ADAS Models See Increased Demand In India

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) is quickly gaining acceptance from buyers in the Indian automotive market. First seen on cars from premium brands like Volvo and Mercedes, the autonomous driver assistant is now starting to become available on more mainstream cars and SUVs. Today, models like the Tata Safari, Hyundai Verna, and Honda City all come with ADAS tech. Now, Mahindra has just stated that it wants to provide ADAS tech on its entire lineup.

Mahindra: XUV700 ADAS Features Key Selling Point

Mahindra has revealed that over 1,00,000 XUV700 owners have opted in for ADAS features. The SUV gets features like auto emergency braking, smart pilot assist, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, lane keep assist, front collision warning, and traffic sign recognition.

According to Rajesh Jejurikar, CEO and Executive Director of Mahindra Automobiles, he was surprised by the high demand. “Our top-of-the-line XUV model is doing exceptionally well and customers say ADAS is a key factor when making the purchase decision,” he explains. He also added that ADAS features provide the customer with added comfort and safety, which they are willing to pay extra for.

It must be mentioned that the ADAS feature is offered standard on the Mahindra XUV700 top-spec AX7 model and not as a feature add-on. With Indian customers’ preference to buy the fully-loaded variants, it will be interesting to see ADAS adoption rates if it were an optional extra.

Mahindra: More Models To Get ADAS Features

Jejurikar further stated, “The technology is super relevant for Indian conditions, and we would like to incorporate ADAS into other vehicles in our portfolio.” The automaker is planning to introduce ADAS in models like the Scorpio N, Scorpio Pickup (yet to be revealed), and the upcoming facelifted XUV300 and XUV400. 

Mahindra has also hinted that future models will come with Level 2 Driving Automation capable ADAS features. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) states that the ADAS systems must include accelerator, brake and steering intervention, lane centring and adaptive cruise control to qualify for SAE Level 2. However, the driver will still have to intervene and oversee according to the conditions.

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