India blocks autopilot technology only because it will steal people’s jobs

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As Silicon Valley tech firms and Detroit automakers push forward with autonomous driving, India has taken a completely different stance—banning driverless cars altogether. Let’s explore this topic with our car electronics editor.

According to a report by the Hindustan Times, India’s Union Road Transport and Highway Minister, Nitin Gadkari, stated: “We will not allow driverless cars in India. I am very clear about this. We will not allow any technology to take away jobs. In a country with high unemployment, you can’t have a technology that steals people’s livelihoods.”

India is a massive market, and its lawmakers’ opposition to autonomous vehicles has raised concerns among tech companies. With a population of over 1.4 billion, India represents one of the most important markets for global players in e-commerce, ride-sharing, and consumer electronics.

Currently, major players are leading the charge in autonomous driving development. For instance, Apple was reported to have leased a small number of cars from Hertz Global Holdings Inc. to test its self-driving technology.

Waymo, Google’s self-driving division, recently partnered with Avis to provide maintenance and support services for its autonomous fleet. Meanwhile, Lyft opened an office in Palo Alto, California, to build an in-house autopilot team, aiming to catch up with competitors like Uber.

Lyft had previously collaborated with several autonomous driving companies, including Alphabet’s Waymo, startup nuTonomy, and General Motors. These partnerships allowed the company to focus on its ride-hailing services while relying on external teams for tech development.

Now, Lyft is shifting strategy and investing heavily in building its own autonomous driving technology. Raj Kapoor, Lyft’s Chief Strategist, said: “We want to play an active role in shaping a more open environment for the industry. To do that, we must develop these technologies more deeply.”

This move highlights the growing importance of in-house innovation in the race toward full autonomy. As more companies invest in their own solutions, the future of self-driving technology looks increasingly competitive and dynamic.

Stay tuned for more updates on car electronics and the evolving landscape of autonomous driving. We’ll bring you the latest insights and detailed analysis right here.