This is the annual NCR Special Issue and it comes packed with plenty of news, views and analysis on this key growth market in India. Find out how some automakers are driving new gains with smart strategies, new products and new-age solutions to be future-ready.

Maruti Suzuki India has recently entered the LCV market with the Super Carry. RS Kalsi, executive director (marketing and sales), reveals the marketing strategy and how he plans to strengthen the carmaker’s hybrid portfolio among other things.

Yamaha, which is riding a wave of growth, is betting big on its localisation strategy in India. Yasuo Ishihara, MD, Yamaha Motor R&D India, speaks to Autocar Professional on increasing collaboration between the Surajpur and Chennai labs, the INDRA project and low-cost motorcycle development in India.

A clutch of NCR-based component manufacturers are taking a new growth trajectory as a result of their innovative measures. We reveal how the Dhankot-based Hella India Automotive is set to launch a host of technology-integrated products designed to improve efficiency, comfort and handling in vehicles.

Mergers and acquisitions are also a way to achieve speedier growth. Four-wheeler lighting solutions supplier Minda Industries recently took over the two-wheeler lighting vendor Rinder. As a result, it is now well placed to target both Indian and global OEMs.

SGS, one of the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification companies, is bullish on the India market. With upcoming safety and emission norms set to redefine the industry roadmap in the country, the company is beefing up capabilities in its Manesar lab to cater to OEMs and suppliers.

There’s plenty of non-NCR action too. Renault India, which has just launched its Kwid hatchback with a more powerful engine, is looking to cement its position in the Indian marketplace. Likewise with Hyundai Motor India, which has rolled out the new Elantra and aims to make a dent and more in the executive sedan market. We also speak to Rakesh Srivastava, senior VP (sales and marketing), to get to know the carmaker’s sales strategy.

Selling cars is not easy, more so in a price-sensitive market like India. What’s more, technology is redefining the way cars are sold. Nick Gill, Capgemini’s Global Head of Automotive Practice, provides some insight into the imminent evolution of car retail. 

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