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Automotive technology and infotainment solutions firm Pioneer has partnered with two Japanese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop camera technology for two-wheelers, and plans to expand its Bengaluru Global Capability Centre (GCC) to a team of 200 engineers.

The GCC has been tasked to innovate in areas like helmet detection, accident monitoring, and night vision systems aimed at improving safety on India’s fatal roads. The Japanese company currently has around 100 engineers in Bengaluru and plans to double that number within the next year.

“India’s two-wheeler market is huge, and safety is a major concern,” Shiro Yahara, President and CEO, Pioneer Corporation, told Moneycontrol. “We’re working closely with Japanese OEMs to bring reliable camera solutions to market.”

India ranks among the deadliest countries for road fatalities, with 2022 alone recording 4.6 lakh road accidents. Alarmingly, over 70 percent of these deaths involved two-wheeler riders.

“In the context of two-wheelers, we are already in discussions with two Japanese OEMs and we are validating our concepts with them,” Manish Bhasin, Vice President – R&D, Pioneer India, told Moneycontrol.

Meanwhile, beyond two-wheeler cameras, Pioneer is investing heavily in four-wheeler technologies. Its product portfolio includes dash cams, driver monitoring systems, accident detection features, and edge AI enhancements to improve visibility and safety in challenging conditions like night driving and fog.

The 87-year-old company is also working on many iterations, validating designs, and validating the application concept in the safety space. Pioneer Mobility AI and Connectivity CEO Siva Subramanian added that there are quite a few use cases that are very relevant from a safety point of view or from a convenience point of view. “I think it is a matter of time, in the OEMs, that you start to implement all the use cases.”

The Indian subsidiary, registered in 2008, offers in-car products including stereos, speakers, subwoofers, dash cameras, and accessories tailored for Indian consumers. The company already has a research and development centre in Gurugram in the National Capital Region, and plans to begin in-car product manufacturing in India in 2026.

Future Plans

Pioneer’s future plans include innovating more in the infotainment systems and sound technologies, building on its Japanese expertise in these areas. The India GCC will play an important role in developing these solutions, serving both the automotive OEM market and the aftermarket.

“We are designing a new connected camera meant specifically for the insurance market. And everything from device to cloud. This camera will be designed in India, manufactured in India, and exported to Japan,” Yahara added.

With the Bengaluru GCC now a critical hub in Pioneer’s global R&D network, the company aims to strengthen its position in the growing automotive technology sector, addressing both local needs and international opportunities.