Autocar Professional’s March 1 issue is out

The last month of the current fiscal has kicked in with the March 1 issue of Autocar Professional. As the focus shifts from the stagnating pace of a Covid-scarred life to tackling newer challenges of full-scale violence with Russia continuing its offensive against Ukraine, we bring you a sneak peek of how Auto Inc is charting out the road to revival.

This 48-page issue gets you a comprehensive insight from passenger vehicle segment to CVs, two-wheelers and components too. It tracks the progress of the electrification trend across the auto industry and how OEMs are preparing to get an edge.

Bajaj Auto’s EV journey
Bajaj Auto is keen on building long-term capabilities even while the stage has been set to create an electric two-wheeler hub at Akurdi, Pune. ED Rakesh Sharma shares details of the two-wheeler makers electrification roadmap.

In a fitting tribute to Late Rahul Bajaj, RL Ravichandran, who was part of the Bajaj Auto leadership team during the transition to motorcycles, goes down memory lane to when the new Hamara Bajaj commercial was conceptualised.

The big EV bet
The big electrification trend is driving growth and innovation across industry-

Opher Doron, the CEO of Israel based- EVR Motors says the company is looking at setting up a facility in India for marketing as well as to support development and manufacturing of volume parts. The company is also targeting making high-end motors.

Dana too is bullish on demand from makers of electric two- and three-wheelers as well as small CVs and enhancing its product range to target EVs.

Sona Comstar has developed an integrated motor controller module (IMCM) for suspension systems which can be used in high-end cars. With an addressable market of 3 million per annum, the company hopes to launch the product by 2025.

But the EV trend is not limited to the shopfloor only. Recognising the need for skilled human resources, Mercedes-Benz India recently introduced an industry-focused electric vehicle module in its Advanced Diploma in Automotive Mechatronics (ADAM) course.

Interstate buses: Set for the long haul
As the economy is opening up, luxury long-distance bus manufacturers and operators hope that the all-India permit rules that were modified last year for inter-state buses will boost demand for the segment.

India Focus
More news from the two-wheeler space- Yamaha sharpens India focus for mobility services and the bike maker is hopeful of doubling numbers in India by 2024.

In the aftermarket space too, India is at the centre of attention. Turtle Wax India aims to treble revenues in CY2022.

Pune-based Caepro Technologies has worked on a chassis concept and prototype with an Asian OEM in the alternate fuel space. The company aims to operate in a niche segment and believes its India-focused office brings real value to customers.

Betting on last mile connectivity

Ramkripa Ananthan, the former Mahindra design head has created a micro EV concept vehicle primarily targeted at shared applications and last mile connectivity. Around 20 percent of the parts are made of upcycled materials. We get you excerpts of an interview with her. 

How you can read this issue 
Go grab your copy for all that action and a lot more. 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.