Autocar Professional: May 1, 2018 issue out now 

India's commercial vehicle market, considered the barometer of a country’s economy, is firing on all cylinders. In FY2018, the segment sold an overall 856,453 units, notching 19.94 percent YoY growth. Market leader Tata Motors, which sold 376,456 units (+23.18%) or 44 percent of this total, is now targeting greater traction in the fast-growing intermediate light commercial vehicle market (ILCV). GST implementation, boom in the e-commerce market and accruing benefits from the hub-and-spoke model of transportation is seeing demand grow rapidly for LCVs which can be customised to different applications.  

Sensing an opportunity to grow faster, Tata Motors has launched the 14-strong Ultra range of ILCVs, powered by newly developed 3- and 5-litre TurboTronn engines, and customisable to over 50 applications. Our cover story reveals the full details of the product plan and the growth strategy. Expect the competition to come up with its own ILCV arsenal now.

The CV industry in India could have a new contender – in a new segment – in the near future. Lubricant major Shell, in association with Gordon Murray Design, is bringing the world’s first flat-pack truck by Q4 2018. The 99hp, low-cost, all-terrain mobility truck can be assembled from a flat-pack kit in less than 12 hours. It is designed to carry a payload of around 1,900kg (around twice the capacity of most pickups) and can seat up to 13 people. This initiative is part of Shell’s strategy of looking beyond pure lubes business as it enhances its connect with the digital world, e-commerce, synthetic oils and premium cars.

Meanwhile, Mahindra & Mahindra, whose stable is packed with diesel-engined vehicles, remains bullish on the fuel, which it feels has been hugely demonised. In fact, it is confident that when BS VI emission norms kick in from April 2020, M&M will bounce back, BS VI diesel being a cleaner fuel compared to petrol.    

Last week saw Castrol India introduce its new Magnatec engine oil with Dualock technology, which it claims can provide non-stop engine protection for passenger cars, not only during warm up but also during stop-start driving conditions. With the passenger vehicle and two-wheeler markets seeing smart momentum, the company is bullish on demand growing at a rapid pace.

 Sun Mobility, the Bangalore-based start-up, is doing all it takes to energise the electric vehicle eco-system in India. Having showcased its integrated battery swapping mechanism on Ashok Leyland’s Circuit electric bus at the Auto Expo, the company revealed its Quick Interchange Station for swapping two- and three-wheeler batteries. We also speak to vie-chairman Chetan Maini, who firmly believes removing the cost of the battery from the EV will draw buyers to this form of green motoring.  

Another company that’s bullish on the EV space is Tata Technologies, which helped China’s NIO develop the ES8 all-aluminium, electric vehicle showcased at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show. In our Interview section, Warren Harris, MD and CEO, Tata Technologies, reveals what went into its development, how the company’s technologies can benefit OEMs which are working with connected vehicles, hybrids and EVs, among other issues.

ACMA, India’s apex component industry body, is organising the first-ever Value Chain Summit in Gandhi Nagar from May 18-19. ACMA's director general Vinnie Mehta speaks to Autocar Professional on the upcoming event, how Gujarat is gearing up for future growth the auto industry, why India needs more auto hubs, and why suppliers need to collaborate in a disruptive era.

Gujarat is where Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, one of the world’s largest vehicle interior materials manufacturers, has a plant in Sanand. Varadan Devanathan, president of Yanfeng Automotive Interiors India, strongly believes cabin interiors will undergo profound changes and why India is a potential market for all innovations and technologies.

FY2018 was a bumper year for India Auto Inc. In a comprehensive analysis, we reveal the winners and losers among PVs, India's best-selling motorcycles and scooters, and how goods carriers are driving the fortunes for CV OEMs.

All this plus an exciting News section in this 72-page issue.

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