Auto firms welcome 2028 V2V mandate, citing supplier readiness time

Automakers have welcomed the Indian government's proposed October 2028 mandate for mandatory vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication systems, saying the timeline provides sufficient time to prepare suppliers and avoid sharp price increases. The technology enables vehicles to exchange real-time safety data like speed and braking to improve road safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a draft notification on Tuesday requiring vehicles in categories L, M, and N, including two-wheelers, cars, buses, and commercial vehicles, to comply with AIS-230 standards. Executives said a shorter window could have caused difficulties sourcing constrained semiconductor chips and other components, potentially raising costs for customers. Industry stakeholders emphasized that interoperability across manufacturers and standardized communication protocols will be critical for effective implementation. The framework is expected to complement Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and vehicles fitted with V2V from October 2027 must also comply with the standards, allowing early adoption.