India has solidified its position as the world’s fastest-growing market for connected cars, achieving an impressive 25% year-on-year (YoY) surge in 2024, according to a recent Counterpoint Research report. This remarkable growth highlights the country’s rapid embrace of smart mobility solutions, driven by domestic automakers embedding advanced connectivity features into their vehicle lineups.

The report reveals that globally, 75% of passenger cars sold in 2024 featured embedded cellular connectivity, a rise from 71% the previous year. Meanwhile, the worldwide connected car market grew by 8% YoY, reflecting a broader shift toward smarter, tech-enabled vehicles. Greg Basich, Associate Director at Counterpoint, noted, “The expansion is fueled by the increasing integration of connectivity in mass-market cars.” He emphasized that features like advanced telematics, real-time navigation, and in-car entertainment are elevating both driver safety and experience.

On the global stage, Toyota Group topped connected car sales in 2024, with Volkswagen Group and Hyundai Kia Automotive Group trailing behind. However, BYD Group stole the spotlight with a striking 34% YoY growth, thanks to its commitment to equipping all models with embedded connectivity. India, however, outpaced other key markets like the United States and Germany, cementing its status as a leader in this segment.

Senior Analyst Parv Sharma from Counterpoint added, “Automakers are prioritizing embedded connectivity to boost in-car experiences, safety, and performance. As this becomes standard, consumer demand is steering the industry’s future.” While 94% of connected cars in 2024 relied on 4G-enabled Telematics Control Units (TCUs), the transition to 5G is picking up, especially in premium models. Looking ahead, Counterpoint predicts that by 2028, over half of global car sales will feature 5G connectivity, unlocking enhanced vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, faster data speeds, and autonomous driving potential. With inputs from IANS.