Autocar Professional – September 15 issue

Electric mobility is the future. In India too. If anybody had a doubt, the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's talk at the annual convention of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) earlier this month would have removed it. Even as the government bats for electric mobility, it is also calling the industry to embrace alternate fuels on a larger scale. Mr. Gadkari urged the industry to adopt ethanol and methanol, and move away from conventional fossil fuels. 

While the intent and vision of the government regarding its focus on environment and the reduction in fuel imports is clear, what industry seeks is a transparent and sustainable policy based on the stated intent. While the policy for future mobility is much needed, it may also be good if it is technology agnostic.

The automotive industry should be given clear targets and  be left to choose the means to reach the end on its own. For all you know India, with its rich talent pool, may spring a surprise or two in developing solutions to meet the problems of pollution and reliance of fuel import. That’s just what the September 15 issue’s cover story – the twin reports on the SIAM and ACMA conventions – convey.

We've also got an exclusive interview with NK Minda, the new president of ACMA and chairman and managing director of Minda Industries in his first media interaction since taking charge of the apex component body.  

The EV business and the potential business opportunities that are looming large are also attracting companies like Tata Technologies, which wits capabilities in reducing vehicle weight, is well placed to capitalise on this upcoming industry segment.   

The component industry is the backbone of the automobile sector and Tier 1 suppliers, which are notching new highs in India and globally, are gearing up for electro-mobility. We speak to Rohit Saboo, president and CEO of National Engineering Industries, who speaks on developing higher-quality bearings for EVs, increasing investment in R&D and eyeing technology driven acquisitions overseas. 

An issue focusing on electric mobility would be incomplete without the latest on the best-selling EV in the world: the Nissan Leaf. The Japanese carmaker launched the second-generation version on September 6, a model which promises improved range, refinement and performance. We bring you the facts and stats on the green machine that goes from 0-100kph in about 8 seconds. Yes, green can also be mean.   

Product Lifecycle Management or PLM is today the driving force for many automakers in India and globally. Siemens PLM Software, which recently held its global industry analyst conference in Boston, says it has what it takes to enable the auto industry to fully benefit from digitalisation. Our first-hand report reveals all.

Do you know that Tata Motors, which has embarked on an aggressive turnaround policy, is already making gains with its new 'Drona' and 'Acharya' exercises aimed at enhancing its engagement with commercial vehicle dealers and customers? We speak to Girish Wagh, head - CVs, Tata Motors, to know more about the art of how to win customers and influence dealers.

Do you also know that a gaming design company, PixtelTek is helping workers at Mahindra & Mahindra's Chakan plant to improve their spray painting accuracy while also reducing wastage? How? Through virtual reality tools. Read the two-pager to find out more.

Every mid-month issue of Autocar Professional contains a comprehensive analysis of the previous month's domestic market sales across vehicle segments. Find out who's up and who's down in August 2017 in our detailed report packed with stats and facts.  

There's plenty more in this issue including an exciting News section. Don't miss this essential reading of the fortnight.   

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