Automotive Industry Insights Webinar Highlights

Divergent Insights concluded a highly successful webinar on "Navigating Automobile Industry Trends Toward 2025 and Beyond." We extend our gratitude to all the esteemed panellists and participants who joined from India, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea for dedicating their time to explore this crucial topic. The session offered valuable insights poised to shape manufacturers' strategies and influence end-consumer decisions. Here’s a brief overview of the key highlights and extracts captured from our experts ...

1. ICE vs. EV vs. Hybrid: What’s Next?

“There's a trend that it's a hybrid. I mean, it's very early to say how customers will settle in.."

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids is picking up pace, with consumers increasingly considering these options alongside traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, hybrid models are gaining ground in the short term due to infrastructure challenges for EVs in India.

“Potentially also, people are very experimental nowadays. People are very interested in EVs and the accessibility of EVs”?

2. Buyer Perceptions Towards Global Manufacturers

There is a growing interest in vehicles that blend cutting-edge technology with value. Indian consumers are becoming more open to exploring global brands that offer these features, though local preferences and price sensitivity remain key.

“If you look at the product development and manufacturing side, today, we see there is a lot more collaboration between OEMs for product development solutions, technology development and so on. On the consumer segment, we see a lot more first-time buyers, especially in the luxury segment, which was not the case earlier...”

“Connected car is going to be a hygiene factor wherein everybody wants a seamless connection, not the wired connection.... lot of time is spent on road and people spend one or two hours just on commute side...”

3. EV & Hybrid Policies in India

Government policies are pushing for electrification, with the market for hybrids still strong. The panel highlighted how state-level incentives could further drive adoption, particularly in the commercial vehicle sector.

“It is only now that we can say that hybrids have come to India because they are now in a segment where they can make a difference in terms of performance, people see value in hybrids because it is seen as a futuristic tech”

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4. Future of Vehicle Body Types in India

SUVs continue to dominate due to their high ground clearance, which suits Indian roads. However, a shift towards more versatile body styles, like MPVs and crossovers, is emerging.

“Basically, we want to buy vehicles which have higher ground clearance. So, you know, that is the market. On the safety aspect, it is interesting that a lot more people are talking about this...”

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5. EV Battery Technology in India

Advancements in battery technology are crucial for the growth of EVs. The panelists emphasized the need for improved charging infrastructure and the role of start-ups in driving battery recycling and manufacturing innovation.

The webinar ignited lively discussions on the future trajectory of India’s automotive sector, offering in-depth insights poised to influence the strategies of both vehicle manufacturers and consumers. One of the key takeaways was the projection that all petrol-powered cars are likely to adopt mild hybrid technology soon. This shift is seen as a crucial step not only to optimize vehicle performance but also to comply with stringent upcoming emission standards. The expert analyses provided during the session outlined a clear path forward for the industry, emphasizing the transition towards more sustainable and intelligent vehicles. It also underscored the need for a collaborative approach, involving seamless coordination between automotive manufacturers, policymakers, and technology innovators, to successfully drive this evolution toward a greener automotive landscape.

Missed the event? Contact us at [email protected] to get full details of the webinar.