Autocar Professional Magazine - November 1, 2018

In this issue

With BS VI norms barely 17 months away, and megatrends like in-vehicle connectivity, ADAS and electrification among others grabbing automakers' time and attention, companies engaged in automotive R&D and testing of vehicles and components are busier than ever before.

R&D teams, both at OEMs and component suppliers, are working not only on BS VI projects but also on the megatrends of electric mobility, connected vehicle technologies, and shared mobility. And then there's autonomous driving too to prepare for. Reason enough for Autocar Professional to come up with this Automotive R&D and Testing Special. Come along for the exciting drive as we reveal the plentiful innovations and advances that some farsighted companies have achieved.

Tata Motors, which is riding a huge wave of demand for both its passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, is putting its shoulder to the R&D wheel of R&D to come up with game-changing products. According to Rajendra Petkar, Chief Technology Officer, Tata Motors, "Our focus is going to be on building technology, capability, scale and capacities in R&D to be able to ride emerging trends."

As new vehicles emerge out of company production lines, there is a growing need for comprehensive testing within India. And NATRIP has just that at NATRAX (Indore), iCAT (Manesar), and GARC (Chennai). And it's planning to set up an EV charger testing facility, as Neeti Sarkar, CEO and Project Director, NATRiP, tells Autocar Professional in an interview.

The past fortnight saw plenty of new product launches and reveals on two and four wheels. We bring you first-hand report on all, plus an exciting news section.