Autocar Professional’s February 15 issue is a must-read

There is an ‘oh-so slight’ spring in sentiment across automobile industry as spring sets in across India. That’s exactly why the February 15 issue of Autocar Professional concentrates on how automobile companies are strategising to enhance profitability and sustainability of the business model. This at a time when the global supply chain is rocked by issues like the global shortage of semiconductors. 

February's mid-month edition has news, views and analysis aplenty. Here's taking a quick look at what's inside.

Divide and win
Daimler’s truck and car business decide to part ways as Chairman Ola Kallenius is busy charting out a profitable route to better tackle the challenges of the era of new mobility, including electrification. Find out how this will impact the future of the Daimler truck business in India and the scope of Daimler R&D.

The fine balance
The 2021 Union Budget was big on Atmanirbharta but can the Government maintain the fine line between self-reliance and protectionism? We get you the industry view on the potential fallout of the higher import duty on auto components.

Champion of ‘Made In India’
But Cooper Corporation’s top boss, Farrokh Cooper, who can well be considered as one of India Auto Inc’s oldest cheerleaders for ‘Atmanirbharta’, fully supports the move. He says it is time to change the MNC mindset and India’s move towards self-reliance is a step in right direction for future.

Budget Boost via Scrappage Policy
New-Delhi based JBM Group finds a lot to cheer about in Budget 2021. The company’s Executive Director Nishant Arya says the Scrappage Policy will give a much-needed fillip to the CV and the logistics sectors as it will help bring about further cost rationalisation and start addressing the problem pockets step by step.

EVolution of market strategy
India’s largest car manufacturer by market share, Maruti Suzuki India has not yet launched any electric options in the market even as other OEMs are on a product launch offensive. What’s the thinking and how does Maruti plan to address this? Shashank Srivastava, executive director— marketing and sales, Maruti Suzuki says it all depends on the pace of building the battery technology to support the EV ecosystem.

California-based start-up QuantumScape aims to address exactly this range concern with respect to EV batteries with its ‘Solid-state’ lithium-ion batteries that’s got the backing of even Noble laureate Dr Stanley Whittingham and Microsoft’s Bill Gates. The company’s Chief Marketing Officer Asim Hussain details out the EV battery maker’s standout features.

Meanwhile, Tiruppur-based Zeon Charging plans to make it big with its growing network of unmanned EV charging points. Customers simply have to download an app and reserve their EV charging slot. Learn more about it in our in-depth report.

Another Mumbai-based EV two-wheeler maker, Earth Energy EV hopes to strike gold with its recent electric scooter and bike models. The company is betting big on using a modular platform and localisation to achieve cost parity.

India Focus
Outside the EV space too, two-wheeler makers have major India plans underway. Italian motorcycle maker, Benelli plans to cash in on the growing popularity of the 250 cc segment in India with series of launches in 2021.

Expert View
Daniel Barel, Co-Founder and CEO, REE Automotive maps the future structure of automotive industry and the benefit of the 'three-layer concept' that can offer customised vehicle-specific solutions.

Future focus
As Toyota ends Volkswagen’s 5-year stint as the world’s largest automaker by volume, both companies reiterate focus on future of eco-friendly motoring that includes huge investment in electrification. But the strategies are quite radical. We get you a detailed analysis.

Loads of news
But that’s not all. There are lots of interesting news buzzing over the last fortnight. Nissan Motor India’s new Magnite is drawing the much-needed footfall to its showrooms. TVS’ intelliGo debuts on Jupiter Scooter, which accounts for nearly 59.50 percent of total TVS sales. Electric PV sales are set to hit record numbers by end of March-quarter. More details on that and many other stories in the February 15 issue of Autocar Professional.

How you can read this issue 
Autocar Professional magazine is also 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@haymarketsac.com. Alternatively, never miss an issue –subscribe to Autocar Professional magazine today