Automotive industry leaders discuss the visible growth in the automotive industry along with reaping the benefits of the emerging industrial trends with latest technologies.

Automation has been keying the industry to take leaps in automotive manufacturing. Adoption of indigenous manufacturing and latest technological innovations have nurtured the sector’s overall financial growth. However, with the invention of sophisticated technologies like automation, IIoT and 3D technology, among others, the Indian automotive industry is reaching new heights. With intensifying demand in the automotive industry, it is now imperative to have an uninterrupted supply.

Trends in automotive sector shifting with advanced automation

If you look at the history of automation in the automotive sector, the first areas that got automated were hazardous sectors like painting and welding. This has largely to do with reducing the hazards and number of people with a speed which is fairly well-settled now, as most of the painting/welding activities has been largely automated. The second aspect of automation is the line assembly and automation of assembly itself, where the product moves from station to station. On this note, Ramesh TK, CEO, Ace Micromatic Machine Tools Pvt. Ltd. says, “The work that needs to be done now is connectivity and data analytics. This data analytics is not from the market perspective, but from the management perspective, ratability or right from assembling and final dispatch; because they all come from the safety aspect, this is the area where automation is happening towards its end. We still need to have active involvement of automation in the designing perspective, as the designing remains to be a non-automated process largely. ”

The entire automotive system has been divided into subsystems, where you have transmission systems, cabin interiors, stylish dashboards and engines, among others. These systems are completely independent and easy to access. The design and tools that control the designs must be modular, as it supports the entire functionality of a vehicle. Babu further says, “With the mixture of modular tools and modular designs, we can obsolete the previous and existing car models quickly, whilst introducing the new car variants in minimum time frame. This further helps in rearranging the entire supply chain ecosystem for smooth delivery of new orders. This is the need of the hour and the entire automotive industry is transforming with this scheme in its own way.”

Automation also allows a common assembly line for different models to be managed by various sets of robots. The most important thing is to use a common assembly line for multiple models managed by different set of robots with least human intervention to ensure compatibility. The modular approach and common assembly line driven by tools and automation is helping the automotive industry to combat slowdown and ensure growth.
Elaborating on the capabilities of automation, Sameer Gandhi, MD, Omron Automation, India feels that the auto manufacturing sector is driven by varied KPIs like design and energy optimisation, finest asset utilisation, big data and analytics (connected supply chains and shop floors), worker and machine safety and zero-defect production, and has shown good adoption rates for varied automation technologies falling under the ambit of Industry 4.0, IoT and robotics.

One of the notable applications amongst these is the total traceability solution. It renders the ability to trace and verify the history, location, or application of an item by means of documented recorded identification. Having a close interface with IIoT, this solution holds lot of significance for the automotive industry.

Improving precision manufacturing

One of the major advantages of automation is that it is very durable with variability, which is not the case with humans. From the western perspective, automation is a basic necessity owing to the unavailability of required manpower. But India has surplus manpower, so automation has to be applied in ways where manpower is not affected.

Discussing the significance of the human factor, Ramesh asks if everything is mechanised, then what will people do and where will the PPP offer be applied? He says, “From the Indian perspective, we still have a large population that needs manufacturers to do certain manual content, which is the livelihood and also increases the PPP of our country. Whether it is the automation or mass manufacturing industry, the process of eliminating people must be stopped. In fact, we should update our manpower to automation. Everybody from the world is coming to India with the expectation to grow. We need to support that.”

However, according to Babu, “Precision in the automotive industry is driven by tools where human intervention has to be low. Different level of precision applies to different equipment. I would say that automation is a requirement born out of precision and human fatigue point of view.” With automation liberating some tasks, humans obtain more scope and freedom to focus more on higher-level and creative tasks that demand more complex skills, and for this a well-structured plan to evolve and upgrade their skill sets is also needed. Noting the same, Gandhi says, “Automation helps improve the precision and repeatability of a given task. But, the idea is to achieve the best harmony between humans and machines, between the power and precision of automation or robots and the problem-solving ability of humans to achieve greater productivity and achieve something which is beyond human capabilities.”

3D printing in automotive

3D printing is an absolutely different application with a different perspective, and today it is predominantly used for prototyping. It is said to be the best fit in certain areas, but it is yet to meet the requirements of the industry in terms of real application. 3D printing involves both design and manufacturing and is a different aspect of both, where an assembly or a component is completely resigned to a system.

