As new technologies continue to reshape the global automotive landscape, Israel sees immense potential for collaboration with India, a rising global powerhouse. During a conversation with Mobility Outlook, after inaugurating the Israeli pavilion at the ACMA Annual Convention, Reuven Azar, Ambassador, Embassy of Israel for India, shared his perspective on the opportunities and synergies that exist between the two countries. He elaborated, particularly on the automotive sector, which stands to gain significantly from this emerging partnership.
India Is The Next Great Thing
India’s automotive industry, currently valued at about $100 billion, is a key player in the global market. With the country rapidly advancing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, its automotive sector is expected to grow exponentially. As India continues to rise, global players, including Israel, are keen to be a part of this growth. “India is the next great thing,” he said, recognising the country’s increasing prominence on the global stage.
Shifting Focus
In contrast, Israel, while having a relatively smaller local market, has developed an innovation-driven automotive industry valued at $30-$40 billion. Israeli companies, focused on global markets, have forged strong partnerships with leading manufacturers in Japan, Germany, and the United States. Now, the focus is shifting towards India, where Israel aims to contribute its technological prowess to bolster the country’s automotive capabilities, he said.
Cohesive Combo
“The combination of India and Israel will create competitiveness,” he noted, highlighting the potential for Indian mass production to be complemented by Israeli technology. India has traditionally focused on its domestic market, but the country is already exporting 30% of its automotive components globally—a figure that is expected to rise significantly. So, “this is going to increase exponentially and we want to be part of that. For Israel, it's very important to be in India,” he said. Israel sees this as an opportunity to strengthen ties and collaborate with Indian manufacturers, many of whom are already investing in Israeli startups to integrate advanced technologies into their products, Azar added.
Complimentary Nature
One of the key synergies between the two countries lies in the complementary nature of their industries. India’s strength in manufacturing and Israel’s expertise in technology can create a powerful alliance that positions both countries as global leaders in the automotive space. “The challenge for India is to transition from being a local manufacturer to a global player. This is where Israeli technology can help push the boundaries,” he explained.
The collaboration between the two nations extends beyond mere trade. While traditional trade continues to grow, particularly in sectors such as water management, agriculture, and software services, the focus now is on mutual investments. Israel aims to increase its sourcing from India, a shift from its past reliance on China, and Indian companies are being encouraged to invest in Israeli technology development. This, in turn, will lead to enhanced manufacturing processes in India and greater connectivity with global markets.
Looking ahead, he envisions a future where Israel and India are not just trading partners but strategic allies in innovation. “It’s not just about trade; it’s about intellectual property, technology investment, and connectivity,” he emphasised. The recently announced IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) project, supported by India and the United States, provides a framework for enhancing these connections. “Another key step is establishing strong connectivity between India and Europe,” he said. This initiative will strengthen ties between India, the Middle East, and Europe, with the automotive industry playing a crucial role in this broader partnership, he noted.
As the global automotive sector continues to evolve, the collaboration between India and Israel presents a promising path forward. With a shared commitment to innovation and a vision for future growth, both nations are set to redefine the industry, creating a dynamic partnership that leverages their respective strengths to meet the challenges of tomorrow, he concluded.
Israeli Companies At The Convention
At the ACMA Annual Convention, four innovative Israeli companies—Carrar, EVR Motors, Karamba Security, and 4Q Systems—took center stage, showcasing cutting-edge advancements that could transform the future of the automotive sector.
Carrar, renowned for its ultra-durable battery systems, has showcased its advanced cooling technologies that significantly improve heat control in electric vehicles (EVs). This innovation not only enhances battery efficiency but also extends the lifespan of the batteries by up to three times, offering a superior return on investment for EV manufacturers.
EVR Motorscaptured attention with details of its revolutionary electric motors, which combine exceptional power density with lightweight and cost-effective design. Capable of delivering over 100kW peak at 48V, these motors are not only 20% to 40% cheaper to produce but are also 40% to 50% lighter. Their advanced technology generates up to 30% more energy in generator mode, achieving 90% efficiency across variable speeds—offering a compelling solution for the evolving demands of the automotive industry.
Karamba Security elaborated on its significant strides in the realm of cybersecurity for vehicles. Its autonomous security software provides robust protection against cyber threats without compromising performance. By sealing the vehicle's computing environment with deterministic preventive technology, Karamba ensures that vehicles are shielded from cyberattacks, all while using minimal system resources.
Meanwhile, 4Q Systems is pushing the boundaries of automotive testing with its regenerative dynamometer motor test benches. These state-of-the-art testing solutions are designed to enhance vehicle performance, safety, and reliability by employing advanced testing methodologies that simulate real-world conditions, ensuring that vehicles meet the highest standards of durability and safety.
These innovative Israeli companies are not only advancing automotive technology but are also shaping the future of mobility with their forward-thinking solutions, positioning themselves as key players in the global automotive industry.
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