The first ACMA Automechanika New Delhi trade fair, which saw 258 exhibitors from 12 countries, has made quite an impact. The 10-page cover story takes a close look at some of the key aftermarket players, their products and services. There’s also a detailed report on Busworld India, the expo for the bus and coach industry held in Mumbai which saw a good number of launches. Plus ASEAN market trends, lots of exciting auto industry news, and an interesting tech feature which shows that one day, it won’t be possible to crash a new car!

Autocar Professional’s October 15 issue is out!
Autocar Professional’s latest 64-page issue takes a close look at how India Auto Inc is upping its game to get demand back.
Staying connected, retail therapy
As cars turn computers on wheels, technology suppliers like Tata Elxsi are aggressively stretching the innovation envelope to give OEMs what they want. Along with the latest update on the company, we speak to Nitin Pai, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, Tata Elxsi.
Keeping the price-conscious India customer satisfied is quite an achievement and that’s just what Kia Motors India has done in barely 14 months. In an exclusive interview, Manohar Bhat, VP & Head, Sales and Marketing, Kia Motors India reveals the tips and tricks that are keeping the Korean carmaker on top of the popular chart.
Meanwhile, German car major Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled its new global strategy that focuses on revving up both its luxury and e-mobility quotient.
On two wheels only
The two-wheeler industry is leading the revival story in India and is seeing lots of action. On September 30, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India entered the midsize bike market with its H’ness CB350. Findout why Yadvinder Singh Guleria, director, Sales, Marketing, Aftersales, Logistics, Premium Bikes, Brand and Communication, is so bullish on the bike making a mark.
Making sense of vehicle scrap
Is it coming or not? If yes, when? The much-awaited Vehicle Scrappage Policy is apparently close to being introduced. Can India handle over 22 million end-of-life vehicles by 2025? What should a well-designed scrappage policy contain? Anumita Roy Chowdhury, Executive Director -Research And Advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, has the answers.
Lots of exciting reading material in this latest issue. Enjoy. 

Autocar Professional’s October 1 issue

Talk of the top trends in the world of automotive and it is hard not to talk about the constant initiative to reduce weight and enhance efficiency. That is exactly why the October 1 issue of Autocar Professional is a ‘Lightweighting Special’. This 64-page issue take you on an extensive, in-depth and comprehensive journey of the initiatives trending across the automotive world.

 

Lightweighting Special

-          German chemical major Henkel has joined forces with RLE International and is helping OEms reduce vehicle weight rapidly by as much as 30kg per car.

-          Ajay Kapur, CEO - Aluminium and Power Business, Vedanta Aluminium believes there is ample scope for Indian OEMs and component makers to use aluminium.

-          Israel’s REE Automotive partnered M&M with next-gen EV platform tech. Co-founder and CEO Daniel Barel details the strategy.

-          Chandigarh-based start-up EVage has created India’s first exoskeleton structure which will serve as an affordable common platform for EVs.

-          Altair recognises the best lightweighting initiatives with its Enlighten Awards. 


Strategy talk

-          Steffen Knapp, Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, details the 2.0 revival story in India on the back of the Taigun compact SUV.

-          Even as the general market trend is biased heavily towards petrol, Hyundai is keen on a contrarian call by betting on diesel.

-          Meanwhile Ashok Leyland is revving up its EV strategy.

It was a fortnight that saw Harley-Davidson quit India after 11 years. All this and much more in this heavyweight issue.

Autocar Professional’s September 15 Issue on making India Auto Inc Future-ready

As the momentum to make India self-reliant gathers pace, Autocar Professional’s September 15 issue brings you a comprehensive collection of strategy, concepts, views, news and opinion from Industry leaders, government and all other stake holders. This 64-page issue also gets you the highlights of the recent launches too.

Localisation the big theme


·       Industry leaders at the annual conventions of key industry bodies, SIAM, ACMA and FADA highlight the need for localisation and import substitution and government representatives assure support in terms of policy push.

·       Meanwhile ACMA-McKinsey study highlights how India Auto Inc can make the most of the supply chain shifts underway globally.

·       But it was also a time for some reality check and introspection for key industry bodies like SIAM on how they script their roles going forward.

New Launches
Its raining new launches -

·       Ashok Leyland places its bets on LCVs on the road to revival, launches the Bada Dost on the indigenously developed Phoenix platform. It is targeted at growing demand in India and key global markets.

·       Meanwhile Mahindra Electric launches the new MESMA 48 platform for light EVs.

E-mobility
The e-mobility space is buzzing with lot of action

·       Grinntech, an IIT-Madras incubated start up has now unveiled its range of high-tech batteries.

·       Lithium Balance, a Denmark based BMS solution provider sees big potential in Indian markets.

·       Electric commercial vehicle start-up Volta Trucks unveils its first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne truck, Volta Zero

 

But that is not all. We get you an exclusive interview with Nissan Motor COO, Ashwani Gupta and take you on an exciting first drive on the Kia Sonet. Ensure you get your copy today.

AP 1st Sep'20 NCR Special
Autocar Professional’s annual ‘NCR Industry Special’ takes you right to the heart of all the action in the auto hub and gets you what’s hot, happening and trending. This 64-page September 1 issue is a comprehensive and crisp collection of views from key policymakers, biggest industry voices and top component players.
The Delhi state government is on a roll. After the landmark EV policy last month, in an exclusive interview, the Transport Minister, Kailash Gahlot tells Autocar Professional that his government aspires to make Delhi an EV example globally and outlines a comprehensive game-plan to enhance road safety
Two-wheelers trending
Lots of action in the two-wheeler space:
* Yamaha is consolidating its operations in Northern India as a part of its global reform strategy.
*   Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson is dealing with a dilemma. Eleven years on, the company has made little headway in India. An incisive analysis.  
* But Detel is looking to make hay while the sun shines and is launching the affordable electric two-wheeler Detel Easy.
Sona Comstar joins hands with IIT Delhi’s Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer to offer an incubation program for start-ups.
Volvo Trucks has partnered with logistics company Delhivery to introduce the tractor-trailer model to optimise run-time.
 First impression
Mahindra & Mahindra recently unveiled the new Thar. We take you on an exciting drive.

