In a recent announcement by a leading auto group, Fiat Chrysler said that it will invest $150 million to set up a new Global Digital Hub in Hyderabad. The new innovation and technology development facility will be the company’s largest digital hub outside of North America and EMEA.
The company also said that it is likely to create nearly 1,000 new cutting-edge technology jobs by the end of 2021, and also plans to increase hiring over the next two to three years.
According to the company, the global digital hub will serve as a transformation and innovation engine and will work on some exciting products and concepts that will define the future of mobility at FCA. It will also serve as a robust platform for driving technological innovations and as a service centre of excellence. Some of the niche technological areas where it will work are connected vehicles, artificial intelligence, data accelerators and cloud technologies.
“Our goal is to build an innovation powerhouse that harnesses the intelligence enabled by data to build exciting new products and services to deliver at the speed of our customers’ expectations,” said Mamatha Chamarthi, CIO, FCA, North America and Asia Pacific. She further added that it is one of their key objectives to digitalise every aspect of FCA’s automotive operations globally and within India.
The Global Digital Hub will also expand FCA’s relationships with several ecosystem partners, including strategic partners, start-ups, digital accelerators and universities, to accelerate our innovation agenda.
Karim Lalani, Director and Head of FCA ICT India said that they are working closely with strategic technology partners to accelerate alent and competency ramp-up at FCA ICT India. “We foresee our Global Digital Hub driving innovation in multiple areas, including customer safety, connected mobility and digital showroom experience. We are excited to build a truly pioneering, global digital hub that will strengthen FCA’s position as a global mobility leader,” he said.
Talking about the investment, Dr Partha Datta, President and Managing Director, FCA India said that the $150 million investment to set up a Global Digital Hub in Hyderabad, Telangana cements the company’s continued commitment to India and customers. “FCA ICT India will be our technology backbone that will not only help us develop products for future mobility but will also sharpen our efforts to enhance customer-centricity,” she said.
The company already has a major presence in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, with headquarters in Mumbai and employs over 3,000 people. It also has a joint venture vehicle and powertrain manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra, and product development operations in Pune and Chennai.
