Stellantis, the global automotive giant, is poised to make a significant addition to its software engineering talent pool in India. The company’s Chief Software Officer, Yves Bonnefont, has unveiled ambitious plans to hire around 1,100 software engineers in India within the next 12 to 18 months. This strategic expansion aligns with Stellantis’ broader vision of positioning India as the epicenter of excellence for pioneering vehicle cockpit development.
Stellantis is in the midst of an exciting transformation, primarily focused on enhancing the software and electronic architecture of its vehicles. This transformation is set to culminate in the launch of innovative technology platforms commencing in late 2024. Among these groundbreaking platforms are the STLA Brain, a revolutionary vehicle software and electronic architecture, the STLA SmartCockpit, an AI-powered cockpit solution, and the STLA AutoDrive, an autonomous driving system with Level 3 capability.
Yves Bonnefont, while underlining the critical role of India in this transformation, stated, “We have decided, out of those three platforms, to make India our core global competence center for developing the cockpit. We have been actually ramping up our capabilities here in India pretty quickly.”
Stellantis is making the most of India’s abundant talent pool to fulfill its software strategy. Already, the company has brought together a team of more than 1,100 software engineers across multiple Indian locations, including Bengaluru and Hyderabad. To meet its expansion objectives, Stellantis aims to double this workforce within the next 12 to 18 months.
In line with its growth plans, Stellantis is on course to establish a third major software development center in Pune, India. The company is also in the process of expanding its capacity at its Bengaluru facility and has introduced a state-of-the-art audio lab to facilitate innovation.
But why India? Yves Bonnefont provided insights into the choice of India as the central global competence center for cockpit development. He cited the country’s remarkable talent pool, the burgeoning automotive market, and the increasing demand for high-tech features in vehicles, especially those associated with connected services.
Bonnefont also commended the agility and speed of Indian teams, highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit and their ability to successfully execute complex projects within remarkably short timelines.
This strategic investment in software engineering is a clear indication of Stellantis’ commitment to tapping into India’s potential as a hub for cutting-edge automotive technology. Currently marketing Jeep and Citroen brands in India, the company is actively working to expand its presence in the country, reinforcing its position as a leader in advanced automotive technology.