Babu states, “We have executed several projects by redesigning fuel injection pump, hydraulic manifold, among others. Moreover, 3D printing has eased the assembling process by cutting down the requirement of 30 parts to almost 6. Still the composition of material and purchasing of adhesives and laser must comply with 3D printing standards to use them in an extended market. Predominantly, hydraulics used in block manifolds is delivered in 3D printing and in several automotives.”

To sum it up, usually, aftermarket and spares for automotive parts is a major market, while the repair market, especially for automobiles, is enormous. This is a market additive manufacturing, which is being added to the aftermarket for providing value-added services to consumers. Apart from these spares, especially for replacements in case of damage or fault, there is a budding market for customised components where consumers are also willing to pay a premium.

I think automotive designing still remains to be a non-automated process at large, and automation can reinstate designing with a single touch.
Ramesh TK, CEO, Ace Micromatic Machine Tools Pvt. Ltd.

Precision in the automotive industry is driven by tools where human intervention has to be low.
Sharadhi Babu, Chief Executive Officer, AXISCADES

The modular approach, automation, and common assembly line is helping the automotive industry to take leaps in industrial growth.
Sameer Gandhi, MD, Omron Automation, India

TS Govt to set up EV Automobile Centric Centre of Excellence at Zaheerabad which will be named after Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and will skill local youth for EV Industry job-ready.

KT Rama Rao, Minister for IT, Industries & Commerce, MA & UD, Govt of Telangana launches Telangana’s first plug-and-play EV Park and Two and Three Wheeler Electric Vehicles produced by Vayu Motors and Zero 21 in a function held at MG Automative’s EV Park in Zaheerabad.

EV (Electrical Vehicles) Park is the first of its kind in Telangana state. It has an incubation centre for EV startups which can leverage MG’s manufacturing capabilities & infrastructure. It is already incubating enterprises like Padmaja Greentech and Zero 21 Renewable Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. MG EV Park is interacting with a few other EV Start-ups to help launch their businesses and wants to be a catalyst in developing fossil-free transport solutions.

He also unveiled Two models of New Two Wheelers (Scooters), Low-Speed Retro and High-Speed Pace. Retro is a city speed scooter designed for Indian Conditions. With an LFP battery pack, developed with a smart BMS, Retro is a safe and robust product. The pace is a performance scooter, developed using highly reliable LFP battery pack architecture. With a top speed of 70 kmph, it is the most desirable scooter in terms of safety, design and reliability. These two EV Scooters are manufactured using safe and proven LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate), Battery Packs.

Four different models of Three Wheelers were launched under the brand name

A total of 4 vehicles shall be launched under the brand name Zero 021. This is first of its kind, indigenously designed and developed Fiber Reinforced Plastic 3 wheeler EV Passenger vehicles. The electric three-wheelers include Teer and Smart Mule-X. While the former is a high-speed passenger vehicle and the latter is a good carrier. Chargers for EVs were also launched for buses and four-wheelers, including fast chargers for buses and cars.

Speaking on the occasion KT Rama Rao congratulated the young entrepreneurs behind launches. The future of world transportation will be sustainable Mobility. It will be EV Mobility. The difference between conventional vehicles and electric vehicles is they are computers on wheels. They are battery-driven.

The automobile industry in the past was concentrated in a few pockets like Chennai and Pune. Now thanks to our futuristic EV policy, Zaheerabad is emerging as the hub for not just automobiles but also EV Vehicles. keeping this in mind and the demand for a skilled workforce, we will establish an Automobile Centric Centre of Excellence which will be named after former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, KTR announced. So that more localities will be automobile job-ready.

Earlier welcoming the gathering Amit Kamat said Telangana State’s EV Policy gave impetus to the Industry. He highlighted their journey in the state. We employ 1500 people. So far our plants in the state delivered 1.25 lakh buses and special coaches. Speaking about MG EV Park he said it is futuristic and will help many startups reduce the gestation period in their entrepreneurial journey in bringing out new automobile products. These two and three-wheeler Electric Vehicles unveiled were manufactured by two start-ups Padmaja Greentech founded by Amit Reddy. The three-wheelers are manufactured by Zero 021, a startup founded by Mr Rani Reddy, a US returned former with Tesla.

