The bustling streets of Bangkok served as the perfect backdrop for a recent gathering of mobility innovators at the HERE Technologies event. We, at Seven Peaks, were there to listen and learn, gaining valuable insights into the future of transportation. The message was clear: by 2026, the global mobility landscape will be a dynamic, data-driven ecosystem, and our expertise in digital transformation is central to helping our clients navigate this exciting journey.
Forget the car you know. The future belongs to the software-defined vehicle (SDV). At the event, we learned how cars are evolving into smart devices that can be updated, personalized, and enhanced with new features long after they leave the factory. This is possible because key vehicle functions, from infotainment to safety systems, are now controlled by software. For instance, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance rely on highly detailed maps to function. A new generation of maps with centimeter-level accuracy provides the essential data foundation for these systems, enabling real-time decision-making for a safer, more autonomous driving experience.
Beyond the vehicle itself, the real power lies in location intelligence, the ability to derive meaningful insights from geospatial data. The event demonstrated how advanced location platforms are not just about giving you directions; they are a tool for transforming entire cities. For example, in the logistics sector, companies are using location data and AI to optimize their fleets. They can analyze traffic patterns, predict delivery times, and find the most fuel-efficient routes in real time. This not only reduces operational costs but also lowers a company's carbon footprint, a major goal for a city like Bangkok. This same technology can be applied to smart city planning, helping authorities manage traffic congestion, plan public transport routes, and even identify optimal locations for new infrastructure projects.
As the world moves toward electric vehicles (EVs), new challenges arise. "Range anxiety", the fear of running out of battery before reaching a charging station, is a major hurdle for consumers. The event showed us how location data and AI are solving this problem head-on. By integrating real-time information on charging station availability and factoring in variables like elevation changes and traffic, navigation systems can plot the most efficient routes for an EV. This makes long-distance travel in an EV just as seamless as in a gas-powered car, giving both drivers and fleet managers the confidence to make the switch to electric.
But EV adoption is only one part of the bigger energy story. The shift toward smart mobility is closely tied to innovations in energy technology. Oil and gas companies, traditionally focused on fossil fuels, are now investing heavily in renewables, hydrogen, and smart charging infrastructure. Advanced energy platforms powered by AI and location data are helping utilities predict demand, optimize charging station placement, and balance renewable energy with the grid. This convergence shows that the future of mobility is not just about smarter vehicles, but also about smarter energy systems that power them.
Thailand is not just observing these global mobility shifts, it is actively shaping them. Bangkok, one of the world’s busiest and most congested cities, offers a unique testing ground for innovation.
At the event, Pras Ganesh, Executive Vice President of Toyota Asia, highlighted an ongoing collaboration with the Thai government in the Chatuchak district, one of Bangkok’s busiest areas. The initiative focuses on using data and mobility insights to identify small but high-impact changes to local infrastructure and urban layouts. His key message: sometimes, micro-adjustments can create macro results, improving traffic flow and urban life without requiring massive investment.
This philosophy aligns perfectly with Thailand’s broader goals around smart city development, sustainable transport, and EV adoption. By embracing software-defined vehicles, AI-driven location intelligence, and e-mobility solutions, Thailand has the chance to turn mobility challenges into opportunities, boosting quality of life for citizens and reinforcing its role as a regional hub for innovation.
The insights from the HERE Technologies event confirm our belief that the future of mobility is smart, sustainable, and deeply connected. For businesses in Thailand and beyond, the time to embrace this change is now.
At Seven Peaks, we are ready to guide our clients on this journey, turning these powerful technology trends into tangible business advantages.