The chief executives of Groupe Renault, Atos, DassaultSystemes, STMicroelectronics and Thales today announced their intention to join forces to create the Software Republique, a new open ecosystem for innovation in intelligent mobility.

The joint announcement was made by Elie Girard, Bernard Charles, Luca de Meo, Jean-Marc Chery and Patrice Caine, respectively the chief executives of Atos, Dassault Systemes, Groupe Renault, STMicroelectronics and Thales.

European sovereignty was the binding force that brought together these five leaders in the automotive and technology fields with an intention of pooling their complementary expertise to develop and market together systems and software to provide an enriched and sustainable mobility offer for cities, regions, businesses and citizens. Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, connectivity, embedded electronics and virtual twin technology will contribute to these new products and services

According to the Boston Consulting Group, the global mobility market will grow by 60 percent by 2035 to reach 11,000 billion euros (approx. Rs 9,82,46,000 crore). This growth is mainly driven by the emergence of technological disruptions – electric vehicles, new components, new after-sales services and other value-added services – whose share will increase from 5 percent to 45 percent of the global mobility market. With major industrial players on other continents already positioning themselves to develop many of these new technologies through enhanced integration strategies, the founding members of the Software Republique expressed the urgency for France and Europe to collectively build a sustainable ecosystem that aims to ensure their sovereignty in this field.

Three main areas of cooperation have been identified by the consortium. They are:

• Intelligent systems to facilitate secure connectivity between the vehicle and its digital and physical environment.
• Simulation and data management systems to optimise flows for territories and companies.
• Energy ecosystem to simplify the charging experience.

In practical scenario, this would translate into auto-recognition of e-vehicles to facilitate charging without any need for user intervention when connected to a compatible charging point and enabling public authorities to simulate and implement mobility scenarios, such as emergency management, events, etc. Besides enabling consumers to select the best means of mobility according to time, comfort or energy management, this would also enable operators to enrich their services and urban planners to better anticipate land use planning.

This open innovation ecosystem will welcome new members and develop open collaborations. The Software Republique will also seek to create an investment fund to finance the most promising start-ups and an incubator to host start-ups in the field of smart mobility technologies, where they will have access to a collaborative virtual development and experimentation environment, and mentoring through a value network. For the launch of the ecosystem for start-ups and universities, the partners of the Software Republique plan to organise a data challenge to contribute to the development of the technologies for the mobility of tomorrow: electric, connected and autonomous.

Luca de Meo, Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Renault, said,"In the new mobility value chain, on-board intelligence systems are the new driving force, where all research and investment are now concentrated. Faced with this technological challenge, we are choosing to play collectively and openly. There will be no centre of gravity, the value of each will be multiplied by others. The combined expertise in cybersecurity, microelectronics, energy and data management will enable us to develop unique, cutting-edge solutions for low-carbon, shared, and responsible mobility, made in Europe."

Bernard Charles, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DassaultSystemes, added, "Far beyond the automotive sector, it is a question of thinking in terms of use - mobility offering a work and leisure environment that is part of a sustainable economy. This experience economy goes hand in hand with an Industry Renaissance worldwide: the new mobility economy will be organised into new, collaborative value networks based on digital platforms. The Software Republique is thus a multi-industry and multidisciplinary ecosystem that aims to accelerate innovation and grow the driving forces of tomorrow. To achieve this, it will rely on the collaborative virtual environment provided by DassaultSystemes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and on virtual twin experiences. It will also benefit from the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab start-up accelerator." (MT)

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Technology group MAHLE is demonstrating its commitment to a multi-faceted approach for sustainable transportation at the 2025 IAA Mobility exhibition (being held from 9 to 14 September 2025) in Munich, Germany. The company is showcasing (in Hall A1) a portfolio of production-ready innovations designed to accelerate the decarbonisation of road traffic, emphasising that its solutions address immediate customer challenges rather than being distant concepts.

