Valeo, a leading French automotive technology provider, is set to capitalize on the rising demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in India’s passenger vehicle sector. The company expects ADAS adoption to accelerate in India, viewing it as one of the fastest-growing markets globally. Valeo anticipates that by 2030, up to 50% of global vehicles will feature Level-2 ADAS, driven in part by government regulations that are expected to support the technology’s widespread adoption in India.
Jayakumar G, Group President and Managing Director of Valeo India, noted that ADAS is likely to grow faster than expected in India, with every car requiring some form of ADAS functionality in the near future. He also highlighted the government’s role in promoting the technology. “The front camera, a key safety component, is expected to become a regulatory requirement, and we have developed an innovative approach to leverage its computing power for additional ADAS features. This could pave the way for more affordable, software-defined vehicles,” he said.
In line with the market’s demand, Valeo plans to localize ADAS technology in India. Jayakumar emphasized that the company will ramp up its business plan once it sees higher volumes and customer orders, following the successful localization of EV components such as the three-in-one unit and ultrasonic parking sensors. “Volume growth will lead to greater localization and lower costs, which is how we will achieve cost parity for ADAS technology in India,” he added.
Valeo is a major supplier of ADAS components globally, including sensors, high-performance computing units, and software. The company has worked with several car manufacturers, including Honda, to develop advanced ADAS functionalities. For example, the Honda Legend uses Valeo’s Scala 3D LiDARs and front cameras to achieve Level-3 ADAS functionality.
In India, Valeo supplies front cameras for the ‘Honda Sensing’ Level-2 ADAS suite available in models like the Honda Elevate, City, and Amaze. However, Valeo is aware that India’s road infrastructure and driving behaviors present unique challenges for ADAS deployment. Despite these obstacles, companies like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra have successfully implemented ADAS in models like the Curvv SUV-coupe and XUV700, proving that the technology can enhance road safety in India.
Valeo is currently fine-tuning its ADAS technology for the Indian market by collecting data through a demo vehicle that is being tested across various cities. This exercise, which aims to tailor ADAS to local conditions, is expected to be completed in the coming months.
Valeo’s Indian technology centers in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad play a key role in global R&D activities, with over 50% of their work focused on ADAS development. India contributes significantly to Valeo’s global software development efforts, with over 1,700 engineers dedicated to software, electronics, and cybersecurity. This expertise is crucial as Valeo anticipates a shift toward Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) in India, a trend already gaining traction among local automakers.
Valeo believes that as vehicle architectures evolve globally, the adoption of centralized computing platforms will reduce costs, making advanced features like ADAS more accessible in India. “As India moves toward SDVs, we believe the same advancements will be applied here, bringing benefits to both automakers and consumers,” Jayakumar concluded.
Valeo is a global leader in the automotive industry, specializing in designing, manufacturing, and supplying cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance vehicle performance, comfort, and safety. Headquartered in France, Valeo operates across four key business areas: powertrain systems, thermal systems, visibility systems, and comfort and driving assistance systems.
The company is a pioneer in developing innovative solutions for electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and energy efficiency, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. With a robust presence in over 30 countries, Valeo collaborates with leading automotive manufacturers worldwide, driving advancements in mobility and shaping the future of transportation.