Autocar Professional Magazine - March 01 2017

In this issue

The BS IV clock is ticking for both the two-wheeler and CV industries and OEMs are fast making the upgrade. The two-wheeler industry though is still divided on the interpretation of the BS IV deadline. While Bajaj Auto and Honda have already shifted to BS IV, others are debating about April 1 being the date of vehicle registration or the start of production. We speak to some key OEMs to find out what’s correct and what’s not.
Meanwhile, Eric Vas, president – Motorcycle Business, Bajaj Auto, reveals how the company went about taking the lead in BS IV compliance, why the company is bullish on its most powerful motorcycle – the Dominar 400, and why Indian two-wheeler companies should dominate the world market.
Demonetisation, as is known, blew the winds out of the sails of the two-wheeler industry. While most OEMs preferred to take a wait-and-watch position, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India rode back to normalcy within only a couple of weeks. Find out how HMSI strategised a quick recovery in a time of demonetisation.
There are a good number of exclusive interviews in this issue. Jayant Davar, co-chairman and MD of Sandhar Technologies, speaks on investment plans, new product lines and joint ventures. Sona Group’s CEO Sunjay Kapur reveals the new focus on expanding the precision forgings business, growing the bevel gear operation and also diversifying into electric axles, among many new plans aimed at accelerating growth.
The past fortnight saw plenty of industry activity, exemplified by Maruti Suzuki India throwing open the doors to its state-of-the-art R&D facility in Rohtak which houses a number of test tracks and evaluation laboratories.
That's not all. The news pages are abuzz with exciting industry information.