A central theme of MAHLE's strategy, encapsulated under the ‘Efficiency³’ banner, is technological diversity. The group is advancing solutions across three core areas: electrification, thermal management and sustainable internal combustion engines. This broad approach is presented as vital for effective climate protection, enhancing European competitiveness and safeguarding employment, positioning it as a necessary alternative to a single-technology pathway.

A key innovation for electrification is a new range extender system. This compact unit acts as an onboard generator, dramatically alleviating range anxiety by enabling electric vehicles to achieve up to 1,350 kilometres on a single charge. The system's 800-volt high-voltage generator boasts a peak efficiency of over 97 percent and is designed for cost-effective integration into existing vehicle platforms. By allowing for a smaller, right-sized battery, it also contributes to reducing both material costs and charging times on long journeys.

Complementing this is a novel thermal management module, which directly tackles the issue of battery range loss in cold weather. Acting as the central interface for the vehicle's cooling and refrigerant cycles, the module integrates a high-efficiency heat pump. This elegant solution eliminates the need for additional energy-draining heaters, maintaining optimal temperatures for the drivetrain and passenger comfort while increasing overall range by up to 20 percent. Its compact, future-proof design is compatible with current and next-generation refrigerants.

For the existing global vehicle fleet, MAHLE is presenting a pragmatic solution for immediate carbon reduction with its ethanol-powered Power Cell Unit. This package of specially developed engine components, including wear-resistant pistons and adapted valves, allows internal combustion engines to run on pure bioethanol (E100). Lifecycle analyses indicate this technology can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 70 percent, offering a viable and immediate path to decarbonise millions of vehicles without compromising performance.

Beyond powertrains, MAHLE is leveraging biomimicry and artificial intelligence to enhance component efficiency. A revolutionary bionic radial blower, its blades inspired by the aerodynamic efficiency of penguin flippers, was developed using an AI-assisted process termed ‘superhuman engineering’. The result is a component that is significantly quieter and 15 percent more energy-efficient than conventional blowers.

The company's exhibit also features its smart charging infrastructure solutions. The established chargeBIG system offers a scalable, cable-based charging network, now including a compact wallbox and a mobile unit for temporary sites. Furthermore, MAHLE is advancing inductive charging with a convenient positioning system, recently recognised as a global standard by SAE International, which ensures optimal vehicle alignment for energy transfer efficiency exceeding 92 percent.

Additional highlights include diagnostic tools like the E-HEALTH Charge unit, which can assess a high-voltage battery's health in just 15 minutes, and an intelligent cabin climate control system that uses AI to personalise the environment for each occupant. Through this comprehensive array of products, MAHLE is positioning itself as a pivotal force in shaping a efficient and sustainable mobility landscape.

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The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, has announced the readiness of its ambitious and pioneering project, the ‘ADAS Test City’.

The new facility spread across 20 acres in Takwe near Talegaon, Pune, is designed as a pseudo city to replicate the diverse road conditions in India, which will be instrumental to test and validate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in a safe, secure, repeatable and controlled environment. The idea is to support the development of ADAS solutions to meet the real-world scenarios in India. The ADAS Test City is also the first-of-its-kind such dedicated facility in the country.

Furthermore, ARAI also announced that it will host ‘The ADAS Show’ in association with Aayera, at the new facility on 12 December 2025, where it expects automakers, tier 1 suppliers and technology companies to showcase their innovation and test vehicles.

Dr. Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI said, “ADAS are pivotal in enhancing road safety, and ARAI remains committed to driving the adoption of safe, smart, and sustainable mobility solutions across industry. Our upcoming ADAS Smart City Track represents a landmark initiative – India’s first dedicated proving ground designed to enable automotive and auto-tech manufacturers to rigorously test and validate their technologies in real-world conditions. We thank the Ministry of Heavy Industries for their gracious support under their Capital Goods Scheme which has enabled us to install the modular infrastructure for Verification and Validation of ADAS at the Test City. This facility will play a crucial role in advancing ADAS capabilities by empowering manufacturers to deliver best-in-class safety solutions to consumers. Moreover, this ADAS Smart City Track will not only facilitate but will boost indigenous ADAS/AV technology development from the budding start-up ecosystem. Hence, events such as The Adas Show, organised in collaboration with Aayera, are instrumental in fostering open dialogue and collaborative innovation in the realm of intelligent mobility. We look forward to insightful deliberations and a successful event on 12th December 2025.”