Autocar Professional - August 15, 2020

E-mobility is the overarching theme across the automotive industry today and Autocar Professional’s  August 15 issue celebrates this with an ‘E-mobility Special’ even as the 74th Independence Day celebrations get underway across the nation.

·       States across the country are racing to bring together the most comprehensive EV policy in a bid to woo maximum investment. Delhi takes the lead for the moment with a comprehensive EV policy that targets  500,000 electric vehicles and 25 percent electrification of new vehicles on Delhi roads by 2024.

·       Not to be left behind, Telangana has drawn up an ambitious plan that targets Rs 23,000 crore investment by 2030. Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are the other key contenders.

·       Entrepreneurs are busy plugging into e-mobility – Srivaru Motors is set to launch its first electric offering, Prana Grand this Diwali.

·       Meanwhile, Sodion Energy is betting big on sodium-ion batteries as a cheaper and greener alternative to lithium-ion.

·       However, a recent UN study has raised concerns about the production process of EV batteries though they guarantee zero tailpipe emission.

·       In the commercial vehicle space, global conglomerate Hitachi and infra-major ABB have joined hands for what they promise to be a game-changing grid-to-plug EV charging system for commercial vehicle fleets.

·       As fleet operators increasingly look for efficiency and productivity, commercial vehicle manufacturers are betting big on telematics to give them the much-needed market edge.

All in all, the August 15 issue brings you crisp and comprehensive coverage of the latest action in the world of e-mobility, along with the latest product releases in the past fortnight. Download your copy now. 

Autocar Professional – August 1, 2020

 

South India stands tall among the leading auto hubs in the country. Autocar Professional’s annual ‘South India Industry Special’ brings you all the action from there in this crisp, comprehensive and insightful 72-page issue.

In the past few years, Andhra Pradesh is fast transforming itself as ‘the automotive destination’. Marquee brands like Hero MotoCorp, Isuzu, Kia Motors, Apollo Tyres and Bharat Forge have set up manufacturing units in the state.

·       In an exclusive interview, Mekapati Goutham Reddy, Minister of Industries, Commerce, IT & Skill Development, Andhra Pradesh says the state is improving both the ease and the cost of doing business.

·       In another exclusive interview, Neeraj Kanwar, Vice-Chairman and MD, Apollo Tyres lauds the geographical and infrastructure advantage in Andhra Pradesh, stresses on increasing R&D investment.

·       In neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Dr Neeraj Mittal, MD and CEO, Guidance TN, the nodal agency for investment promotion and facilitation, says even in times of pandemic, 41 MoUs were

signed with an investment potential of Rs 30,664 crore and employment opportunity for 67,212 people.

·       In the component space, Durr India has already achieved 70 percent localisation. Managing Director Michael Berger says the megatrends of electromobility and digitalisation are increasingly shaping the business.

·       Valeo’s India R&D centre makes a global impact. Of the record 1,000-plus Valeo patents filed in 2019, 50 are from the India centre.

·       Sun Mobility is working on building a network of partnerships to channelise growth, the latest is with Indian Oil Corporation.

All in all, the August 1 issue brings to light all the action in South India along with all the automotive news from the past fortnight. Download your copy now. 

Autocar Professional’s Maharashtra Special – July 15, 2020

Autocar Professional’s 64-page mid-month issue puts the spotlight right where the action is with its annual Maharashtra Industry Special as the country embarks on a renewed journey to revive the economy. The auto sector in Maharashtra accounts for around 35 percent of the country’s automobile output by value, which is indicative of the role the dynamic state plays in India’s automotive scheme of thing.

- In an exclusive interview, Maharashtra’s Industries Minister, Subhash Desai says that he is confident that Maharashtra will manage to attract a major chunk of total investments to India. He is keen about setting up an EV hub in the state.

- Almost on the cue, Varroc Group, a global Tier 1 supplier, has now plugged into the electric mobility space with an indigenously developed product suite.

- Vasanth Kamath, President of Brose India, too corroborates keenness to participate in this megatrend. He sees many opportunities coming to fore in the electric two-wheeler segment.  

- Precision Camshafts, one of the top three camshafts supplier globally is looking at ramping up its Emoss business as the EV trend gains ground.

- However, an increasing number of Covid cases wreak havoc in one of Maharashtra’s key automotive hub, Aurangabad. We tell you how the industry is tackling the double whammy of supply chain disruption and muted demand.

But the troubles for the auto sector do not end just there. The growing tension between India-China is the other big elephant in the room. We get you a comprehensive, in-depth and extensive overview of how ACMA and auto component makers are charting the road forward.  

All in all, the July 15 issue highlights all the top developments across Maharashtra along with all the exciting automotive action from the past fortnight. Download your copy now.

The need for staying connected is becoming important more than ever before. This 56-page special issue of the Autocar Professional highlights the role of connectivity and electronics in the automotive industry today.

·         L&T Technology is working on a slew of new solutions, and technologies to cater to the automotive sector. Shailendra Shrivastava, Global Head of Transportation, charts out the road ahead.

·         Tata Technologies too is focusing big on connectivity. In an exclusive interview, Franck Euvrard, Executive VP & Global Head — Engineering, Research & Development, talks about tackling the mega trend.

