Motorola plans Indian auto electronics foray

The US-based communications technology provider, Motorola, is planning to foray into the automobile electronics segment in India.

The company has already initiated discussion with the Tata Group to offer its products to vehicles manufactured by Tata.

At present, Motorola is a leading vendor in the telecom equipment segment and mobile handsets in the country.

Eugene A Delaney, executive vice president, Motorola Inc. said, "Motorola's auto electronics division is looking to enter the Indian market in the next few months. This is part of our strategy to expand our product portfolio and strengthen our relationships in India."

Motorola's product portfolio in the auto segment includes enabling automobile manufacturers in meeting the stringent emission norms.

Motorola will bring in its automatic chipsets in place of the existing MpFi technology. Motorola will also enable the car manufacturers to meet the safety norms.

With mileage tracker, wireless internet in cars, navigational and mapping services and automatic door locks, Motorola's technology is expected to bring in more convenience to the car owners.

However, Delaney said that Motorola will continue to focus on the telecom sector and expected a significant growth in its Indian operations.

"Our focus will continue to be across the telecom spectrum. But we are very bullish especially on the broadband and cable segment which is awaiting regulatory guidelines."

In the telecom networks business, the company has bagged new deals totally worth $400 million over the last one year.

This is much above the projected figure of $200 million.  The company will also bring in 8 to 9 new handset models this year.

Delaney said that the number of employees in Motorola's Indian operation would go up significantly from the current level of 1,500.