Mercedes-Benz taps Tata Elxsi to drive software engineering, SDV innovation

Tata Elxsi has announced a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) to support vehicle software engineering and the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

The partnership will focus on enhancing automotive software architecture, which plays an increasingly crucial role in modern vehicles. With SDVs becoming a key area of growth in the automotive industry, this collaboration marks a step forward in integrating advanced software capabilities into future vehicle platforms.

Mercedes-Benz is investing in SDV technologies to improve user experiences, vehicle performance, and adaptability to changing driver needs. Its approach includes building integrated software systems that support new features and functions while maintaining safety and reliability.

Tata Elxsi brings experience in working with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on SDV projects. Its capabilities span across autonomous, connected, and electric vehicle technologies, supported by in-house labs and innovation centres. The company is also known for its SDV and driver assistance software solutions.

Manoj Raghavan, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Elxsi, said that the agreement builds on a longstanding relationship with MBRDI and reflects the company’s strengths in automotive software development. He added that the collaboration represents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

In February, Tata Elxsi entered into a partnership with Indian drone manufacturer Garuda Aerospace to establish a centre dedicated to the design, engineering, and certification of home-grown drone technologies.

The collaboration, announced during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, is aimed at developing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) subsystems tailored for use in defence, agriculture, and smart city projects. The initiative supports the Make in India campaign by focusing on locally developed solutions.

Under the agreement, Tata Elxsi will be responsible for the design, development, testing, and certification of UAV systems. The company will draw on its capabilities in avionics, secure communications, digital twin simulations, and AI-driven automation. Meanwhile, Garuda Aerospace will oversee business development and project execution.

Jayaraj Rajapandian, who leads Tata Elxsi’s Aerospace, Rail, and Off-highway division, stated that the use of AI-powered UAVs will contribute to strengthening India’s aerospace capabilities and enhancing self-reliance in advanced technologies.