Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Qualcomm Boosts Indian Automotive Chip Production To Support OEMs
Prominent US-based semiconductor firm Qualcomm, is taking significant steps to localise automotive module production in India. The company is actively supporting its top-tier ecosystem partners as they transition their manufacturing operations into the country in a move that aims to bolster India's position in the global automotive supply chain.
Nakul Duggal, Qualcomm Technologies' group general manager for automotive, industrial and embedded IoT, highlighted the company's commitment to investing heavily in India to PTI. He emphasised that Qualcomm is working closely with its Tier 1 ecosystem partners to facilitate this localisation process. "We, of course, partner with our Tier 1 ecosystem, such that as they move their manufacturing to India, we have been supporting them," he stated.
Focus on Local Manufacturing
Qualcomm's approach involves building modules that were traditionally manufactured in Taiwan, China, or Korea. The company is now focusing on creating opportunities within its supply chain to direct manufacturing efforts locally. As a fabless company, Qualcomm designs chips but does not manufacture them directly.
The company's commitment extends beyond just localisation; it aims to cater specifically to the Indian market's needs. Duggal noted the importance of developing products tailored for local customers rather than adapting global products for the region. This strategy requires OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to possess engineering and creative capabilities that address local demands.
Partnerships with Major Automakers
Qualcomm has established partnerships with major car OEMs like Tata Motors, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. These collaborations focus on providing chipsets essential for modernising vehicles. The Snapdragon Elite chipset platform supports telematics, infotainment and driver assistance systems like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
Duggal mentioned that by 2026, around a dozen vehicles are expected to incorporate Qualcomm's Snapdragon Cockpit Elite and Snapdragon Ride Elite SoC (System on Chip). These advanced systems were announced in October 2024 and delivered to customers by early 2025.
Duggal also pointed out India's substantial domestic footprint in both domestic and global automakers who manufacture locally. He highlighted the competitive advantage gained by building automotive products specifically for the local market—a trend that has benefitted China significantly.
This strategic localisation effort underscores Qualcomm's dedication to enhancing India's role in the automotive industry while meeting regional demands effectively as carmakers across the country keep on adding a host of tech and AI-driven features that require the computational power of chips like the ones that Qualcomm makes.
Continue with Google