Autocar Professional, May 1, 2017 issue – out now

The Indian passenger vehicle market, which in 2016-17 drove past the 3-million sales milestone for the first time, is also a very competitive marketplace. For automakers, who have to contend with changing consumer preferences, it is the SUV-ival of the fittest.

Yes, every OEM worth its wheels already has a SUV or two in its stable and the ones who don’t are rushing to introduce one. And, if it happens to be a compact SUV, so much the better. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ recently unveiling of the locally made Compass SUV is the global OEM’s newest bet to revive its struggling business in India. In a market which has seen SUVs notch 30 percent year-on-year growth, the Compass seems to be just what the doctor ordered. What’s more, the strategy to export it to right-hand drive markets would help FCA prop up and sustain the Indian subsidiary’s business.

The May 1 issue’s cover story on the Jeep Compass’ make-in-India strategy reveals the bigger gameplan and as Kevin Flynn, president and MD, FCA India tells Autocar Professional, “The Compass project gives us the scope to do a lot more than we’ve ever been able to do in the past (in India).”

It’s an export strategy that has helped global majors Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen and General Motors to not only remain afloat here, but also contribute well to the parent organisation’s kitty. But their domestic market performance shows how India, despite a low level of car ownership, continues to be an extremely challenging market. Our detailed analysis of passenger vehicles exports lays bare just how these companies have performed and reveals the specific models which have driven export growth.

Interested in knowing which were the winning and losing passenger vehicle models in FY2016-17? A truly detailed stat-and-fact-filled analysis of 90 models across the hatchback, SUVs and van segments reveals what clicked with the Indian buyers and what didn’t. Plus, the top 10 passenger vehicle manufacturers.

Demand for vehicles, whether in the domestic market or overseas, is also driven by how good a model looks. The world over, automakers and their vehicle styling designers are constantly exploring new techniques and methodologies to churn out new vehicles faster than ever more at a reduced cost. Global software and simulation major Autodesk, with its Dreamcatcher and Generative Design tools, is driving a new paradigm in the auto industry. Find out how, when combined with artificial intelligence, 3D printing and the very latest advanced materials, Generative Design can deliver unprecedented reduction in costs, development time and material consumption.

In an exclusive interview, Jay K Kunkel, Lear Corporation's president, Asia Pacific, speaks on a number of issues including the need to grow over-proportionately in Asia, expansion and upcoming business opportunities in India, new technology trends, and how the convergence of electrical-electronics and seating is creating a new segment.

Exactly a month ago, the commercial vehicle world in India went BS IV, along with two-wheeler manufacturers. The CV sector, which is the mostly adversely impacted sector with a huge stock of unsold BS III vehicle inventory, is aggressively looking to kick off sales of BS IV-compliant vehicles which are now equipped with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) engine technologies. Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Eicher Trucks & Buses, and Daimler India Commercial Vehicles are all now talking tech – some of it developed indigenously – in their endeavour to deliver greener motoring to a critical industry segment.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, which recently rolled out its 15 millionth Activa, is targeting an ambitious growth target of 20 percent in FY2018 and gunning for 6 million sales. With Minoru Kato, the new president and CEO, at the helm of affairs and manufacturing capacity to stand augmented to 6.4 million units by end July 2017, this is one company which is eyeing a stronger future on two wheels only.

Growth in India, which is one of the few automotive markets posting strong growth, is what 147-year-old, UK-based Morris Lubricants is looking for. Last month, the company introduced its expansive product portfolio for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and two-wheelers in the Indian market. Find out why Andrew Wilkins, director, Paterson Enterprises, is bullish on the company’s entry into India.

Make in India is also what Kia Motors, the latest entrant to the Indian automotive growth story, has announced. The exciting News section opens with full information on the Korean carmaker’s plans for India in terms of products, dealer network and localisation. The past fortnight also saw the reveal of the new Maruti Dzire, the new Hyundai Xcent, and Sonalika ITL’s expanded tractor-making facility at Hoshiarpur. All in all, don’t miss reading this issue.  

Where to buy?

Autocar Professional magazine is available through all good newsagents and for 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.