But it’s not just technology companies, OEMs too are getting into the act.

·         Mercedes-Benz is looking to redefine in-cabin experience with MBUX.

·         In an exclusive interview, Manu Saale, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz R&D India, details how they are working towards their dream “to say there’s a big part of India in every Mercedes”,

·         MaymyIndia adds a touch of trending concepts to the MBUX initiative. Rohan Verma, CEO and Executive Director, touches upon how the company integrated Covid-19 test centre details in the latest MBUX navigation software.

In fact, the automotive world is buzzing with innovative tech that is pushing the envelope-

·         Aeris Communications plans to deliver path breaking results for OEMs with its ‘Aeris Mobility Suite.’

·         Electric two-wheeler maker Ather Energy is literally rewriting the rules of the game with its Over-The-Air updates.

·         Visteon too is aggressively pushing forward to enhance the in-vehicle integrated cockpit experience.

All in all, we get you the latest update of what’s hot and buzzing in the world of connected automobiles and how tech is taking forward the narrative along with all the automotive action in the past fortnight. Download your copy today!

The Indian two-wheeler market is the largest in the world and this 72-page special issue of the Autocar Professional celebrates the journey of the popular mobility solution with this edition.

As businesses grapple to revive growth and re-orient their business models, we tell you how the captains of the two-wheeler industry are recrafting strategies to return to the road to recovery.

- Rakesh Sharma, executive director of Bajaj Auto, in one of his first media interactions after taking over as President of IMMA, talks about the two-wheeler major’s global expansion plans and the top trends including EVs.

- E-scooter maker Ather Energy’s chief business officer, Ravneet Phokela confirms rollout of the 450X variant by October, while also revealing new retail and export strategies.

- In sync with the trend, Greaves Cotton’s EV arm – Ampere Electric Vehicles – launches the first of a range of high-speed electric scooters

- But it’s not just start-ups, established players too are plugging into the EV action. Hero Electric’s MD, Naveen Munjal says the company is targeting an ambitious 10-fold increase in its FY2020 sales.

- Hero MotoCorp’s Malo Le Masson talks about how they plan to recoup lost ground in the two-wheeler space in India.

- As digital retail seeks to change the way we buy vehicles, HMSI’s Yadvinder Singh Guleria says that it will not completely replace dealerships but they are making adjustments to sync with the new normal.

All in all, this is a comprehensive and crisp analysis of the movers and shakers of the two-wheeler industry along with all the automotive action from the past fortnight on four and more wheels too. Download your copy now. 

Germany continues to be India’s largest trading partner in the European Union and the ties date back centuries. This is exactly why as the world tried to reinvent businesses in the aftermath of the pandemic, Autocar Professional decided to showcase just how deep this bond is in the automotive world in this 72-page ‘Indo-German Special’.

It is laden with a plethora of exclusive interviews and in-depth features

·         In sync with the need for social distancing, German carmakers take the online retail route in India, woo buyers with a choice of buying, financing and servicing solutions from the comfort of their living room

·         Germany’s automotive industry association VDA is actively collaborating with India's ACMA and SIAM for a sustainable future. The Head of Foreign Trade of VDA, Angela Mans says India remains a top investment destination for Germany.

·         Bernhard Steinruecke, Director General of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, on India as an R&D hub for German companies but also calls for further ease of business.

·         Dattatri Salagame, the new CEO and president of Robert Bosch Engineering & Biz Solutions, elaborates on technology to tide over disruptive times.

·         Daimler India Commercial Vehicles’ MD and CEO Satyakam Arya elaborates on new strategies, tackling the BS VI challenge and fresh investment of over Rs 2,000 crores.

Sustainability continues to be the top theme for India Auto Inc and major manufacturers across the industry are taking big steps to cut down wastage of water and reuse and recycle this key resource.

The fourth in a series of webinars during the lockdown by Autocar Professional, held on May 11, National Technology Day, highlighted the greater need for technology planning and penetration across the auto industry.

But that’s not all. This issue gets you an in-depth coverage of all that is ‘essential reading’ from the automotive world in a comprehensive and crisp avatar.

Autocar Professional’s 'Software and Simulation Special' is packed with the latest news and in-depth features on the latest trends and digital dependence of the auto world. From the new digital simulation tools for online retail showrooms to industry’s top requirements to generate demand, this 64-page issue plugs into the top offerings that make for ‘essential reading.’

- As automakers get into a restart mode, we get you a comprehensive report on how they plan to ramp up production while maintaining strict safety and hygiene.

- Sunjay Kapur, Chairman, Sona Comstar and Vice-President, ACMA throws light on the challenges as India Auto restarts in ‘safe mode’.

- Tata Motors meanwhile takes ‘restart’ lessons from JLR’s operations in China

- Virtual reality is the new normal for the auto industry and carmakers are capitalising on it to augment sales

- Exclusive details of how a Mumbai-based firm, Eccentric Engine is using gaming technology to create a surreal vehicle experience.

- Rafiq Somani, VP - India & South Asia Pacific, Ansys speaks on how simulation can help industry improve its prospects in a Covid-hit world.

- Michael Laxman, Brand Lead, 3DEXCITE, Dassault Systemes takes interactive marketing to a new level as simulation drives sales

- Software developer MathsWorks too leverages on the latest trends in the global automobile industry

- Skill-Lync identifies a key gap in the value chain, offers EV design and simulation courses to help upskill engineers.

- Industry stalwarts at the Autocar Professional Webinar on Labour Day reiterate the need to upskill professionals and embrace digitilisation to tackle the challenges ahead

- Another Webinar to mark Earth Day sees industry leaders call for the urgent need of a scrappage policy that can help reduce emissions and generate demand.

