Autocar Professional's January 15 issue: Technology takes centre-stage

2020 is all about innovation, information and constant change that the auto industry is going through globally. The mid-month issue in January brings you the change-makers, the game-changers and industry disruptors.

The lines have started blurring at the CES 2020 as the spotlight stayed firmly on automobiles at the popular global tech platform in Las Vegas. Fast, futuristic and fashionable is what the car industry is focusing upon. Exhibitors from Mercedes’ innovative AVTR to Sony’s Vision S concept go big on connected sustainable mobility with a palpably exciting array of offers for the future. From Hyundai, Honda, Nissan to Bosch, ZF to Nawa, the who’s who of the automotive world and auto component manufacturers showcased their tech prowess.

We also have an exclusive interview with Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Inc, who unveiled his luxury electric SUV ‘Ocean’ at Las Vegas this year. Fisker Inc’s latest offering to drive the fledgling electric vehicle industry makes sustainability and affordability its USP and is bullish on India’s appetite for new tech.

Not just established OEMs but component makers too are concentrating on being future-ready. PPAP Automotive shares its secret of riding the slowdown and is now actively implementing industry 4.0 measures at its plants across India to enhance their adaptability to the changing norms of the automotive world.

The spotlight is on the C-BEEV or the Centre For Battery Engineering and Electric Vehicles. Housed in IIT Chennai and funded by the Department of Heavy industries in partnership with OEMs, it is working with key industry stakeholders like Mahindra, Tata Motors, Exide, Exicom, Amara Raja and many others to ring in a sustainable future for vehicles in India.

Change and industry disruptors work hand in hand. As India veers increasingly towards the concept of connected cars, German security tech major, Giesecke+Devrient targets to claim the driver’s seat in bringing about next-gen connectivity to modern cars. We get you the details of its India-specific growth plans.

As future cars abound the market, it is important that dealers upskill manpower to remain relevant amid disruptions. Technology is altering and servicing models are undergoing a sea-change. We get you a bird’s eye-view of the fast evolving aftersales market in India and the changing dynamics of skilling.

The used car market is increasingly emerging as the hero of the continued slowdown in the automotive space. As value seekers make a bee-line for used cars, digital car sales platform like Truebil clocks whopping 275 percent growth over two years.

The beleaguered commercial vehicle space, meanwhile, is training its radar on the humungous 102 lakh crore investment by the Government that includes 20 percent for road development. Industry players are optimistic and say any investment in infrastructure is a cause for cheer for M&HCV OEMs.

Even construction equipment makers like Schwing Stetter plan to ride the infra push with a product offensive in 2020. The company plans 22 new products that is set to redefine its growth prospects going forward.

But for now the auto industry has to contend with tepid sales and wait for despatches to pick up. The latest numbers released by SIAM indicate that low sales continue to plague manufacturers across segments. All eyes on the next quarter when the new BS VI emission norms kick in.

But that’s not all. This issue is packed with lot other news too. Tata Motors plans to showcase 14 CVs, 12 PVs at the Auto Expo next month while Mahindra Electric has confirmed two new product launches in FY2021. ABB and Ashok Leyland have  partnered in a pilot flash charging project for electric buses. Meanwhile, as Ather Energy is scouting for dealer partners to set up experience centres, Gulf Oil has renewed its strategic partnership with Bajaj Auto and Toyota launches the BS VI-compliant Innova Crysta.

There is plenty more to read in this 56-page issue packed with news, views and latest development in the automobile world.  

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