It’s been a news-making fortnight, what with new product launches, big-ticket investments and SIAM’s Q1 2019 sales report. Yes, India Auto Inc’s sales report for the first quarter of FY2019 is out and the growth story looks good. Our comprehensive analysis, replete with data charts, company-wise vehicle sales and quality photos, is a must-read.
Opportunities are on the rise in the disruptive automotive industry. It is also leading to a rise in collaborations. Global auto component major ZF is an example. We reveal how this company, which has drawn up a new strategy to become a full systems supplier to tap global megatrends of automated driving, electric mobility, integrated safety and digitisation, is aggressively looking to better tap the opportunities in India. Our cover story reveals all.
Another German major Volkswagen, also a key customer of ZF, has significantly reworked its India strategy with plans to invest nearly Rs 8,000 crore in strengthening its Skoda brand and make it the lead player of the group in India.
There’s also Volvo Cars, which is looking to up the ante in India. The premium carmaker launched the new and high-on-safety XC40 SUV at an aggressive introductory price, which saw it receive over 200 bookings within a fortnight of the vehicle’s launch.
Do you know Aston Martin is looking to step up component sourcing from India? We break this news as also the fact that MAN Truck & Bus has stopped all its ongoing projects in India.
We’ve got two interviews in this issue and both connected with the world of software. With increasing demand for connected vehicles, software is playing a decisive role in vehicles and will continue to do so in the future. We speak to Meetul Patel, COO, Microsoft India, as well as Kamal Brar, VP and GM for APAC, Hortonworks, to know the latest trends in the automotive industry.
Like the new car market, the used car market is on a high. Truebil, a three-year-old online-to-offline integrator company with a presence in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, is betting on technology to simplify the buying and selling experience.
All this plus the very latest industry news including MAN Truck & Bus stopping all ongoing projects in India.
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