Autocar Professional – August 1 issue is out

The annual South India Special – a 100-pager – has rolled out of press. It packs a humongous mix of exciting industry news, in-depth features and a number of exclusive CEO interviews.

South India, a longstanding automotive hub of the country, is today a hotbed of technological innovation and vehicle production. We reveal how a clutch of leading suppliers are preparing to make the most of the business opportunity that is set to arise from the upcoming mandatory ABS norms for two-wheelers above 125cc. From Brakes India to Rane Brake Lining to Continental India, they are all actively engaged in developing ABS and related products that will drive the cause of safer motoring and reduce road accidents. 

It’s a month since the reformative Goods & Services Tax (GST) has come into force and it’s already having a positive impact on the industry. While passenger vehicle manufacturers have reported a smart uptick in sales, thanks to GST-driven price reductions, the big news is that with nearly 22 states abolishing interstate check-posts, there is freer transportation across the country. R Dinesh, TVS & Sons’ managing director, says that the logistics sector, which will see big gains in the future, is already experiencing a 10-12 percent reduction in freight transportation time since GST has come into force.

Automakers the world over are looking to reduce product development time and related costs. Bangalore-based vehicle engineering company Advanced Structures India shows how, using data, benchmarking, critical tools and validation, it can reduce time to market substantially.

Micrologic Integrated Systems, also of Bangalore, is driving growth on a similar mantra – albeit through automation. Find out how its products – ranging from semi-automatic machines for low-volume batches to fully automatic systems for high-volume production – are helping the automotive industry hike productivity.

Testing is another fast-growing industry segment and Dynaspede Integrated Systems of Hosur, which specialises in the design and manufacture of electro-mechanical components and sub-systems for mechatronics, is enabling industry through its import substitute testing systems.

Meanwhile, steel manufacturer SSAB, which has set up its India stock sourcing office in Bangalore, is bullish on growing demand for its advanced high-strength steel. Now, with upcoming new crash norms, the company hopes to include new applications in its India product list.

Future demand is also what Coimbatore-based Pricol is looking to make the most of. Three years before BS VI emission norms kick in, it has inked a license manufacturing agreement with USA’s Kerdea Technologies for 02 sensors for two- and three-wheelers.

Exclusive interviews
The August 1 issue also has top-notch interviews which are a must-read for all in the automotive industry.

Dr V Sumantran, chairman, Celeris Technologies and former executive director, Tata Motors and ex-vice-chairman, Hinduja Automotive, has co-authored a book on the future of mobility and the car, which will be out next month. In a freewheeling conversation, the technocrat talks on a host of issues including why policy on future and green mobility in India should adopt a multi-pronged approach and not bet on a single one.

Dr Berhard Klumpp, Continental’s executive vice-president (Business Unit Passive Safety and Sensorics) and member of the Management Board, speaks to Autocar Professional on manufacturing airbags and electronic brake systems locally, why India needs to have the latest life-saving technologies, and how the country’s sharper focus on safety spells a business opportunity for the company.

Lots more industry news and updates
The first issue of August also contains in-depth news analysis. Find out Skoda Auto India, backed by a young product line-up and an improved aftersales programme, is gunning for 30 percent growth in FY2018. Or how Hyundai is teaching first-time car owners in India to learn the art of DIY maintenance.

In the Analysis section, we lay bare – through facts and figures – how scooters are powering growth in the two-wheeler industry.

Plus, lot more to read in the News pages. Grab this issue – it will keep you busy for the next fortnight.  

Where to buy?
Autocar Professional  magazine is available through select newsagents and for digital 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.