Indian auto components maker Minda Corporation Limited is partnering with U.S.-based Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to design and build a new wave of digital cockpit systems tailored for the Indian automobile market. These upcoming smart cockpit solutions will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, aimed at delivering more advanced displays, integrated AI functions, and enhanced connectivity features for drivers and passengers alike.
Key Takeaways
- ViewSonic has launched three new projectors: the X1-4K Pro, X2-4K Pro, and SP7.
- The X1-4K Pro and X2-4K Pro are premium models for gaming and streaming, featuring 4K HDR, built-in Google TV, and “Designed for Xbox” certification.
- The SP7 is a business and education projector offering high brightness for well-lit rooms and a long lamp life.
- The announced prices are ₹3,60,000 for the X1-4K Pro, ₹3,90,000 for the X2-4K Pro, and ₹75,000 for the SP7.
To put it plainly, this collaboration could reshape what drivers in India expect from their car dashboards.
Minda Corporation, part of the Spark Minda Group, has long been a key supplier to both Indian and global automotive manufacturers. Its latest partner, Qualcomm Technologies, is better known for its Snapdragon chips, those little processors powering countless smartphones worldwide. But over the past few years, Qualcomm has been steadily expanding into the automotive world through its Snapdragon Digital Chassis suite, bringing smartphone-like intelligence to vehicles.
At the heart of this new partnership lies the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. Think of it as the central brain of the car’s cabin, controlling everything from the instrument cluster to infotainment displays, audio systems, and the overall user interface. The platform is designed to support high-resolution visuals across multiple screens, rich multimedia experiences, and AI-powered voice assistants. What makes it particularly adaptable is its support for both Android and QNX operating system commonly used platforms in the automotive space.
This isn’t just about flashy screens or cool tech, though. It comes at a moment when the entire industry is steadily shifting towards what are called Software-Defined Vehicles, or SDVs. These are vehicles where much of the functionality, from how the car drives to how it entertains, is governed by software rather than hardware. It’s a shift that opens up possibilities like over-the-air updates and feature rollouts long after a vehicle has been sold.
In other words, Minda’s cockpit controller, built on Qualcomm’s tech, will become a foundational part of making SDVs a practical reality in the Indian context.
Suresh D, Group CTO at Minda Corporation, shared that collaborating with Qualcomm significantly boosts their capability to deliver next-gen cockpit systems. He emphasized the potential to offer more intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that match their broader vision for intelligent, connected driving experiences.
In short, car buyers in India may soon find themselves sitting behind dashboards that are not only more intelligent but also feel surprisingly futuristic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Minda Corporation?
A1. Minda Corporation Limited is a leading manufacturer of automotive components in India and the flagship company of the Spark Minda Group. It supplies a wide range of parts like electronic systems, lighting, and switches to car makers.
Q2. What is the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform?
A2. The Snapdragon Cockpit Platform is a hardware and software solution from Qualcomm designed to power a car’s infotainment and digital dashboard. It manages displays, audio, navigation, connectivity, and artificial intelligence features inside the vehicle cabin.
Q3. What is a Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV)?
A3. A Software-Defined Vehicle is a car where features and functions are primarily controlled by software rather than just hardware. This allows for over-the-air (OTA) updates, meaning new features and improvements can be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
Q4. How will this affect cars sold in India?
A4. This joint effort means that future cars made in India are more likely to have advanced digital cockpits with large, responsive touchscreens, better graphics, smarter voice assistants, and connected cloud services, features that are currently popular in global markets.
Q5. Which car brands might use these new cockpits?
A5. Minda Corporation is a supplier to many major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in India and globally. While specific brands have not been named, it is possible that cars from several popular manufacturers in the Indian market could feature these new cockpit systems in the future.
