Mahindra partners with Qualcomm, Visteon for connected car experiences

Mahindra & Mahindra’s (M&M) new car, Scorpio-N, will leverage connected artificial intelligence (AI) technology to offer a “safer and engaging driving experience” to customers. For this, the Indian automotive manufacturer has partnered with automotive electronics provider, Visteon Corporation, which utilises the third-generation Snapdragon cockpit platform from Qualcomm Technologies.

Scorpio-N was launched on June 27 at a starting price of ₹12 lakh in India, featuring a 17.78 cm colour Driver Information Display and 20.32 cm infotainment system with navigation. Leveraging the scalable AI-based Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms, M&M said, “The Scorpio-N provides a new level of personalisation and natural interaction between a vehicle and its driver, as well as virtual assistance, and ultra-HD, and immersive audio and visual experiences among a host of other features for drivers and passengers.”

Additionally, the platform features an advanced suite of wireless technologies to support multi-mode cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, as well as enhanced Bluetooth technologies, as Uday Dodla, Sr Director, Business Development, Qualcomm India, believes, the “consumer of today expects and demands that connected, intelligent and smart technologies” play a greater role in the automotive experience. “We are applying over two decades of auto expertise to transform the Scorpio-N into a digitally advanced and feature-rich SUV,” he added.

“With the tough yet sophisticated Scorpio-N, we have re-engineered our iconic Scorpio brand from the ground-up to meet the aspirations of the young and tech-savvy customers,” R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Technology and Product Development, M&M Ltd., said.

M&M is not the only carmaker to have partnered with Qualcomm on the connected car experience. In January this year, automaker Volvo partnered with Qualcomm to use its Snapdragon Cockpit Platform to beef up its Android Automotive-based infotainment systems in some of its upcoming models, including Polestar3 SUV and some electric SUV. In September 2021, Qualcomm also said that it is working with Google and Renault Group to design an “immersive in-vehicle experience” for Renault’s upcoming electric vehicle.

The partnership between Mahindra Group and Qualcomm dates back to 2019, when the tech arms of both the companies – Tech Mahindra and Qualcomm Technologies – agreed to offer solutions for smart cities across the globe.