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2020 on April 28 was spent by most people at home, what with the world battling Covid-19. This latest 64-page issue of Autocar Professional - an Automotive Safety Special - puts the focus right where it is needed.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor takes the lead in showing how to resume business safely with its comprehensive Restart Manual, an all-inclusive guide to re-organise operations to near-normalcy. And ACMA is sharing it with all member suppliers.

Toyota also helped its supplier, Stumpp Schuele & Somappa Springs (SSS) to ramp up protective face shields production by 1900 percent using the Toyota Production System. Satish Machani, SSS' MD, gives TPS a thumbs up.

JP Research's Road Accident Sampling System – India (RASSI) has been scientifically investigating accidents in India since a decade.  President Jeya Padmanaban explains why the battle against crashes, fatalities and injuries is yet to be won.

Two-wheeler riders are most susceptible to road accidents. Find out how Studds Accessories, which is set to double capacity to 12.5 million helmets, is developing safer helmets.

We reveal the complete findings of the recent SaveLife Foundation study on truck drivers in India and why much of the unsafe driving could be a result of long hours, poor wages, corruption and woeful road conditions.

Do you know Continental's R&D operations at its Tech Center India contribute 80 percent to global development of safety functions? We have all the details.

CV Raman, Maruti Suzuki India's Senior Executive Director (Engineering), explains why the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Programme with its 56kph crash tests is ideal for India.

Last fortnight saw TVS Motor acquire iconic British brand, Norton Motorcycles. We reveal the strategic growth game-plan.

Plenty of high-quality content in this issue that makes for a compelling read as you wait to resume work after the lockdown.

Autocar Professional's annual Green Industry Special is packed with refreshing news and in-depth features on the many eco-friendly advances the Indian auto industry has achieved. From the speedy run to BS VI through to developing compressed bio-gas, the battle between lead-acid and lithium-ion, or a 60-year-old IC engine components maker plugging into parts for EVs, we've got it all inside this 64-pager.

Plenty of exclusive interviews too.  

- Find out why Sunjay Kapur, Chairman, Sona Comstar and Vice-President, ACMA is bullish on e-mobility and why India Auto Inc needs to build a more robust supply chain.

- Taiwan's JS Power is set to enter India with its cell and battery pack prowess; President Ann Wong is already scouting for licensing partners.

- Christina Bu, Secretary General, Norwegian EV Association, reveals how India can implement learnings from Norway's EV success story.

- Faraday Future's CEO Carsten Breitfeld on the launch strategy for the ultra-luxury EV, monetising digital services and India as a potential sourcing base.

- Evandro Gussi, President and CEO, Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association on how tanking up on eco-friendly ethanol can save India around Rs 4,440 crore a year.

- Vijay Sharma, Director, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, details the latest developments in the SATAT programme.

Flick through the newsy news section and you'll brake to read a captivating story about a Japanese carmaker which has nurtured 250,000 trees at its manufacturing site in Karnataka.

Even as the world and India combats Covid and industry, along with society, will now look at newer ways of working and manufacturing, what will remain constant is the need to decongest the air, develop greener technologies and to stay happy in a not-so-lonely planet. This Green Industry Special offers many a cue to that dynamic journey and will keep you reading at home in a time of lockdown.

As the industry deals with Coronavirus and prolonged shutdowns globally, this March 15 issue details how businesses are becoming future-ready. 
Going local
Brose plans to step up its ‘local-for-local’ approach to build its India business significantly, is set to launch three new products with three OEMs over the next 15 months.
Lightweighting
Lanxess is working on new strategies to further grow its India, and a sharpened growing focus on lightweighting, driven by EVs.
India an alternative?
With the Coronavirus outbreak,given China’s dominance in global supply chains, the impact is felt worldwide. Can India step in an alternative production base?
Compact models
Will the 2020 Vitara Brezza, with a BS VI petrol engine, deliver what its manufacturer hopes it would? Hyundai too is pinning a lot on a new model, the Aura compact sedan.  
Women’s Special
A comprehensive 20-page special to mark Women’s Day.
Winner of the 2019 Nari Shakti Puraskar, ARAI’s RashmiUrdhwareshe speaks about her three-decade-old stint with ARAI before she retires.
Anjali Singh, Executive Chairperson, Anand Group and Gabriel India, details out the Group’s journey.
Sulajja Firodia Motwani, founder, CEO of Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions, on her plans for scaling up business.
As Design Head, M&M, RamkripaAnanthan takes forward the design philosophy of ‘Freedom and Adventure’.
Geeta Baskaran, MD, Suba Plastics, a Tier 1 supplier, on collaborative working with OEMs.
Julie Furber, VP- Electrified Power, Cummins, shares what's still missing from the EV conversation.
Tech Talk
Bosch establishes ethical 'red lines' for AIuse and Equipmake is partnering Hieta for developing what it claims is “the world’s most power-dense electric motor.”

Autocar Professional – March 1-2020

The March 1 issue brings up the bigger picture for automotive – it’s all about being future- ready.

 

Hero MotoCorp: The world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer aims to 'Be the Future of Mobility’. Pawan Munjal, CEO, Hero MotoCorp indicates collaboration is one key path to grow sustainably in a disruptive era.

Endurance Technologies: Future-readiness continues to buzz. With a brand-new 29-acre proving ground worth Rs 55 crore, Endurance Technologies has its eyes set on creating new solutions for the future.

Exclusive interview: Daimler Mobility’s CEO Franz Reiner details current global trends, why he believes pay-as-you-use and a higher share of leasing will also happen in India and why Daimler is betting big on Indian start-ups.

Haima says hello to India: Williams Dong, GM, Haima Automobile International Corporation says the company is partnering the Bird Group to bring the under Rs 10 lakh E1 EV in India in mid-2021.