Padmaja Greentech, an Electrical Vehicles Company, which manufactures “Vayu Motors” brand EV Vehicles for the past four years. The launch was graced by Amit Mohan Kamat, MD of MG Group. A 26 years old MG Group is Bus Builder for Mercedes, Volvo, Mahindra, Eicher, Ashok Leyland and Scania.

The other guests include Mr. K.R. Suresh Reddy, Member of Rajya Sabha; Mr. Puvvada Ajay Kumar, Minister for Transport, Govt of TS; Mr. BB Patil, Mr. GallaJayadev, Members of Parliament; Mr. K. Manik Rao, MLA, Zaheerabad and Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, IC & IT, Govt of TS. Mr. Rani Srinivas said, India has tremendous demand for commuter and logistics transportation which is effectively serviced by three-wheelers across various cities. However, there has not been much Innovation. We at Zero21 want to rapidly transform this segment and introduce features and services.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced that it has decided to drastically restructure its automotive-equipment business in accordance with a resolution adopted at the company’s Executive Officers’ Meeting.

The restructure is designed to streamline decision-making in the business and accelerate the transformation of the company’s automotive-equipment business in the face of rapid changes in this industry, including the shift to connected, autonomous,  shared & service, and electric (CASE). Under the plan, Mitsubishi Electric now aims to spin off its automotive-equipment business in order to improve operational efficiency and restructure the business portfolio for greater profitability.
Last year, Mitsubishi Electric introduced a new Business Area structure to strengthen the company’s business portfolio by reorganizing it into business areas that have the delegated authority needed to act with speed and efficiency.

As a first major step in CASE-related businesses, including electrification and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which have promising market potential and will require very high levels of investment, Mitsubishi Electric is seeking to collaborate with excellent partners that offer technological synergies. Focusing strategically on these fields and leveraging Mitsubishi Electric’s cutting-edge technologies is expected to put the automotive-equipment business on a stronger growth trajectory. Second, in fields where Mitsubishi Electric has competitive advantages, such as electric power-steering system products, strategies will focus on cost reduction and efficiency enhancement, reviewing business terms with customers, including to accelerate price shifting, and reallocating resources to the most profitable projects and models.

Third, Mitsubishi Electric plans to promptly discontinue problematic automotive-equipment businesses, such as car multimedia, in light of the anticipated difficulty in improving profitability, as well as other factors, in these businesses.

Details of the structural reforms and their specific effects will be disclosed as soon as they are finalized. The spinoff will take the form of a company split, but the specific method and other details have not yet been finalized. The exact timing also has not been determined, but the goal is to establish a new automotive-equipment company within one year from today. Information on these matters will be disclosed as soon as final determinations are made. Mitsubishi Electric expects the spinoff to have only a minor impact on its consolidated financial results

The global automotive software market is expected to grow significantly, with a projected CAGR of 18.13 percent until 2028.

According to a report published by Verified Market Research, the Automotive Software Market is experiencing continuous evolution and growth due to various factors and technological advancements. The market is witnessing a surge in demand driven by the increasing number of connected cars, innovative technologies for advanced user interfaces, and the growing use of electronic vehicle applications. Additionally, the rising popularity of electric vehicles and the adoption of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) contribute to the market’s expansion. The report projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.13 percent for the market from 2021 to 2028, with an estimated value of USD 94.06 Billion by the end of the forecast period, compared to USD 24.98 Billion in 2020.

Adopting advanced technologies in passenger cars worldwide, especially autonomous driving and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, has created a strong demand for automotive software. This demand is further fueled by the impact of open-source platforms and standardization, which have led to cost reductions in application and firmware development, expanding the overall market. Automotive software is undergoing significant technological advancements, focusing on automotive infotainment systems, leading to intense competition based on the software or operating system used. Operating systems such as Windows CE, Android, Apple OS, QNX, and Linux-based OS are widely supported in vehicles.

Key growth drivers in the Automotive Software Market include:

• The adoption of ADAS features.
• The rapid integration of connected vehicles.
• Government initiatives to develop infrastructure for connected driving.

With features such as blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and park assist, ADAS is expected to be the largest application segment during the forecast period.

