In this issue

Autocar Professional’s August 15issue is out!

This 64-page Independence Day issue has an interesting mix of news stories, interviews and features.

· 75 years of Indian auto industry: We trace the rise and rise of the automotive industry from its formative years.

· Keshub Mahindra shares some of the interesting facets of the automotive industry.

· RC Bhargava on how Maruti successfully imbibed Japanese systems in Indian automotive culture.

· Seeds of growth: Detailed feature on stalwarts who paved the way for India's auto story

· Japanese influence in India’s automotive space: Brands that changed the perception with superior products and technologies.

· EVs: More investments and new players coming to India.

'I would have started liberalising the economy much quicker'

Keshub Mahindra now chairman emeritus of Mahindra & Mahindra was interviewed by Hormazd Sorabjee. He shares how the early days of India's auto sector were and the challenges it faced when doing business during the Licence Raj. Excerpts from an interview conducted in 2007 brought out by Autocar India and IOC.

7 mins

'I think India has lost a lot of time'

DK Jain, Chairman Emeritus of Lumax Industries, goes down memory lane in a freewheeling conversation with Mayank Dhingra. He believes that India may have lost valuable time by not going in for liberalisation sooner.

5 mins

Stalwarts who paved the way for India's auto story

In the Licence Raj days, government controlled every aspect of decision-making for automakers including capacity, product specs, royalty payments and even price points. The result was quality suffered and consumers did not have much choice. A report by Brian de Souza.

10+ mins

When the Japanese came calling in the '80s

The 1980s saw a slew of Japanese brands enter the Indian market where their focus was on light commercial vehicles and two-wheelers. What was astonishing was the way Telco blew them away in the cargo space with their its 407 while in two-wheelers, Indian companies have more than held their own even after parting ways with Japanese counterparts. Murali Gopalan brings you some interesting nuggets from the past in this essay.

10+ mins

'Being able to translate excellent Japanese systems into Indian systems was key to Maruti's success'

The chairman of Maruti Suzuki, RC Bhargava, on how his company learnt the ropes to make its value-for-money product propositions for India, and why Indians will continue to buy small cars, in an interview with Hormazd Sorabjee.

10 mins

Electric is now mantra for automakers

OEMs and start-ups are investing in new products and technologies to usher in an EV revolution that could change the face of motoring in India. A report by Mayank Dhingra.

10+ mins

India's roads take a great leap forward

As India celebrates the 75th year of its 'tryst with destiny', its road network is the intake-off mode with new highways and expressways being built. These will further catalyse socio-economic change. While latest technologies are being used, funding and land acquisition issues persist.ShahkarAbidi reports.

8 mins

WHEN LUNA WAS THE BUZZWORD

Apart from its catchy ad campaigns, the Luna offered independent mobility for women as well as small business operators.

3 mins

INDICA, THE MODEL THAT IGNITED INDIA

The Indica was India's first indigenously engineered car that had a good run and was pitched as a car with the mileage of a diesel and interiors of an Amby.

3 mins

A NEVER-SAY-DIE BRAND CALLED QUALIS

Many first-time buyers were impressed by the vehicle's fuel efficiency, low maintenance and reliability. Very few owners would part with it despite later service issues.

3 mins

Read all stories from Autocar Professional

Autocar Professional Magazine Description:

Autocar Professional is India’s leading automotive B2B fortnightly. Its in-depth analysis of the Indian automobile and components business is a must-read for industry personnel. It is circulated among key industry executives and decision-makers, and provides news, incisive interviews and accurate vehicle sales and production data. Its ability to spot and forecast trends has made it a strategic tool for auto professionals. The pages of Autocar Professional have emerged as a platform for the stakeholders of the Indian auto industry to showcase and share their ideas and vision.