Stellantis Builds SmartCockpit Software Factory In Bengaluru

JAKARTA - Car manufacturer Stellantis announced on Wednesday, October 12 that it has inaugurated a new software center in Bengaluru, India, which has been the country's second innovation center. This facility will focus on cockpit and driver assistance technology.

Software is increasingly important in modern vehicles and is a growing source of income, as automakers expand research investments. They also hire more executives with specialized experience to offer more features driven by connectivity, data, and e-commerce to clients.

Stellantis is targeting to make 20 billion euros for additional annual revenue by 2030 from its software-based strategy.

The new facility in India will be the main development center for one of the three technology platforms that Stellantis will start using in 2024. STLA SmartCockpit, will focus on digitally integrated vehicles and drivers.

The facility will have laboratories including the next generation of acoustic labs, developing custom audio signatures and premium audio experiences for Stellantis vehicle owners.

According to Stellantis, as quoted by Reuters, some of its functions, hubs, which will eventually employ about 500 people, will also help develop artificial intelligence (AI) technology and driver assistance (ADAS) for autonomous driving.

Bengaluru in the 1990s grew rapidly as India's answer to rival Silicon Valley, attracting millions of regional workers and headquarters from some of the world's largest IT companies. Now they host more than 3,500 IT companies and about 79 "tech parks".

Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest automaker, is in the Indian market with Jeep and Citroen brands.