The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest market share in the Automotive Software Market, primarily driven by the increasing demand for connected services in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. The tech-savvy population in these regions seeks safe and connected driving experiences, further boosting the market growth.

After a thorough and demanding evaluation process, Centrica has chosen TVS SCS as its preferred service partner to manage and transform its crucial supply chain operations.

TVS Supply Chain Solutions (TVS SCS) is a global supply chain solutions provider with an FY 23 revenue of over $1.2 bn. It is one of the largest and fastest growing integrated supply chain solutions providers in India according to the report titled ‘Logistics and Supply Chain Solutions Market in India’ prepared by Red Seer announced that it has secured a business deal from the iconic Centrica plc–an FTSE100 company with annual revenues of £34bn and UK’s leading energy services and solutions company that also operates British Gas -for their supply chain transformation. This deal is for 7 years plus option years.

After a rigorous evaluation process, Centrica found TVS SCS to be the right service partner to manage and transform its supply chain operations. TVS SCS, on its part, will provide its global supply chain expertise and offer a suite of its in-built, state-of-the-art proprietary IT systems –Msys – and automate the supply chain in line with Centrica’s business requirements. 

Ravi Viswanathan, Managing Director, TVS Supply Chain Solutions says, “The trust shown by Centrica (British Gas), to us through this deal demonstrates our capabilities and expertise in the world of supply chain solutions. I am sure this partnership with Centrica will add value to their energy services and solutions business, British Gas, through our tech-enabled supply chain solutions. We look forward to a fruitful and enduring collaboration that will benefit both the organisations and make a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve.”

David House, Chief Operating Officer, British Gas, said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with TVS SCS, a renowned leader in their field, as we embark on a transformative journey in our supply chain management. This strategic collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Centrica as we enhance our capabilities to deliver exceptional energy services and solutions to our valued customers. We are confident that TVS SCS’ solutions will enable us to create a seamless customer experience and drive operational efficiency. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will unlock new opportunities and drive growth.”

This transformational deal will enable Centrica to consolidate its logistics footprint through a new Centre of Excellence campus, supported by state-of-the-art automation; digital ordering and fulfilment; end-to-end visibility and planning; and a flexible final mile delivery and returns service.

TVS SCS, through its UK operations, manages Circa 3 million items per day for customers across automotive, beverage, defence, healthcare, rail, and utility sectors. These clients rely on TVS SCS’ ability to create and manage a resilient supply chain that actively mitigates the risk of supply from global disruptions. 

It offers a range of solutions, including consultancy, product data management, strategic purchasing, data analytics, inventory management, warehousing, and last-mile delivery. TVS SCS operates through 45 locations across the UK with around 3000 employees. 

The 63rd Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) places sustainable mobility at its forefront, featuring key insights and government initiatives for a greener automotive future.

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex body representing leading automobile manufacturers of the country, commemorated its 63^rd Annual Convention deliberating on the way ahead for Sustainable Mobility.

On the Occasion of 63^rd SIAM Annual Convention Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi in his message mentioned that for over six decades SIAM has been serving the Nation admirably. He said India is the 5^th largest economy and is soon poised to reach top 3. Hon’ble Prime Minister also noted Indian Auto Industry’s efforts towards decarbonization through introduction of vehicles with wide range of powertrain technologies. By 2047, we aspire to realize the vision of building a sustainable, self-reliant, strong and developed India. 

The inaugural session, themed “Sustainable Mobility – The Way Ahead for Indian Automobile Industry”, Chief Guest, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India commented, “In 2014, the global automobile sector was ranked 7th, but today, it has climbed to the 3rd position. The automotive sector serves as a growth engine for our nation, aligning perfectly with the honorable Prime Minister’s vision to elevate India from its current fifth largest economy in the world to third. Our ultimate goal is to become the world’s leading automobile hub.” He requested the auto industry to work on expeditiously increasing the share of green technologies, such as biofuels, electric and hydrogen. Higher use of biofuels will lead to aligning the auto industry’s approach with global biofuel alliance announced during the G20.

Guest of honor, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of Heavy Industries, Government of India said, “India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and reducing 1 billion tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030 aligns with the ambitious Amrit Kaal: Vision @ 2047.” He also announced that the Government of India has extended the PLI scheme by another year to enable the auto industry reap benefits of the incentives being provided for manufacturing advanced automotive technologies. 

