ETAuto commemorated India's Technology Day (11th May) with some exclusive stories which also showcase how India is progressing towards becoming a base for automotive tech of global scale. We bring them together for you in this week's edition of the ETAutoTech newsletter. Read about some key developments in the Autonomous Driving space also in this newsletter.

From Rocket Science to Road Tech

ISRO’s innovations find new wheelsIN-SPACe is now facilitating the transfer of advanced ISRO technologies — including a fully indigenous ‘Bharat ADAS’ stack — to the automotive sector. This marks a significant step in India's quest for homegrown intelligent driving systems. By tapping into ISRO’s expertise in imaging, sensors, and edge computing, the initiative aims to strengthen India's self-reliance in automotive safety and autonomous mobility technologies.

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AI is Reshaping Automotive Marketing

From predictive targeting to campaign optimization, AI is redefining how automakers engage with customers in India. A new era of personalized, data-driven marketing is here. By analyzing consumer behavior in real time, brands can now deliver hyper-targeted messages that drive both engagement and conversions.

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Daimler Truck’s In-House Software Strategy

Daimler Truck is doubling down on its Indian innovation hub to build in-house software that decouples hardware from code. This shift is at the heart of its strategy for modular, intelligent trucking. By developing software-defined vehicle capabilities internally, the company aims to accelerate innovation, reduce dependencies, and tailor solutions for global markets.

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Navigation Tech Firms Tap into EV and ADAS Growth

India’s navigation and mapping companies are transforming into intelligence enablers for EVs and autonomous driving. HD maps, AR-based guidance, and real-time updates are becoming essential infrastructure. With rising demand for ADAS features and EV-specific routing, these technologies are evolving from simple tools to critical decision-making layers in modern vehicles.

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Robotaxis: Momentum and Setbacks

Amazon-backed Zoox is preparing for a larger US rollout by scaling up production of its autonomous vehicles, aiming to strengthen its position in the growing

robotaxi market

. Meanwhile, Tesla’s attempt to trademark the word 'Robotaxi' has been blocked for being too generic, reflecting the increasing scrutiny around branding in the autonomous mobility space.

More on Zoox:
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Tesla update:
Details here

NXP Unveils 3rd-Gen Radar Processors

NXP’s latest imaging radar chips are purpose-built to support higher levels of autonomous driving. The technology enables better object detection and faster system response for next-gen ADAS features.

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What This Means for the Industry

This month's stories reflect a clear trend:

• Software is becoming the new engine of the auto industry
  
• Strategic collaborations are key to technological leadership
  
• India is steadily positioning itself at the center of global auto-tech innovation

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