As businesses get ready to recoup lost ground, Autocar Professional’s September 15 issue delves into how future-ready is India Auto Inc as it sets off on the road to revival. This issue gets you the highs, lows and the game changers for tomorrow in a crisp, comprehensive and cohesive coverage of the action across the automotive world.
The 64-page cracker of an edition also tracks all the new launches across the automotive space along with the trends to follow as we march towards sustainability.
Localisation mantra for revival
September saw the coming together of some of India automobile sector’s biggest conventions and industry leaders came out in full force with their mantra to manage growth.
- The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers resonated the national mood with their 60th annual convention revolving around the theme of ‘Rebuilding The Nation, Responsibly.’ While the industry outlined its challenges, a flurry of Ministers assured them that they have Government support in terms of sops, policy changes and incentives.
- The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex body representing India’s auto component manufacturing industry which was also hosting its 60th Annual Convention called for a greater push towards localisation. Industry veterans Dr Pawan Goenka shared his mantra for revival while Dr Pawan Munjal outlined the three Cs that component manufacturers have to befriend.
- Meanwhile the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, at its 56th annual general meeting identified digitisation as the driver for sustainable demand. The new president Vinkesh Gulati shares his outlook for the future.
- ACMA-McKinsey study charts out the growth strategy and highlights how India Auto Inc can make the most of the supply chain shifts underway globally. The study outlines innovation and collaboration as the flag bearers for India Inc’s onward journey.
- But it was also a time for some reality check. As Ministries and government representatives are calling the shots, perhaps it is also time for some introspection for key industry bodies like SIAM on how they script their roles going forward.
New Launches
The buzz at the box offices might be little tepid but its raining new launches across the automotive world.
- Ashok Leyland takes the LCV route as its looks to come out of the longest slowdown phases in the commercial vehicle segment and launches the Bada Dost. Built 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. Company says it is globally competitive and cost effective too.
E-mobility
But that’s not only buzz from the electric mobility universe. It is up and agog with several new and interesting developments.
- Grinntech, an IIT-Madras incubated start up has now unveiled its range of high-tech batteries that are customised for India and IoT-enabled BMS to power a wide variety of mobility solutions including two- and three-wheelers, cars, LCVs and tractors.
- Danish firm and BMS solution provider, Lithium Balance is betting big on India. The company’s sales director, Kasper Torpe says ‘India has the potential to become a world leader in electric two-wheelers based on lithium-ion batteries.’
- Scandinavian start-up, Volta Trucks unveils its new offering, Volta Zero- the world’s first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne commercial vehicle. It targets inner-city freight distribution.
India on Nissan’s radar
The Japanese automobile major is looking for a strong foothold in India and a sustainable growth strategy. While the performance of its next launch, Magnite in January 2021, will determine the fate of the company’s India strategy,
- COO Ashwani Gupta says that electrification of cars in India is only a matter of time. Need to look at what value customers see in it and the tipping points. According to him, electrification should give more driving excitement and not just zero emission.
- Kei Kyu, Future Design Director, Global Design Centre, Nissan Motor Co details out his insights about the Indian consumers in the Magnite’s designing journey and the challenges they faced.
First Drive
The Kia Sonet promises the ultimate luxury ride within a budget but is it really worth the Millennial’s moolah? Join us on the exciting first drive on the soon to be launched Sonet.
News Buzz
But that is not all, this issue is filled with nuggets of new exciting developments from across the automotive world.
- Ceat Tyres is readying itself for at least four new launches as it is aggressively looking at expanding its tyre-prints across OEMs and exports in the road to revival.
- Endurance Technologies is betting big on its recent association with TVS Motor as the component maker looks to strengthen the orderbook.
But that is not all. This issue is filled with all the latest development from across the country. Ensure you get your copy.
How you can read this issue
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