MG Motor's Manish Patel on the Future of Connected Electric Vehicles

In an era where technology is transforming the automotive industry, MG Motor is at the forefront of innovation with its latest offering, the Windsor EV, India’s first intelligent CUV. At the helm of this technological revolution is Manish Patel, CIO of JSW MG Motor, who has been instrumental in integrating cutting-edge IT practices to enhance vehicle connectivity, security, and user experience. In this exclusive interview, Patel shares insights into how MG Motor is redefining the automotive landscape, the unique IT challenges in the auto sector, and the growing importance of cybersecurity in connected vehicles.

Shaping the Future of Connected Cars and Cybersecurity"

MG Motor has just launched the Windsor EV, India’s first intelligent CUV. Could you tell us about the key IT strategies and innovations that played a role in bringing this groundbreaking vehicle to market?

Manish Patel (MP): The Windsor is packed with first-time features, including voice recognition in six languages and a completely touch and voice-controlled interface. Even the mirrors fold through voice control. The mood lighting is also AI-based. We continuously improve AI and analyze customer behavior to optimize functionalities. For instance, we found that too many voice options overwhelm users, so we've streamlined the interactions.

Are you involved in both general IT practices and the car-specific IT for MG? How do you manage both?

MP: Yes, I handle both. It’s not as difficult as it seems, especially when you have a team that manages the specifics. Vehicle-related IT focuses on connectivity, cybersecurity, data extraction, and cloud management. Some infrastructure layers overlap, like cloud applications, making it manageable.

Which vendors or partners are involved in this integration?

MP: We have our in-house mobility team that handles software integration. Jio is a key partner, providing voice recognition, music apps, and the Jio store. We introduced this concept with the Hector model, ensuring users interact more with their vehicle than their phones. Through the Jio store, users can update apps, and we can fix bugs remotely, ensuring smooth operations.

How do you ensure security and privacy in connected cars?

MP: Security is an ongoing process. We regularly audit our vehicles and update our technology to prevent potential risks. The entire ecosystem, from mobile network operators to the cloud and mobile apps, is tightly secured. As for privacy, we comply with the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA). Data usage will be based on customer consent, with the option to withdraw it. However, some data, like legally required information, must still be collected.

How frequently will users receive software and security updates?

MP: Vehicle security begins at the development stage, where components are evaluated and firewalled. Updates are cyclical, typically once a quarter, but we can push urgent fixes immediately if needed. We were the first in the industry to offer over-the-air (OTA) updates, which enhance vehicle performance and security on the go.

Can you share insights into the IT infrastructure that supports these updates?

MP: It’s primarily about connectivity between the vehicle and the cloud. Updates are pushed from the cloud via a secured private mobile network. This network ensures that updates are secure and not exposed to public risks.

What design philosophy went into the Windsor’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX)?

MP: The design is inspired by Windsor Castle, and we aimed to integrate cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features. At MG, innovation is key. We’re always looking to be industry leaders. Our goal is to ensure users interact more with their vehicle than their phones, leveraging features like the Jio store for app updates and enhancements.

How are you making the vehicles more intuitive and user-friendly?

MP: We’ve come a long way since the Hector. Now, we're replicating phone-like features in the vehicle. The Jio store allows users to refresh apps themselves, reducing integration cycles. Each app has its own update, making the process seamless.

How are you leveraging data analytics to enhance vehicle performance?

MP: We collect driving behavior data, such as how harshly someone drives or how often they brake, and share it with customers. This helps them understand and improve their driving habits.

Additionally, we gather data on which features are being used, allowing us to optimize and introduce new functionalities based on customer preferences.

What’s the current state of the EV charging infrastructure in India?

MP: There are common misconceptions about EVs, such as range anxiety and charging availability. With the Windsor, we’ve introduced the eHub, which addresses some of these concerns. Charging infrastructure is still developing, but we are working to make charging more accessible and convenient for our customers.