Autocar Professional magazine – March 1 is out!

The BS IV clock is ticking for both the two-wheeler and commercial vehicle industry. With just 31 days to go before BS IV emission norms become mandatory for these two key vehicle segments, OEMs are fast making the upgrade.

The two-wheeler industry though is still divided on the interpretation of the BS IV deadline. While an OEM like Bajaj Auto has already made the upgrade to all its models earlier this year and Honda is to begin manufacture of BS IV models from tomorrow, there are others who are debating about April 1 being the date of vehicle registration versus the start of production of plants. We speak to some key OEMs to find out what’s correct and what’s not.

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview, Eric Vas, president – Motorcycle Business, Bajaj Auto, reveals how the company went about taking the lead in BS IV compliance, why the company is bullish on its most powerful motorcycle – the Dominar 400, and why Indian two-wheeler companies should dominate the world market.

Demonetisation, as is known, blew the winds out of the sails of the two-wheeler industry. While most OEMs preferred to take a wait-and-watch position, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India rode back to normalcy within only a couple of weeks. We reveal how HMSI strategised a quick recovery in a time of demonetisation.

The two-wheeler market is also seeing OEMs invest in electric mobility. Okinawa Autotech is the latest with its Ridge scooter.

And, in our monthly trends analysis, we take a close look at Uttar Pradesh, the mover and shaker of two-wheeler sales in the country.

Two-wheeler component suppliers are the mainstay of OEMs. Now, Tier 1 vendors like Endurance Technologies are looking to climb up the value chain. This Aurangabad-based supplier is now building a 29-acre proving ground that will help enhance its technical and engineering capabilities.

We also speak to Jayant Davar, co-chairman and MD of Sandhar Technologies, which is betting big on a host of expansion programmes, in India and abroad. This multi-component supplier is to set up three plants for manufacturing quality helmets in association with HJC Helmets of the USA, along with other new product lines and joint ventures.

The Sona Group, one of India's oldest auto component suppliers, is driving a new growth paradigm. We speak to CEO Sunjay Kapur about the new focus on expanding the precision forgings business, growing the bevel gear operation and also diversifying into electric axles, among many new plans aimed at accelerating growth.   

The past fortnight saw plenty of industry activity, exemplified by Maruti Suzuki India throwing open the doors to its state-of-the-art R&D facility in Rohtak which houses a number of test tracks and evaulation laboratories. 

Honda Cars India too made its presence felt with the launch of the new City. Find out why the new City is more important to the Japanese carmaker than ever before.  

That's not all. The news pages are abuzz with exciting industry information. So, if you're keen to stay abreast of the latest in the automotive world – read Autocar Professional. 

Where to buy?
Autocar Professional magazine is available through all good newsagents and for download from Magzter. 

You can also buy one-off copies – contact Ganesh at ganesh@haymarket.co.in. Alternatively, never miss an issue – subscribe to Autocar Professional magazine today. It's essential reading for the automotive industry.