Cinemo and Mahindra Partner to Redefine In-Car Entertainment with Smart Device Integration in Next-Gen Electric SUVs
Cinemo, a global leader in high-performance multimedia solutions tailored for the automotive industry, has announced a strategic partnership with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India’s foremost manufacturer of sport utility vehicles (SUVs). The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of in-car entertainment, as Cinemo has been selected as the infotainment technology provider for Mahindra’s all-new line of electric origin SUVs (eSUVs), delivering immersive entertainment experiences powered by users’ personal smart devices.
This partnership is set to revolutionize the way passengers engage with multimedia in vehicles by introducing advanced Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) functionality. As digital ecosystems become increasingly personalized and mobile-centric, Mahindra’s decision to integrate Cinemo’s cutting-edge infotainment middleware solutions reflects a forward-thinking approach aimed at aligning the in-car environment with consumers’ connected lifestyles.
Elevating the In-Car Experience Through Innovation
Mahindra’s upcoming eSUV lineup will be built on its modular INGLO EV platform—an advanced electric vehicle architecture designed to support a wide range of intelligent capabilities. Central to this ecosystem is MAIA (Mahindra’s Artificial Intelligence Architecture), a proprietary intelligence suite that enhances vehicle performance, connectivity, and user experience. As part of this vision, Mahindra has selected Cinemo’s CARS Connect Suite to deliver next-generation infotainment powered by the devices passengers already use daily—smartphones and tablets.
The integration of Cinemo’s CARS Connect Suite enables seamless multimedia experiences that are both inclusive and personalized. The system supports intuitive content sharing across multiple screens, effortless playback control, and advanced media management tools, all while preserving Mahindra’s commitment to safety, minimal driver distraction, and premium user experience. In essence, passengers are empowered to take control of their in-car entertainment journey using familiar interfaces on their own devices.
Rapid Development and Seamless Integration
One of the hallmarks of this project has been the remarkably fast transition from inception to implementation. Within just six months, Cinemo and Mahindra went from kick-off to production, demonstrating not only the agility and engineering prowess of both teams but also their shared dedication to delivering high-quality digital experiences on schedule.
Cinemo’s platform is pre-integrated with Android Automotive OS (AAOS), allowing Mahindra to accelerate the deployment of infotainment capabilities while maintaining flexibility and scalability across future vehicle models. This integration reduces time-to-market and simplifies software maintenance, enabling Mahindra to consistently deliver new features and updates via over-the-air (OTA) solutions.
CARS Connect Suite: The Backbone of Connected Entertainment
Cinemo’s CARS Connect Suite stands out as a robust, scalable, and automotive-grade solution that enables an entire ecosystem of multimedia services to coexist within the vehicle cabin. Among its standout features:
- Multi-Device Connectivity: Passengers can link their own smartphones or tablets to the car’s infotainment system, making it easy to stream audio and video content, mirror apps, and control playback directly.
- Multi-Zone Audio: The suite supports distinct audio zones within the vehicle, allowing passengers to enjoy individualized content experiences without interfering with each other—a critical enhancement for family-oriented vehicles.
- Synchronized Content Sharing: Users can seamlessly share and control media across multiple devices and screens, turning the vehicle cabin into a shared but customizable digital environment.
- Integrated Control: Passengers can use their own devices as remote controls to manage entertainment, navigation, and even some vehicle functions, delivering an elevated sense of interactivity.
This holistic BYOD approach not only meets the expectations of digitally-savvy consumers but also aligns with broader trends in automotive innovation—where software and connectivity are becoming as central to vehicle appeal as mechanical performance and styling.
A Strategic Move for a New Mobility Era
Mahindra’s decision to embed Cinemo’s technology within its next-generation electric SUVs is in step with the automaker’s vision to redefine mobility through smart, sustainable, and connected solutions. The new eSUVs, born out of the “Born Electric” initiative, are more than just eco-friendly vehicles—they are dynamic digital platforms designed for modern lifestyles.
By embracing Cinemo’s infotainment suite, Mahindra is not only enhancing passenger engagement but also preparing its vehicles for a future where cars are deeply integrated into consumers’ broader digital ecosystems. Whether it’s streaming music, watching videos, or controlling smart home devices on the go, Mahindra’s infotainment strategy ensures drivers and passengers remain connected without compromise.
Mahindra and Cinemo: A Shared Vision for Smart Mobility
The synergy between Cinemo and Mahindra goes beyond technology—it represents a shared vision for a mobility landscape that is personalized, intelligent, and deeply immersive. Cinemo’s expertise in automotive-grade media playback, streaming, and cloud-based middleware complements Mahindra’s innovative INGLO platform and MAIA architecture, setting the stage for a new benchmark in digital in-car experiences.
According to Abe Silhan, Director of Portfolio Management at Cinemo, the partnership is a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to pioneering digital innovation. “We are delighted to bring our renowned digital media experiences to India’s leading SUV manufacturer,” said Silhan. “We are continuing our pursuit of groundbreaking innovation in in-car infotainment and are proud of our contribution to Mahindra’s advanced lineup of Electric SUVs.”
Strategic Implications for the Broader Automotive Market
As global demand for electric vehicles accelerates, the expectations of consumers regarding in-vehicle technology are also evolving. Drivers and passengers now prioritize connectivity, digital content access, and personalization alongside traditional performance metrics. In this context, Mahindra’s implementation of Cinemo’s infotainment solutions provides a blueprint for automakers worldwide looking to enrich their electric vehicle offerings.
Furthermore, by deploying such an advanced multimedia ecosystem in the cost-sensitive and rapidly growing markets of India and Southeast Asia, Mahindra is demonstrating that premium digital experiences need not be limited to luxury segments. Instead, smart engineering and scalable software solutions like Cinemo’s can democratize access to next-generation in-car entertainment.
The collaboration between Cinemo and Mahindra heralds a new era of vehicle infotainment—one where the user experience extends far beyond the dashboard and into the personal digital spaces that consumers rely on daily. By marrying hardware innovation with software excellence, the two companies are transforming eSUVs into smart mobility hubs designed for the digital age.
As Mahindra prepares to roll out its new eSUV lineup, complete with CARS Connect Suite integration, it sends a clear message to the market: the future of driving is not just electric—it’s connected, interactive, and deeply personal.
