Autocar Pro’s May 15 edition is about ensuring business continuity, packs a Safety Special too

Being future-ready comes across as one cardinal theme that India Auto Inc is moving ahead with even as it grapples with lockdowns and related manufacturing plant shutdowns across several states. Autocar Professional's mid-May issue is all about how automakers are looking to revamp their business amid challenging times.

This 56-pager is full of exclusive interviews, deep industry insight and trending stories. Plus, it incorporates the annual 'Safety Special', which comes just before World Road Safety Week (May 17-23) opens. All of this makes the latest edition a compelling read for the weekend and beyond. Let’s first look at what some leading component players are engaged in.

Pricol in recast mode, Lumax revs up growth game-plan
Coimbatore-based Pricol is headed for a possible recast of the business divisions which will help it to be better prepared to take on mobility challenges of the future. Managing director Vikram Mohan says he is, “keen to invest in technologies and stay ahead of the game.”

Gurgaon-based Lumax Industries had hit the pause button on capacity expansion, greenfield site and engineering investments amid the pandemic last year. Now it’s investing Rs 250 crore in Haryana and Gujarat and is also setting up new design studios and Europe and America.

Indian Oil expands its energy basket, BS VI-and-beyond virtual conference
When the country’s largest oil marketing company makes moves to be future-ready, it will have an impact on the entire country. The keynote speaker at Autocar Professional’s recent BS VI virtual conference, IOCL chairman Shrikant M Vaidya says the company is readying itself to offer any type of fuel that the country may need. Apart from exploring the feasibility of aluminium-air systems for EVs, he feels hydrogen is the fuel of the future but it will take time to make it economically viable and, in this interim, hydrogen-spiked CNG may actually emerge as, “one big game-changer for the auto industry.”

April 28-29 was when Autocar Professional held its mega emission virtual conference. Twenty industry stalwarts debated a host of critical issues – it’s all there in our comprehensive 11-page report including:

• Dr Pawan Goenka on the future growth mantra for India Auto Inc
• Why a stable long-term emission roadmap is vital
• EV range and charging infrastructure concerns in the race to zero mobility.
• Evaluation of BS VI Stage II norms and the role of CAFE norms.

Meanwhile, as emission concerns gather steam the world over, Anumita Roychowdhury of the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment says stringent benchmark regulation will force improvement in automotive technology and promote greener mobility solutions.

Aiming for safer mobility
The challenges for the auto industry are manifold – from a safer environment to safer mobility. Our annual Automotive Safety Special is a must-read. Here’s why:

Israel’s Ride Vision has partnered Spark Minda to introduce AI-enabled collision avoidance products in India. Find out how wide-angle cameras and LED alerts help riders prevent accidents before they happen.  

With the focus on passenger safety increasing and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) becoming mandatory in all cars from next fiscal, Krishan Kohli, Head India Market — BU HBS & VED and MD, Continental Automotive Brake Systems (I), Autonomous Mobility and Safety (AMS) says they are targeting deep localisation to make safety more affordable and being implemented even in entry-level cars.

High-performance computing chip maker and connectivity, autonomous driving technology provider Elektrobit India is working with an Indian OEM for enabling seamless over-the-air software updates. Find out how that enhances vehicular safety in your city.

Meanwhile Hi-Tech Robotic Systemz aims to improve safety and productivity of fleet operators with the Novus Aware in-cabin monitor that tracks driver profile and alerts if they are inattentive to the critical task at the steering wheel.

Guest columnist Nikhilesh Mishra, co-founder of Grinntech, discusses ways to enhance battery safety in electric vehicles.

All the news and a Newsmaker
The past fortnight was an extremely newsy one, what with the Mahindra Group announcing M.A.D.E, the UK’s Saietta Group inking a pact with India’s Padmini VNA to introduce axial-flux tech e-motors or the continuing global shortage of semiconductors.

Amidst all this, the big newsmaker is industry doyen Rahul Bajaj, who recently stepped down as the Chairman of Bajaj Auto – we take a journey down memory lane, tracing the evolution of the iconic brand that he helped build.

Make sure you get your copy today to stay on top of all the buzz in the automotive space.

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