DHL SmarTrucking: Vikas Mohan, CEO, DHL SmarTrucking, reveals how AI and machine learning are helping making transport efficient, reducing wastage.

Sandhar-Whetron: After a series of Korean partnerships and JVs, Sandhar now looks further east, ties up with Taiwan’s Whetron Electronics for a 50:50 JV.
SEG Automotive: German Tier 1 supplier focuses on optimising operations, innovate for new products and ready to accelerate cleaner mobility for OEMs in India.

Powerland ATV: This made-in-India electric ATV built with imported components is set to wow the world’s largest market for all-terrain vehicles – the US.

UV sales: Good news continues to flow in for Kia. Four UV makers see their new products deliver the goods, even as established players take a hit.
News: The leading OMCs assure delivery of BS-VI fuel ahead of the April 1 deadline, airline tarmac buses mean a massive business opportunity for electric bus makers, and lots more. 

The mid-month Auto Show review special is a cracker of an edition, full of content: exclusive interviews, vehicle and component reveals, and lots more. India’s biggest auto component trade fair transformed Pragati Maidan into a global marketplace for all parts, big and small and introduced some of the latest green technologies, safety measures and latest innovations.

Curating component buzz
With participation from nearly 1,500 component suppliers and 400 of them launching 1,200 new products at the 15th Auto Expo 2020 - Components in New Delhi, it was not surprising that the four-day trade fair saw record visitor footfalls over 115,000 business visitors. It was, perhaps, the most thumping vote of confidence that put to nought the naysayers and sent across a strong signal to overall industry that the tough get going when the going gets tough.

Global perspective
We bring you perspectives from across the world. Local and global stakeholders come together to highlight the big mobility trends of tomorrow – An exclusive interview, Subramanyam Javvadi, CEO of Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board, views from Masahi Oshita, Vice-Chairman and ED of the Japan Auto Parts Association, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of SMMT, Varroc Group’s Managing Director Tarang Jain and also the MAHLE management.

ACMA packs a punch
ACMA spiced up the component fair with its special pavilions like the Safer Drives, which disseminated the message of use of genuine parts, and the Technovation pavilion where 16 companies including eight start-ups pushed the innovation envelope and how.

Motor Show thrills
The Motor Show, although without some regular biggies, still had its fair bit of excitement in the form of new metal. The Volkswagen Group, Tata Motors and M&M wowed the petrolheads.

February is all about Auto Expo 2020 and this preview issue details the preparations and expectations, and also exclusive interviews with industry association heads as India's biggest show unfolds at two separate venues: the Motor Show at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida and the Components Show at Pragati Maidan.
The slowdown has does little to dampen sentiment as tough-as-nails suppliers join hands with OEMs to ready new technology and materials for a smooth transition to BS VI and diversify into e-mobility.
Find out why both Deepak Jain, President, ACMA and Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA are optimistic about this year's event, which sees over 1,500 suppliers from 20 countries participating.  We also speak to Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM.
Safer cars, more stars, better ratings
Whether you are selling cars or buying one, in-vehicle and passenger safety are paramount and in a perfect tribute to the ‘Make In India’, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra gross the maximum number of GNCAP five-star ratings nationally raising the safety bar several notches higher and setting a new benchmark.
CV industry high on BS VI, innovation
The CV segment is buzzing. Ashok Leyland delivered its first set of BS VI trucks while Force Motors unveiled its all-new IC, CNG and EV van platform and Daimler India CV has upped the ante and unveiled plans of it becoming a powertrain hub for Daimler. Meanwhile, Eberspaecher Sharda Motor inaugurated its new Pune plant which will manufacture BS VI exhaust systems for CVs
That’s not all. There is plenty more to read in this 124-page issue packed with news, views and analysis.

2020 is all about innovation, information and constant change that the auto industry is going through globally. The mid-month issue brings you the change-makers, game-changers and industry disruptors.
The lines have started blurring at the CES 2020 as the spotlight stayed firmly on automobiles at the popular global tech platform in Las Vegas. Fast, futuristic and fashionable is what the car industry is focusing upon. Exhibitors from Mercedes’ innovative AVTR to Sony’s Vision S concept go big on connected sustainable mobility with a palpably exciting array of offers for the future. From Hyundai, Honda, Nissan to Bosch, ZF to Nawa, the who’s who of the automotive world and auto component manufacturers showcased their tech prowess.
We also have an exclusive interview with Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Inc, who unveiled his luxury electric SUV ‘Ocean’ at Las Vegas this year.
Not just established OEMs but component makers too are concentrating on being future-ready. PPAP Automotive shares its secret of riding the slowdown and is now actively implementing industry 4.0 measures at its plants across India.
The spotlight is on the C-BEEV or the Centre For Battery Engineering and EVs. Housed in IIT Chennai, it is working with key industry stakeholders like Mahindra, Tata Motors, Exide, Exicom, Amara Raja and many others to ring in a sustainable future for vehicles in India.
But for now the auto industry has to contend with tepid sales and wait for despatches to pick up. The latest numbers released by SIAM indicate that low sales continue to plague manufacturers across segments. All eyes on the next quarter when the new BS VI emission norms kick in.

How can automobile brands stay relevant in a world disrupted by technology? Our cover story has all the answers. There’s been lots of action on the EV front. Tata Motors is set to launch its 300km range Nexon EV while Piaggio has launched its Ape E-City passenger-carrying e-3-wheeler, which uses Sun Mobility's battery swapping tech. And iTEC India’s conclave on ‘E-Mobility Solutions for the Community' proved to be a big draw. We have detailed reports on all.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor India is not given up on diesel and is betting big for its new compact Aura sedan. Find out just how.