During the session, Vinod Aggarwal, President of SIAM and Managing Director & CEO of Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd., underscored the imperative need for sustainable mobility to secure a better tomorrow. He mentioned, “Over the past two years, we’ve witnessed remarkable growth, with the industry’s current size standing at INR 12.46 lakh crores, including exports worth INR 3 lakh crores.” He highlighted the six pillars of sustainability on which the auto industry and SIAM is presently focussing with close association with Government of India viz. Javik Pahal (biofuel), Vidyutikaran (electrification), Gas Gatisheelta (gaseous fuels), Harit Hydrogen (Green Hydrogen), Chakriyata (Recycling) and finally Surakshit Safar (Safe Journey). He also mentioned the progress undertaken by the industry to increase its localisation content. 

Shailesh Chandra, Vice President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “The Government’s commitment to the Amrit Kal vision 2027, along with the imperative to achieve net-zero emissions, sets the stage for a forward-looking India. We are witnessing a remarkable transition towards electric vehicles (EVs), aligning our industry with global benchmarks. SIAM has embarked on a proactive journey, with a strong focus on biofuels and a future centered around green energies. SIAM’s commitment not only resonates with India’s environmental goals but also underscores our dedication to saving lives on the road. Our collective commitment to sustainability is the path toward a safer, more holistic future that lies ahead for the country.”

Wardwizard Group, a prominent player in the electric vehicle industry, announces key leadership appointments for their flagship brand ‘Joy e-bike’ to drive growth and innovation in the EV sector.

Wardwizard Group, a renowned name in the industry, proudly announces the appointment of new leaders for their flagship electric vehicle brand ‘Joy e-bike’, to spearhead the organization’s growth and innovation in the dynamic electric vehicle (EV) industry.

Mr. Tejas A Mehta, a seasoned Chartered Accountant with over two decades of dynamic financial leadership, has taken on the pivotal position of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Wardwizard Group. Previously, he made significant contributions at BSE Limited and Trackpoint GPS Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Mehta brings a wealth of experience, vital in refining financial strategies, strengthening internal controls, and shaping corporate planning. His extensive capabilities across diverse financial operations will play a critical role in guiding Wardwizard Group toward heightened growth and financial excellence.

Creating a difference in production, Mr. Sanjay Sablok, the newly appointed President, Operations at Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd, boasts an impressive three-decade-long career in operational excellence. An alumnus of Warwick University, UK, he held pivotal roles at Hero Motocorp, Tata Motors, and NEI Limited. He has extensive experience in production and operations management, with notable achievements including successfully establishing three greenfield plants for Tata Nano, relocating a plant from Singur to Sanand, and implementing World Class Quality (WCQ) practices across plants of Tata Motors’ while also serving as an Assessor for Tata Business Excellence Model (TBEM).

Speaking about the appointments, Mr. Yatin Gupte, Chairman and Managing Director, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd, said, “We are delighted to welcome these exceptional leaders to the WardWizard family. Their diverse experience and expertise, combined with our company’s values and vision, will help make a formidable team. Together, we will be accelerating our growth strategy, creating cutting-edge solutions, and solidifying our position as a driving force in the electric vehicle industry. We firmly believe in the power of leadership and innovation, and with this dynamic team, we are energized to achieve our ambitious goals, making sustainable mobility a reality. Collectively, we’re steering WardWizard towards new heights, driving excellence and pioneering the electric vehicle industry, setting a benchmark for clean and efficient transportation solutions.”

Mr. Tejas A Mehta, Chief Financial Officer, Wardwizard Group, said, ” I am deeply honoured to join Wardwizard Group, a pioneering organization in the industry. This role brings with it a wealth of opportunities and responsibilities for me to push EV expansion in the 

country. Wardwizard holds significant potential to facilitate the nation in realising its shift to green transportation. I am thrilled to embark on this new adventure and contribute to the broader vision of a sustainable future.

