The next most powerful thing in a car won't be the engine, but the AI.

1. Key Trends Driving the Modern Automotive Industry (CASE)

Dr. Kriangsak explained the four major trends reshaping the automotive industry, with AI playing a crucial role:

C - Connected: Modern cars can connect with their surroundings to enhance safety and efficiency.
A - Autonomous: AI is used in Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) to help with warnings and car control when obstacles or lane departures occur.
S - Shared Mobility: In the future, people may opt to use shared vehicle services more frequently instead of owning their own cars.
E - Electrification: Electric Vehicles (EVs), including hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars, are playing a much bigger role in the industry.

2. The Role of AI in Manufacturing and Development

AI is not limited to the vehicle itself; it's also transforming the entire production process, leading to:

Faster Design: Design time has been reduced from 4-5 years to just 2 years or less.
Increased Production Efficiency: The use of robots and sensors reduces the number of human workers, making production lines more flexible.
Reduced Costs: Applying AI to the production process helps businesses control manufacturing costs more effectively.

3. The Situation in Thailand

While Thailand is moving toward the era of Future Mobility, there are still several issues to consider:

Technology Adoption Level: Most cars in Thailand currently only use ADAS levels 1-2, due to different road environments and driving behaviors compared to other countries.
System Adaptation: AI systems developed abroad must be adapted to suit Thai traffic conditions and road signs for safe use.
Government Support: The government has begun promoting the installation of ADAS through policies and tax incentives, as well as preparing personnel and software for the future of the industry.

4. Challenges and Risks

While AI offers many benefits, there are also risks that need to be managed:

Software Security: There is concern that AI systems in cars could be hacked or malfunction, potentially leading to accidents.
Liability: There is still no clear conclusion on who should be held liable in the event of an accident caused by an autonomous vehicle.

5. Changes in Business and Consumer Behavior

Vehicle as a Service (VaaS): People may shift toward using car-sharing services instead of owning a car, which is causing the car rental business to grow.
Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV): Future cars will be defined more by their software. Consumers will prioritize intelligent functions and systems over the vehicle itself, leading to co

mpetition in car safety and entertainment systems.