Every drop of fuel matters, to the motorist and to oil marketing companies. Find out how India's leading OMCs are taking to machine learning, AI and data science to automate their retail network and fuel transparency, while also stopping malpractices.

In a similar move, Tier 1 clutch plate supplier Rico Auto is taking on the fake parts industry with new holographic packaging.

We've got two interviews in this issue – Georg Graf, President of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce and Continental India’s Krishan Kohli – and our guest columnist is Aashish Bhatia, President, Visteon India, who writes lucidly on the next-gen digital cockpit that's connected, conversational and safe.

Think disruption and the word start-up comes to mind. We detail the top 15 start-ups of 2019. There's plenty more to read in this 64-page issue that opens a new year that promises to be an exciting one. 

Team Autocar Professional wishes all readers and the industry a very happy New Year 2020. Let's hope it turns out far better than the forgettable one that 2019 was.

As 2019 drives to a close, it's time to take stock of a year that’s been a really tough one for India Auto Inc. But tough times call for tough leaders to make tough decisions.
Autocar Professional celebrates its 15th Anniversary Issue by celebrating the movers and shakers across the vehicle manufacturing and component supplier spectrum. This 182-page issue delivers the goods in a host of captivating features, exclusive interviews, industry analysis, exclusive guest columns by captains of industry and lots more.

Man of the Year 2019: For the successful launch of the business and some rapid steps including e-mobility, Rajeev Chaba, president and MD, MG Motor India, wins the honour. We’ve also got exclusive guest columns from L Ganesh, Chairman, Rane Group; Dr Andy Palmer, President & Group CEO, Aston Martin Lagonda; Henrik Fisker, Chairman & CEO, Fisker Inc; David Ward, President & CEO, Global NCAP; Dr Wilfried G Aulbur, Senior Partner & Member Supervisory Board, Roland Berger; Dr Anup Bandivadekar, Program Director / Regional Lead, ICCT; Siemens’ Shashi Rajagopalan and Doug Burcicki; BASF South Asia’s Brieux Boisdequin.
Exclusive interviews: Baba Kalyani, CMD, Bharat Forge; Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland; Farrokh Cooper, CMD, Cooper Corporation; Harsha Kadam, MD and CEO, Schaeffler India;

Girish Wagh, President – CVBU, Tata Motors; Vikram Kasbekar, ED - Operations (Plants) & CTO, Hero MotoCorp; Victor Fedelli, Ontario’s Minister for Economic Development; Dr Keshab Panda, CEO & MD, L&T Technology Services.
Skilling at India Auto Inc: A comprehensive feature on how OEMs and suppliers are upskilling existing staff and skilling youth to make them future-ready.
This is just a glimpse into some of the editorial content. There's plenty more in this simply unputdownable cracker of a 15th anniversary issue. Enjoy.

India Auto Inc is going all out to take on new challenges and also embrace e-mobility. The December 1 issue focusses on innovations in e-mobility, tracks the race to BS VI preparedness and reports on stunning new UV launches globally.

E-mobility drive: SEG Automotive develops next-gen clean drivetrain solutions aimed at enabling OEMs to make a smooth transition towards e-mobility and more efficient IC engines.

E-bike innovation: Competition is heating up in the e-motorcycle space as Orxa Energies prepares for the reveal of its maiden electric bike, Mantis, in early December at India Bike Week. We speak to the start-up’s co-founders.

Charting the Chetak yatra: Bajaj Auto is keen on a home run for its e-Chetak journey before embarking on a global journey with its new electric scooter.

Technology boost: MapmyIndia makes a strategic move in the race to CASE, bets on IoT to offer advanced navigation solutions. 

Race to BS VI: Industry experts debate the emission technologies for BS VI and beyond at ECT 2019 Conclave in Pune.

Global buzz: The snazzy DBX marks Aston Martin brand’s debut into the SUV world while Tesla’s new electric Cybertruck pick-up takes you on a journey ‘back to the future’. 

Lots of news too: Tata Motors opens a cutting-edge PV, CV and EV powertrain facility; new Raize SUV likely to spawn Toyota and Maruti’s Creta rival; Greaves Cotton completes its buyout of Ampere Vehicles.

Safety, sustainability and sales will be the continuing mantras for growth for India Auto Inc. Autocar Professional’s mid-month issue turns the radar on each of these, even as vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers are putting their shoulder to the BS VI wheel.
Focus on safety: Global NCAP revealed the results of its latest round of India tests involving four cars but no five-star rating. Maruti's new Ertiga MPV received a three-star rating while the Wagon R and Hyundai Santro managed two each and the Datsun Redigo one single star. Proof enough that made-in-India cars have still some way to go before they consistently achieve top-notch safety standards.
CV industry revs up BS VI effort: Ashok Leyland has begun its BS VI journey in full earnest, what with a modular M&HCV; platform and its heavy-duty range of CVs getting ARAI certification. And, Cummins India is doing its bit to spread awareness about BS VI.
Spotlight on Indian technicians: It is India shining at the Hyundai World Skill Olympics. Full details.
Lights, camera, action at EICMA: EICMA 2019 in Milan, easily the world's most popular two-wheeler show, reveals the motorcycles and scooters that are India-bound.
Sustainable innovation: Mahindra & Mahindra, a forerunner of electric mobility in India, has evinced keenness to partner Ashok Leyland, or others, in the e-mobility space. 
Interview of the fortnight: Martin Schwenk, CEO and MD of Mercedes-Benz India, outlines its India plans, new initiatives and outlook for 2020.
Diwali sales fail to light up India Auto Inc: Complete sales analysis for October 2019. 
Lots of news too: The first fortnight of November turned out to be a proud one for India Inc with the prestigious Deming Award for TQM conferred on TVS Motor Co's Venu Srinivasan and Mahindra & Mahindra's Dr Pawan Goenka bagging the FISITA Technical Academy Award.

