Autocar Pro’s latest edition is an R&D Special

India Auto Inc’s share in the global Research & Development and testing has been on the rise. In fact, India ranks among the top three innovation destinations in Asia and has for the first time made it to the list of the top 50 economies in the 2020 Global Innovation Index. Reason enough to make this November 1 issue of Autocar Professional, a ‘R&D and Testing Special’.


This 64-page issue does not just probe the most striking research and development work across the automobile industry but also brings to light some exclusive interviews, innovations and in-depth analysis. From mega investment to growing partnerships, we have it all covered in this well-researched issue.

Research on a roll
Increasingly we are seeing the digitilisation push transforming vehicles to literally mobiles on wheels powered by sustainable research and development coupled with strong testing.
 

• Leading Tier-I supplier, Visteon India is leaving no innovation unturned in transforming the cockpit experience and how we view infotainment systems in a car. From new display technologies to engineering innovation, the focus is also on effective cost optimisation. Company president Aashish Bhatia says that the automobile industry is going through a tech revolution and, “we need to be nimble and adapt.”
• TVS Srichakra is using R&D to make its business future-ready and get a strong grip of the electrification megatrend. Its low-rolling-resistance radials for electric two-wheelers is aimed to enhance their efficiency.
• Robert Bosch Engineering & Business Solutions is pushing the engineering R&D envelope. In a bid to capitalise on existing global megatrends, its project X-PACE aims to become a one-stop solution for smart vehicles. RK Shenoy, Board Member, Mobility Solutions says the X-PACE is developed with a definitive India focus.
• The other major India-based R&D powerhouse, Tata Technologies is betting big on India. It is now collaborating with GKN Automotive for cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions. CEO and MD, Warren Harris says their ability to integrate domain knowledge gives them the much-needed edge.
• Meanwhile the association for software companies, NASSCOM is keen about setting up regional hubs to helps various sectors including automotive to take advantage of the current innovation wave redefining e-mobility.
• US-based MathsWorks is going whole hog in addressing the global megatrends in the ever evolving automotive market and many leading electric scooter makers like Ather are using the solution to optimize their vehicles.

Meanwhile Ather Energy plans to light up Diwali for many eco-friendly customers as it commences deliveries of the 450X e-scooter later this month. It is also offering new leasing models and has tied up with NBFCs to power its quest for new customers.

Partnerships the way forward

• A new partnership is in the making – it’s official now and you heard it first on Autocar Professional. Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson join hands and the mass-market major will take over distribution of Harley bikes in India. We get you all details of this tie-up.
• Not just for two-wheelers, are car makers also contemplating joint endeavours to make businesses cost effective? We offer a ringside view on how companies are looking to optimise their excess manufacturing capacity.

Driving the demand segment

 

• The passenger vehicle segment is buzzing with action – Nissan India is keen to ride the surging wave of demand for compact SUVs in India with its new Magnite.
• Youth power is how Toyota Kirloskar Motor plans to drive its next leg of growth in India. Marketing chief Naveen Soni reveals just how the company is hitting the right chord with millennials.

Big bazaar
But that’s not all. We also bring highlights of Autocar Professional’s exclusive virtual conference on how to add spice to the retailing solutions of automobile makers in the current scenario – OEMs debate on the fine balance between physical and digital platforms for optimising profits.

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