Syed Fareed Ahmed, Director, Aayera, added, “THE ADAS SHOW is India’s definitive platform where automotive leaders, technologists, and innovators converge to showcase and discuss the most advanced driver-assistance and safety technologies. The previous editions were inaugurated by Dr. Hanif Qureshi, IPS, Additional Secretary (Automobiles), Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India at ICAT, and witnessed participation from leading OEMs such as Honda, JSW MG Motors, BMW, Volvo, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki India, alongside global technology leaders including Bosch, ZF, Valeo, Harman, Starkenn, Rosmerta, Dassault Systemes, NXP, Uno Minda and many more. The Adas Show is a dynamic and engaging event that unites vehicle manufacturers, ADAS technology companies and testing equipment providers to present cutting-edge innovations in real-world scenarios.”

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Bengaluru-headquartered engineering R&D service company L&T Technology Services has inked a strategic partnership with Silicon Valley-based SiMa.ai, a leader in Physical AI. The partnership will focus on driving AI-driven solutions across mobility, healthcare, industrial automation and robotics.

As per the understanding, LTTS’ will combine its deep engineering expertise and domain focus with SiMa.ai’s MLSoC ONE platform and software SDK. SiMa.ai will deliver industry-leading AI hardware and software solutions by leveraging LTTS’ core engineering capabilities and human capital investments across key areas such as in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), AD/ADAS, industrial automation & robotics and healthcare.

Amit Chadha, CEO & MD, L&T Technology Services, said, “SiMa.ai cements LTTS’ position as a leader in AI-led ER&D solutions. By combining SiMa.ai’s groundbreaking AI computing technology with our expertise in design and implementation, we are empowering clients across robotics, mobility and healthcare to accelerate time-to-market, enhance operational efficiency and deliver unparalleled value. Together, we are driving the industry forward, embedding intelligence into innovative solutions that are sustainable and scalable.”

Krishna Rangasayee, Founder & CEO, SiMa.ai, said, “Our collaboration with LTTS symbolises the synergy required to scale physical AI applications globally. LTTS brings unmatched engineering capabilities and client reach, making them an ideal partner. By working together, we enable industries to harness the full potential of AI, delivering high performance and power efficiency to clients while simplifying the adoption process.”

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Rapido, a leading ride-sharing platform in India, has joined forces with the Jaipur Police Commissionerate to launch a new initiative focused on improving women's safety in the city's public transportation. This partnership, which follows a week-long awareness campaign, will see the installation of dashcams in 100 Rapido cabs to enhance ride monitoring and emergency response times.

Rapido stated that at present, 40 percent of its cab users in Jaipur are women. The initiative, titled ‘Sashakt Nari – Zimmedari Hamari’ (Empowered Women – Our Responsibility), was flagged off by Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph and Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajarshi Raj. The campaign underscores the shared responsibility of citizens, service providers and law enforcement in ensuring women can travel safely and with confidence.

Rajarshi Raji said, "Women's safety is a collective responsibility that goes beyond the role of the police. When communities, technology partners, and law enforcement work together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for women. Initiatives like this campaign help build confidence, enabling women to move freely for work, education and daily life."

Sudipta Sen, Senior Manager at Rapido Cabs, noted, "At Rapido, safety is not an add-on; it is the foundation of every ride. With 40% of cab users in Jaipur being women, our collaboration with Jaipur Police focuses on practical measures that can make every journey safer and more reassuring. By introducing dashcams, providing 24x7 support, and driving awareness campaigns, we are working to make mobility safer, inclusive and truly empowering for women. Our goal is to ensure that every woman in Jaipur should be able to travel with confidence and see mobility as a catalyst for her independence and participation in the city’s growth.”

The dashcams will supplement Rapido's existing safety features, which include an in-app SOS button, real-time ride tracking and a call-masking feature for female customers.

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