Autocar Professional's annual R&D Special reveals the latest developments in India. Like Liger Mobility's self-balancing and autonomous scooter. We exclusively reveal the prototype developed by the start-up and the plan to bring it to market.
Find out about Hyderabad-based eTrio, which has made a business case out of retrofitting EV kits on IC-engined vehicles from the Maruti Alto and Wagon R to the Tata Ace small CV. Or Tech.powersquare that aims to be a one-stop shop for product development from concept through to mass production.
Lots of component supplier news. MAHLE is betting big on India and has hiked its stake in its JV to 90% in tandem with its plans to manufacture AC/DC electric motors and control units for e-two- and three-wheelers in the country. Likewise, National Engineering Industries is working on a strategy for catering to EV makers. And the 19-company, well-diversified Anand Group which is adopting a different strategy as CEO Deepak Chopra tells us.
The big news of the past fortnight is the Chetak. Read our detailed report on the product reveal as well as an exclusive interview with managing director Rajiv Bajaj. To give brand Chetak its due, we go into flashback mode too. Don't miss reading this feature!
CNG is also in focus and the government, energy majors, OMCs and OEMs are bullish on CNG as a fuel for cleaner mobility in India. And, Italy's UFI Filters, which has set up its first aftermarket-only plant in Haryana, is diversifying into CNG filters to de-risk itself from the fast-reducing demand for diesel cars in India.
Even as the PV industry battles the sales slowdown, some carmakers are taking the export route to keep their assembly lines buzzing. Find out how 20 carmakers have fared in first-half FY2020.
All this plus plenty of industry news and the latest global technology updates.

Maruti S-Presso: SUV-inspired bet to net youngsters: New hatchback that has seen the maximum engineering input from Maruti Suzuki R&D is the Japanese OEM's strategy to strengthen its position as a first choice of first time car buyers...

Autocar Professional’s Lightweighting Special is a heavyweight – 88 pages of in-depth features, exclusive interviews with CEOs and industry analysis. From commercial to passenger vehicles and also leading component suppliers, we take a close look at just what India Auto Inc is doing to cut the kilos and shave the grams as OEMs look to derive the maximum mileage from their vehicles.  

Suppliers are doing their bit to help OEMs shed vehicle weight. Jaya Hind Industries has developed its first structural part – an aluminum cross-member – for an OEM’s upcoming model using the high-pressure die casting route and achieved sizeable 35 percent weight savings. Meanwhile, Vedanta Aluminium has become the first aluminium producer to launch primary foundry alloy for the auto industry in India.

Adopting weight loss therapy also means using high-performance engineering plastics. Find out how DSM is exploring deeper synergies with OEMs and suppliers to drive in innovation. And BASF is targeting new growth with the advent of BS VI norms in India as well as the OEM drive to reduce vehicle weight.

With the vehicle scrappage policy in the offing, Mahindra Accelo, M&M’s JV with MSTC which has India’s first organized vehicle recycling facility in Greater Noida, has a first-mover advantage.

We also reveal MG Motor India’s plan to ramp up production as well as localisation, while detailing 70 component suppliers to the MG Hector SUV.

Lots of other news too – like Tata Motors’ Ziptron EV tech, the Renault Triber’s clever engineering – and interviews with Arvind Sawant, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, and Ashish H Kale, President, FADA.

Chinese EV manufacturer BYD is biding its time to attain a bigger footprint in India. The world's largest EV maker, which already has a strong presence in the country  through its BYD-Olectra buses, has launched the T3 MPV and cargo minivan, targeted at the personal mobility and cargo logistics segments. They could also be the precursor to manufacturing electric cars in India and also for exports. We reveal the company’s India market strategy.  

At present though, India Auto Inc is fully focused on the technological leap to BS VI. Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, which has the advantage of parent Daimler Trucks' familiarity with Euro 6 tech, has revealed plans to not only rejig its product portfolio to BS VI with a promise of superior fuel efficiency and lower total cost of ownership, but will also leverage the India production base as an export hub of BS VI trucks and buses, starting FY2021-22.

This issue also carries comprehensive reports on the SIAM and ACMA Conventions, which saw captains of industry urge suppliers to focus on quality and on making zero-defect products. We also have an interview with the new ACMA president – Deepak Jain, who reveals his three top priorities and the way out of the downturn.

How to tackle the ongoing downturn and how it has already impacted them is also the subject of an analytical three-pager wherein five captains of the component industry speak to Autocar Professional. They include Deepak Chopra, CEO, Anand Group; Nishant Arya, ED, JBM Group; Ramashankar Pandey, MD, Hella India Lighting; Prashanth Doreswamy, MD, Continental Automotive Components India; and Rohit Saboo, President and CEO, National Engineering Industries.

August was not such an august month for the Indian automobile industry, what with sales across vehicle segments declining at an alarming rate month on month. We have all the stats and facts in the sales analysis pages.

