Autocar Professional July 15 issue – out now

Honda is making the most of India’s booming scooter market. HMSI, which has expanded production at its scooters-only plant in Gujarat, now also plans to add a new assembly line at its Karnataka facility.

We speak to president and CEO Keita Muramatsu and YS Guleria, senior VP (sales and marketing), and also depict how a scooter takes shape on the production line at the company’s Vithalapur plant.  

The upcoming BS VI norms also affect the two-wheeler industry, which will see conventional carburetor-equipped vehicles being replaced by advanced fuel injection systems. Our analysis reveals how the tech upgrade will impact prices, manufacturers’ plan of action and the challenge for component suppliers.

There’s more on the two-wheeler front. The TVS Jupiter scooter has turned out to be a game-changer and recently crossed the million sales mark. We speak to Aniruddha Haldar, VP (Marketing), on the growth plan ahead.

The monsoon’s arrived in the country and tractor makers, which have seen a tepid couple of years, are bullish on sales. Satish Nadiger, managing director of John Deere India, speaks on the company’s growth strategy, evolving farmers’ machine requirements, and the indigenous development of advanced JDLink technology which tracks the running time of a tractor.

Since Brexit happened, the automotive world has also been jolted with the decision. Our guest columnist – Dr Wilfried Aulbur, managing partner – India; chairman – Middle East & Africa; and head – Automotive Asia, Roland Berger – writes on the real-world impact of Brexit and Europe.

German sportscarmanufacturer Porsche is set to expand its dealer network in India, introduce new models and interestingly explore the used car business too. Find out more in our New Focus report.

Start-ups are making news the world over. Sanjay Bharti, a young IIT graduate, who left a top job in Tokyo, has returned to India aiming to change the way people buy cars. Will his disruptive model click?

Do you know future Range Rovers, Land Rovers and Jaguars will be able to read off-road surface changes, sense bumpy terrain and connect in off-road convoys? Our Technology News pages reveal that Jaguar Land Rover is working on a raft of technology that could enable its future production cars to drive autonomously off-road as well as on-road.

In the monthly sales analysis, we take a close look at how domestic market numbers are looking up and for whom. However, exports, particularly of two-wheelers, are sharply down. We present the facts and reveal the stats.

Plus, the fortnightly industry news that you shouldn’t miss.

Where to buy?

Autocar Professional magazine is available through all good newsagents and for download from Magzster.

You can also buy one-off copies of Autocar Professional magazine – contact Ganesh at ganesh@haymarket.co.in.

Alternatively, never miss an issue – subscribe to Autocar Professional magazine today.