Mr. Sanjay Sablok, President, Operations at Wardwizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd, said, “It is an immense honor to join the ranks of Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd., a pioneering force in the industry. This role not only signifies a wealth of opportunities but also a profound responsibility to propel the nation towards a sustainable future through the expansion of electric vehicles. Wardwizard, with its vast potential, stands as a catalyst for India’s transition to eco-friendly transportation. I am exhilarated to embark on this transformative journey, dedicated to realizing our collective vision of a cleaner, greener tomorrow.”

Under Mr. Mehta’s capable leadership and financial expertise, Wardwizard Group is poised to strengthen its financial operations, guide strategic decision-making, and further its commitment to promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future for India’s mobility sector. Additionally, with the introduction of Mr. Sanjay Sablok, who brings a wealth of experience and proficiency to the team, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the company’s operational efficiency and leading growth initiatives.

Murata’s LLC series sets new standards in automotive capacitors, offering the world’s smallest 1µF capacitance with low ESL and ESR. These advanced components enhance circuit performance for ADAS applications.

Murata has extended their lead in the manufacture of multi-layer ceramic capacitors for automotive applications with the release of their LLC series. The components feature a reversed termination for low ESL and are in a world’s-first 0.18mm profile package. Footprint is just 0.5 x 1.0mm for 1µF capacitance making the parts the smallest in the market.

The LLC series uses Murata’s proprietary thin-layer forming and high-precision lamination technology, along with advanced material atomization and homogenization techniques to achieve about 20% reduction in component height compared with existing parts. This opens up the potential to more-easily fit the capacitors on the back-side of circuit boards, even amongst solder ball terminations, locating the parts in optimum positions for decoupling of processor power rails, close to the die. This in turn allows fewer capacitors to be used, saving cost, and increasing system reliability.

Along with their low ESR, the reduction in ESL achieved reduces the high-frequency impedance of the capacitors. This improves circuit performance to meet the requirements of modern, low-voltage, compute-intensive applications such as automotive advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

The automotive-grade LLC series complies with AEC-Q200 requirements, passing the 1000 temperature cycle test and temperature/humidity endurance test of 85°C at 80-85% humidity for 1000 hours.

Valeo and Qualcomm Technologies have joined forces to explore innovations for India’s 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler markets. Their collaboration aims to enhance safety and provide connected digital experiences for riders.

Valeo and Qualcomm Technologies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities to work together to innovate for the 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler segments in India. These collaborative efforts are an extension of the two companies’ long-term working relationship to deliver advanced computing units for telematics and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). 

In addition to helping deliver enhanced safety to 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers, the companies will leverage their rich and complementary portfolios to accelerate the adoption of cloud-connected digital services, leading to greater safety and an always-connected digital experience for riders. They will couple Snapdragon® Digital Chassis™ solutions for 2-wheelers and new vehicle classes from Qualcomm Technologies with Valeo technologies for display, telematics and sensors as well as the Group’s software expertise to develop a comprehensive solution that includes embedded cellular modems, connected displays, driver assistance features and connected clusters. 

These new features will enable riders to remain focused on the road while connected in real time to their favorite smartphone applications, navigation systems or cloud-based entertainment. Connectivity will also enhance the safety of the vehicle and the passengers on and off the road with real time traffic and potential risk on the road information as well as with software and cybersecurity updates and tracking monitoring of the 2- and 3-wheelers 

In India, 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers are fast-growing markets. Valeo and Qualcomm Technologies acknowledge the importance and value of the Indian ecosystem and market, with the presence of strong India-based players that are expanding abroad. The extended collaboration intends to leverage the strong local R&D presence of the two companies and the local manufacturing capabilities of Valeo. By working together, the companies expect to offer OEMs complete solutions based on the best-in-class automotive technologies. 

“We are excited to extend our work with Qualcomm Technologies to 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers. It is an important new step forward in our long-lasting collaboration. Valeo’s engineering and manufacturing presence in India coupled with Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions for 2-wheelers and new vehicle classes will allow us to locally design, develop and produce a new generation of a connected display matching to local requirements, and serve our local customers thus contributing to making mobility in India safer and more connected,” said Marc Vrecko, President of Valeo’s Comfort and Driving Assistance Systems Business Group. 