September has opened as has the festive season. Will it bring improved fortunes to India Auto Inc? A lot would depend on how Delhi-NCR, India's biggest car market, performs. This region, home to the country's largest car maker, two-wheeler OEM and component manufacturer, not to mention policy makers, remains special. Our eighth NCR Special is laden with exclusive interviews, in-depth features and plenty of analysis.
In this 100-page issue, we take a close look at just what some OEMs, component makers and even start-ups are doing in a time of slowdown, how they are thinking anew, innovating and also improving process and manufacturing efficiencies across the board.
A flurry of new cars saw launch last fortnight – Maruti Suzuki XL6, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Kia Seltos and BMW 3 Series. We have all the details on them as we do on the latest developments at JK Tyre, TVS Srichakra and Goodyear India.
Plenty of exclusive interviews too. Like Heinrich Baumann, Managing Partner and COO, Eberspaecher Group; Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA; Nakul Pasricha, President of Authentication Solution Providers' Association; Nikunj Sanghi, Chairman of the Automotive Skill Development Corporation, and Rashmi Urdhwareshe, Director, Automotive Research Association of India, among others.
We also find out how Gurgaon-based Kognoz Research & Consulting is helping OEMs and suppliers, particularly MSMEs, improve their performance.
Our focus on electric mobility continues. Check out the special feature on the ultracapacitor battery-equipped Erick three-wheeler, whose standout feature is a single charge in a scant 5 minutes and good enough for 70km. We also speak to Dr Saurabh Markandeya, Co-CEO and Executive Director, Shado Group, who reveals that the company could be looking to diversify from electric three-wheelers to mini-trucks and also partnering to develop two-wheeler platforms.
All this is a speedy glimpse into the contents of this special issue. There’s lot more. Enjoy.

The August 15 issue's cover story resonates with PM Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech, where he stressed upon the need for water conservation and the need for it to be taken up as a mass movement at the very grassroots level.
That's just what a number of companies representing India Auto Inc are already engaged in. Find out how some OEMs and suppliers are stretching the envelope when it comes to saving water.
Maruti Suzuki India is the prime mover and shaker of the Indian PV industry. It is also among the first to employ multi-modal transport logistics to transport cars from its plants. SIAM's sixth Logistics Conclave  saw industry experts and stakeholders show how a judicious mix of road, rail and shipping logistics can help industry in a time of downturn.
Make in India has been a huge success but it's time for innovate in India. ARAI has recently set up a simulation Centre of Excellence in association with software major ANSYS to work on automotive megatrends, including vehicle electrification.
Electric mobility is an area where Ashok Leyland, which aims to enter the Top 10 CV makers club, is scouting for partnerships and strategic ties to successfully ride the EV era. We speak to Dr Seshu Bhagavathula, president, New Technologies and Business Initiatives.
For higher range, EVs will necessarily have to be lightweight. Or 'rightweight' as Tata Technologies would have it. Anand Bhade, president - APAC Sales & Global Marketing, reveals how the 5R Rightweighting formula can pay dividends to automakers.
The right idea is something which clicks in the marketplace. Pune-based entrepreneurs Chetan and Aditi Walunj's idea to manufacture diesel-dispensing bowsers for doorstep delivery of the fuel to commercial consumers has seen success in a short span of time. Their conviction in the business and their start-up Repos Energy has also seen Ratan Tata invest in the future potential of the company. We have the inside story.
All this and lots more from the past fortnight.

South India, which encompasses Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and now Telangana, is a thriving hub of vehicle and component manufacturing. Be it cars, two-wheelers, commercial vehicles or the component supply chain, South India has it all. Autocar Professional’s August 1 issue is a microcosm of the region, which is now seen making a shift to the needs of new-age mobility. 
Proof of that change is revealed in an exclusive interview with industry veteran N Venkataramani, Director of the Amalgamations Group. We also speak to Dr Aravind Bharadwaj, CTO – Farm Equipment Sector and R Velusamy, Senior VP – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, to learn how engineers and R&D are helping the OEM drive ahead in these disruptive times.

Find out why Nexteer Automotive, the US-based steering and driveline parts supplier, is bullish on its make-in-India operations. Or how vehicle cockpit electronics major Visteon’s army of Indian engineers is helping is working on several global projects in autonomous, shared and connected mobility.

Come along with us as we visit Tata Motors’ plant in Dharwad, which shows the way ahead in sustainable manufacturing. And to Ashok Leyland’s Namakkal Driver Training Institute, which is developing a new generation of safe truck drivers. Plus, learn the latest on Daimler’s BharatBenz and Scania in the Indian market.

Plenty of content on e-mobility too as we reveal Ather Energy’s innovative marketing strategy, Ampere Vehicles’ game-plan to become a national player, and raise the curtain on four start-ups in the EV space – Altigreen Propulsion Labs and Lithium Urban Technologies from Bangalore, & EMF Innovations and Srivaru Motors from Coimbatore.
Lots of exciting industry news too from the last fortnight.

As the buzz about EVs gets louder in the Indian market and with the Union Budget giving a new charge to e-mobility, OEMs are rejigging their new product plans.

While Hyundai has launched the Kona, India’s first long-range electric SUV with a 452km travel range, the big news is of the Korean carmaker’s Indian and Korean R&D centres  developing an India-specific ‘small EV’.  Our cover story reveals all.

Be it the IC industry, EV manufacturing or production of components, companies are looking at new ways and methodologies to optimise production. Autocar Professional’s Smart Manufacturing Conclave saw experts detail how digitalisation can enable speedy transformation in products and processes.

The first week of July saw two global majors – Continental and ZF – hold their Technology Day in Hanover and Dresden respectively. Our first-hand reports on both reveal the innovation factories.

The Interview of the Fortnight is with Kristin Trecker, Senior Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Visteon. She speaks on the challenges involved in spotting the right talent, motivating and providing a platform for employees for self-development, and India’s fast-growing role in Visteon’s global scheme of things.

The first fortnight of July was packed with news-making events starting with the Union Budget, rollout of Scania India’s new BS VI truck, DICV’s BS VI BharatBenz 5528TT and ending with TVS launching India’s first ethanol-powered motorcycle – the Apache RTR 200 Fi E100. It’s all there in this issue.

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May 15-2020

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APRIL 1-2020

MARCH 15-2020

MARCH 1-2020

FEBRUARY 15, 2020

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.

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Autocar Professional - February 15, 2013

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