Auto Expo 2014: ACMA, Fraunhofer to drive innovation mantra in Indian auto industry

To sensitise the Indian auto industry to adopt a culture of innovation, the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) and Fraunhofer Institute of Germany recently came together at the Auto Expo 2014 to discuss their aspirations and potential for future work at a conference organised jointly by them.

Key speakers from both organisations stressed upon the necessity for organisations to focus more towards innovation and develop a road map for the industry. They included Arvind Kapur, past president ACMA and chairman, ACMA Centre for Excellence; Srivats Ram, past president ACMA and chairman, ACMA Centre for Technology and Anandi Iyer, head, Fraunhofer Representative Office, India. Representing Fraunhofer at the seminar were Ruediger Heim, director of R&D division, Structural Durability, Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (LBF); Dr Manfred Dangelmaier, director, Business Area Engineering Systems, Fraunhofer IAO; Dr. Andreas Sterzing, director, Bulk Metal Forming, Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming (IWU); and Dr. KristianArntz, Head of Department, Laser Material Processing, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT);

All of them spoke about the dynamic needs of the automotive market the world over as also the requirements of customers. While the past three to five years have seen a systematic shift with organisations focussing more on engineering, design and technology, there is a critical need for innovation management as well.

Efficiency today across industry is key and a highly relevant ingredient for production technology and processes; this not only helps to build competitive advantages in the cluttered arena but it also impacts business success. To handle a slowdown, like the one industry is currently experiencing, there is a need to take cognizance of critical factors prevailing in the marketplace and sustain through optimisation and continuous improvisation. This will lead to business success which is a function of quality, productivity, flexibility as well as energy costs.