“For many years, Qualcomm Technologies has worked with Valeo to anticipate the needs of OEMs and deliver ADAS and advanced telematics systems to their vehicles. We are pleased to extend our collaboration endeavors to accelerate the digital transformation of the dynamic 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler markets in India by offering rider solutions with advanced safety features and highly personalized and safe user experiences,” said Nakul Duggal, senior vice president and general manager, automotive & cloud computing, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Having a local proximity is key to efficiently support customers in the design of complex systems for higher safety and enrich the riders’ digital experience. Valeo’s presence in India started 25 years ago to support Automotive OEMs and develop local technologies. Valeo now has more than 6500 employees including 3.200 engineers, 8 production sites and a global R&D center. Valeo India HQ is located in Chennai.

Tata Motors delivers the first batch of cutting-edge Ultra EV electric buses to Srinagar, marking a step towards sustainable public transport for Srinagar and Jammu Smart City projects.

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has announced the delivery of the first batch of state-of-the-art Ultra EV air-conditioned electric buses to Srinagar Smart City Limited. This delivery marks the initial step in a larger order to supply, maintain, and operate 100 electric buses in Srinagar and 100 electric buses in Jammu for a 12-year period as part of the Jammu and Srinagar Smart City projects. The collaboration is part of the Housing and Urban Development Department’s initiative to establish an environmentally and financially sustainable public transport network for Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.

The zero-emission electric buses are built on a next-generation architecture, featuring cutting-edge technology and advanced battery systems. They are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and convenient intra-city commute across Srinagar, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable urban mobility solution.

Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, lauded the initiative and highlighted the transformative impact of the electric buses on the city’s public transport system. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the support in making the project a reality.

Shri Prashant Goyal, Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, J&K, emphasized the significance of the project in improving the last-mile passenger transport system in Srinagar, easing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable urban development.

Shri Athar Aamir Khan, CEO of Srinagar Smart City Ltd, stated that the project marked a massive transformation in public transport in Srinagar and would decongest the city while providing reliable, affordable, and comfortable public transport options.

Mr. Asim Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Chairman of TML Smart City Mobility Solutions (J&K) Pvt Ltd, expressed his excitement about Tata Motors’ role in providing transformative, eco-friendly, and emission-free transport solutions for the region. He emphasized the company’s commitment to safer, smarter, and greener mobility solutions.

Tata Motors has a strong track record in supplying electric buses across India, with more than 1,000 electric buses deployed in various cities, collectively covering over 9.6 crore kilometers and maintaining an uptime of over 95%. The Tata Ultra EV sets new standards for urban city commuting, offering low energy consumption, operational efficiency, and advanced safety and comfort features.

The project reflects the commitment to cleaner public transport and contributes to the development of sustainable transportation solutions for urban passenger needs.

Mr. Sunil Pawar, Industry Business Consultant, Dassault Systemes

Bhavesh Mehta, Head – Sales, OMRON Automation

Prem Aruliah John, Business Head – Metrology Solutions, Blue Star Engineering & Electronics Limited

Shirish Joshi, Automotive Industry Expert, Ex Skoda VW, Tata Motors, General Motors

Prathamesh Patki, Chief Engineer, Altigreen

Anuj Budhiraja, Vice President, Phillips Machine Tools

Pranjal Mathur, Research Manager, DataM Intelligence 4Market Research LLP

Akshay Sasikumar, CEO – 82Volt Technology

Shashank Sathe, CTO- Chief Technology Officer, Magenta Mobility

K. Arunagiri, Head Business Development eMobility (Motor Vehicle Industry), Atlas Copco (India) Ltd.

Ajay Kavade, Senior General Manager, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited

Rajesh R Kumathekar, President, Advantek Fuel Systems

Uday Narang, Chairman – Anglian Omega Group & Omega Seiki Mobility

Neelam Pathak, Veteran in Automotive Industry

Shirish Kulkarni, Founder & MD, STROTA ConsulTech Pvt Ltd

Nasir Deshmukh – Sr. Vice President, Manufacturing Operations – Plant Head- M&M, Chakan Plant, Pune

Dr. Ravindra Utgikar-Vice President, Vice President – Corporate Strategy, Praj Industries Ltd.

E. Rajiv, Executive Director – IACEE. Rajiv, International Automotive Centre of Excellence

Shatyabrata Das, Sr. General Manager, IAC – International Automotive Components

Ravindra Gugale, Sr. GM Purchase, Tata Autocomp Systems Ltd