Autocar Professional's July 1 issue out now

This fortnight’s issue will keep you busy for the next fortnight. The regular industry news and features-filled 56-page issue is accompanied by a 44-page Indo-German Auto Industry Special. 

Innovation and India are today connected buzzwords in the global automotive world. Chennai-based Comstar Automotive Technologies is one among many Indian component makers which are achieving success at light weighting products. This time around, the company has slashed a starter motor’s weight by 500 grams using alternate materials and an optimised design. Our cover story reveals just how.

ACMA, the Indian auto component industry’s apex body, is optimistic about achieving 8-12% year-on-year growth in FY2016-17. A detailed, statistic-filled report analyses the industry’s performance in 2015-16 and how component supplies to OEMs – in India and overseas markets – stack up.

Car dealers in India are also bullish on growth. Even as OEMs do their bit to drive up sales, the latest JD Power India Dealer Satisfaction Study shows that carmakers like Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, Renault India and Honda Cars India are more adept at keeping their dealers happy.

The fourth Tyrexpo India trade fair was held last month in New Delhi. The event saw a number of Chinese tyremakers and distributors aiming for a slice of the humongous India market, particular for passenger car and truck and bus radials.

Safety is an ongoing topic in Autocar Professional. This issue provides the latest update on road accidents in the country, the government’s efforts at reducing fatalities and what can be done to make Indian roads safer.

As is known, Chinese automakers have stated their intent to be global leaders in driverless technology. Autocar Professional gets a first-hand experience of a driverless car – a Changan Auto sedan in Chongquing, China.

Make In India is now a national movement and also a production mantra for many a multinational in India. Suzuki Motorcycle India assembles the Hayabusa at its Gurgaon plant. Find out how the superbike is assembled, bit by bit, in a glitzy photofeature.

Celebrating Indo-German partnership in Auto

India and Germany share a solid business relationship and the auto industry is where there are a number of collaborations.

In an exclusive interview, Hubert Reilard, president of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce and MD of the Bangalore-based EFD Induction, speaks on the growing connect between the two strong economies and the proposed FTA with Europe, among other interesting issues.

In India, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW battle it out for the luxury car buyer. We speak to Audi India’s Joe King to find out the carmaker’s India growth strategy, learn how Mercedes-Benz is fast upping the game and reveal BMW plans to increase its localisation levels from the existing 50 percent.

Automotive components is where the Indo-German trade story is at its best, be it Bosch, Continental, Vector Informatik, MANN+HUMMEL, Schaeffler, Knoor-Bremse, Brose, ZF, Freudenberg, Blaupunkt or Voith. Find out the latest developments at these firms even as they adroitly drive the Make In India programme.

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.

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