Kerala's Capital Poised to Emerge as a Global Future Mobility Hub: Minister
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Thiruvananthapuram is on track to be a leader in innovative automotive technology, focusing on electric and software-driven vehicles, as highlighted by Minister K. Rajan during the Kerala Automotive Technology Summit (KATS 2025).
Key Takeaways
- Kerala aims to be a global hub for future mobility.
- Electric and software-driven vehicles are pivotal for growth.
- Strong R&D capabilities support automotive innovations.
- Government policies foster a conducive investment environment.
- Upcoming events will further promote Kerala's automotive sector.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 6 (NationPress) The capital of Kerala is strategically positioned to emerge as a central hub for advanced automotive technologies by utilizing the ecosystem's essential strengths to harness the rapid global transition towards electric and software-driven vehicles, stated Revenue Minister K. Rajan on Thursday.
These comments were made during the inauguration of the Kerala Automotive Technology Summit (KATS 2025).
This summit highlighted the state’s strategic benefits and competitiveness in research, development, and innovation in the realm of future mobility, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Kerala Chapter, in collaboration with the Kerala Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), and gathered top leaders from automotive giants.
KATS 2025 is intended to serve as a prelude to the Invest Kerala Global Summit scheduled for February 21-22 in Kochi. Rajan emphasized that the shift towards EV and SDV modes of transportation is crucial for ensuring sustainable growth and facilitating a green transformation.
“The state capital, which has cultivated a world-class high-tech ecosystem, possesses distinctive capabilities in this domain,” Rajan remarked.
State Industries Minister P. Rajeev stated that Kerala has already established itself as the nerve center of the global mobility transition, as a significant portion of vehicles operating worldwide are backed by the R&D from companies based in the state.
“Kerala boasts inherent advantages, including a highly skilled workforce, exceptional infrastructure, and progressive governmental policies. The government is dedicated to enhancing this robust foundation, making it an opportune moment for major corporations to invest in Kerala,” he noted.
The state is already home to prominent entities such as Acsia, dSpace, Nissan Digital India, Tata Elxsi, and Visteon.
“The Electric Vehicle Research and Industrial Park near the state capital exemplifies the government’s strong commitment to this sector,” the minister added.
KSIDC Chairman C. Balagopal stated that Kerala is already a highly advanced region for high-tech initiatives, as indicated by valid metrics like the presence of high value-added industries, per capita consumption and expenditure, social development indices, and robust physical and digital infrastructure.
Stefan Juraschek, former VP R&D (E/E) of BMW Group and Chairman of CII KATS 2025, remarked that AI-driven development will define the sector's future, and Kerala has significant potential to become a key player in this transition. The state has the capability to attract global investments due to this shift.
The conclave brought together Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Tier-1 suppliers, policymakers, and technology leaders to examine investment prospects in the state’s Electric Vehicle Research and Industrial Park.
An exhibition featuring the latest EVs from international companies alongside the event attracted a continuous flow of visitors.
