaits Trump's approval, who is maintaining negotiations until the final moment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo The suggested arrangement includes a standard 15% tariff on European Union exports to the US, matching Japan's agreement, with exemptions for crucial industries such as aircraft and spirits, excluding wine. EU member states must ratify any agreement. Their ambassadors, whilst in Greenland, received updates from the commission and planned subsequent meetings following potential agreement confirmation. The EU representative indicated that the 27 nations broadly supported the proposed arrangement, whilst maintaining their established negotiating positions. The summit between Trump and von der Leyen is taking place at Turnberry along Scotland's southwestern shoreline, at the president's golf establishment, where he spent considerable time playing over the weekend. Trump, aged 79, expressed on Friday his aspiration to achieve a significant agreement with the EU. "I think we have a good 50-50 chance," the president stated, noting approximately 20 unresolved matters. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

KRT IPO: Sattva-Blackstone backed REIT gets Sebi nod for Rs 4,800 crore raise; public issue likely to hit markets early August
KRT IPO: Sattva-Blackstone backed REIT gets Sebi nod for Rs 4,800 crore raise; public issue likely to hit markets early August

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

KRT IPO: Sattva-Blackstone backed REIT gets Sebi nod for Rs 4,800 crore raise; public issue likely to hit markets early August

Knowledge Realty Trust (KRT), a REIT sponsored by Sattva Group and Blackstone, has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to go ahead with its Rs 4,800-crore initial public offering . The public issue is expected to hit the market in the first week of August, according to PTI citing sources. Ahead of the IPO, KRT has already mobilised Rs 1,400 crore from institutional investors. The company had filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) in March this year, as part of its plan to monetise 30 premium office assets spread across key Indian cities, ANI reported. The REIT owns over 46 million sq ft of rent-yielding office properties across 29 locations in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Notable assets include One BKC and One World Center in Mumbai, Knowledge City and Knowledge Park in Hyderabad, and Cessna Business Park and Sattva Softzone in Bengaluru. Sources said the roadshow will begin this week, and the price band announcement is expected by August 30. Post listing, KRT is poised to become India's largest REIT by gross asset value, pegged at around Rs 62,000 crore. Its net operating income stood at Rs 3,432 crore in FY24. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do You Speak English? You May Be Able To Work a USA Job From Home in Bangladesh US Jobs | Search ads Undo Following the IPO, sponsors Sattva Group and Blackstone will retain around 80% ownership in the trust. While Sattva declined to comment, sources said the trust will continue to adopt a brand-neutral approach, focusing on inorganic growth through third-party acquisitions. There are currently four REITs listed in India — Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT, and Nexus Select Trust. Except for Nexus, which is focused on retail spaces, the others are anchored in office real estate. Together, these four REITs manage over 126 million sq ft of Grade A office and retail space and have distributed over Rs 21,000 crore to unitholders since inception. Sattva Developers, headquartered in Bengaluru, has completed over 74 million sq ft of projects across seven cities, spanning commercial, residential, co-living, co-working, hospitality, and data centres. Another 75 million sq ft is currently in various stages of development. Global investment firm Blackstone continues to hold a substantial portfolio in India's commercial real estate sector. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

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