Autocar Professional - Latest Articles

One Hack Could Put an Entire Electric CV Fleet at Risk, Say Cybersecurity Experts

Mukul Yudhveer Singh — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:55:43

A cyberattack on a connected electric commercial vehicle could potentially extend beyond a single vehicle and expose an entire fleet, as the growing use of telematics and connected systems creates new cybersecurity risks for fleet operators.

Speaking in Episode 4 of Autocar Professional’s Cybersecurity Dialogues, Karthik Anantha, Head of R&D at Omega Seiki Mobility, and Vikash Choudhary, Founder and CEO of HackersEra, discussed how cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as electric three-wheelers add connected features.

“For me, a cyberattack is not on a vehicle. When somebody attacks a three-wheeler or another commercial vehicle, it’s on the whole fleet,” the discussion noted, highlighting the possibility of an attack disrupting fleet operations.

Why EV Charging Stations Are a Cybersecurity Risk

The potential attack surface is also expanding beyond the vehicle. Choudhary pointed to charging infrastructure as another area of concern, particularly as chargers increasingly interact with vehicles, data and payment systems. A compromised charging station, he said, could potentially be used to access vehicle data or manipulate charging and payment parameters.

Anantha said awareness around cybersecurity has increased following recent incidents. Omega Seiki Mobility is also looking at how connected systems and future capabilities need to be secured as vehicle connectivity increases.

Automotive Supply Chain Cybersecurity and the AI Threat

The discussion extended to the automotive supply chain, with the two speakers highlighting the need for cybersecurity responsibilities to be defined across OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Choudhary said independent testing is also important, arguing that the organisation developing a product should not be solely responsible for certifying its cybersecurity.

Artificial intelligence could add another dimension. While AI can help companies analyse vehicle data and identify problems, Choudhary said hackers could also use AI to improve their techniques and identify vulnerabilities.

Could a 'Hack NCAP' Rate Vehicle Cybersecurity?

The conversation concluded with the possibility of cybersecurity eventually becoming a vehicle differentiator. With vehicles already subjected to crash tests and safety ratings, the speakers discussed whether the industry could eventually have an independent cybersecurity rating system, or a “Hack NCAP”, to assess how well vehicles withstand cyberattacks.

Watch Episode 4 of Autocar Professional’s Cybersecurity Dialogues.

India's Top Six Automakers Tighten Grip on Market as Smaller Players Fight for Survival

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 16:57:07

India's six largest passenger vehicle manufacturers have continued to consolidate their hold on the country's car market in 2024, collectively accounting for 92.1% of sales through August — up from 90.7% in the full calendar year 2023. The 1.4 percentage point shift, in a market approaching five million units annually, translates to roughly 60,000 units of market share moving away from smaller players.

Speaking on the latest episode of Autocar India's Deep Drive podcast, Hormazd Sorabjee and Ketan Thakkar noted that the six automakers — Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Toyota — are each in the midst of large-scale capacity expansions.

Announced investments across the group total approximately ₹1.87 lakh crore, with planned capacity additions ranging from 1.7 million to 2.4 million units. Maruti Suzuki alone has added two plants this year, increasing capacity by half a million units, and has outlined a target of 3.5 million vehicles by around 2030, including exports. Hyundai is reportedly studying the feasibility of a third factory in India — in Gujarat or Maharashtra — as it targets 1.2 million units of domestic production.

By contrast, the brands outside this group — including Volkswagen, Skoda, Renault, Nissan, Citroen, Jeep and Stellantis — are collectively producing fewer than three lakh units for the Indian market annually, with multiple brands competing for that volume. Analysts note that at this scale, companies lack the resources to invest in new products or powertrains, further weakening their competitive position.

Structural Disadvantages Compound the Problem

A key factor cited for the underperformance of European brands is their reliance on turbocharged petrol engines, which represent a relatively small segment of the Indian market. High-volume sales in India are driven largely by naturally aspirated petrol engines, CNG variants and diesel — powertrains that Skoda, Volkswagen, Renault and Citroen have limited or no presence in. Maruti Suzuki, whose portfolio is built around naturally aspirated and CNG engines, remains the market leader with a share estimated at around 40%.

The top players' product decisions have also been more closely aligned with Indian buyer preferences. Kia's launch of a diesel variant of the Sorento in 2026 — despite diesel's declining long-term outlook globally — is one example of tailoring to local demand. Hyundai's upcoming large SUV offering with both diesel and strong-hybrid options reflects a similar approach.

Smaller Players Turn to Partnerships for Survival

Faced with limited scale and constrained investment capacity, several smaller automakers are pursuing alliances with Indian companies. Volkswagen and Skoda are in discussions for a joint venture with JSW Group, though the deal has not been finalised. Stellantis has engaged Tata Motors for product co-development. Honda, meanwhile, is reported to be outsourcing platform development to Tata Technologies, infotainment to TCS, and is in discussions to source engines from Horsepowertrain — a departure from its historical identity as an engine manufacturer. Honda currently produces around 100,000 vehicles annually in India from its Tapukara facility.

JSW MG Motor is the one outlier among the smaller players, maintaining volume momentum through electric vehicles, though it remains an unproven long-term force at scale.

Export Routes Offer Limited Relief

Exports have provided some cushion for manufacturers outside the top six, but the volumes remain modest. Attempts to access European markets have largely stalled. Skoda's Kushaq, developed specifically for India, was considered as a potential export candidate for Europe but that plan has been set aside, with regulatory compliance for Euro 7 standards and adaptation costs cited as barriers. European brands manufacturing in India have also lacked sufficient volume to build the cost base needed for competitive export pricing.

With capacity investments by the top six on track to push their combined share toward 95–98% by the early 2030s, the structural gap between market leaders and fringe players is expected to widen. For companies outside the dominant group, alliances and partnerships are increasingly the primary path to remaining viable in the Indian market.

Industry observers have noted that the Indian government expects more global competition to enter the market, with several Chinese automakers reported to be seeking entry — a development that could either intensify competition further or provide partnership opportunities for struggling brands.

VIDEO: Goodbye Tigor, Hello Tata Aeris | CNG, No EV Yet | Anand Kulkarni

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 17:41:13

Tata Motors has entered the compact sedan segment with the new Aeris and retired the Tigor name. At the launch, we spoke to Anand Kulkarni of Tata Motors about why the company chose a new nameplate, who the car is aimed at, and whether an Aeris EV is on the cards.

Kulkarni says the compact sedan segment sells around 3.5 lakh units a year, about 65 percent of it to personal buyers, and has only four players. The Aeris targets these private buyers, mainly hatchback owners looking to upgrade. Fleet buyers will continue to be served by the Xpres-T, including its EV version.

He also explains the features Tata is using to stand out, including ventilated seats, a built-in dashcam, a 360-degree camera and a rear seat reclined to 27 degrees. On CNG, the Aeris gets Tata's twin-cylinder iCNG setup, which keeps more boot space and lets the car start directly in CNG mode.

Although the Aeris platform can take an electric powertrain, Tata says there is no EV for now because it already has three EVs at this price point.

In this interview:

• Why Tata dropped the Tigor name
• Who the Aeris is built for
• Fleet vs personal buyer strategy
• CNG demand and production planning
• Is an Aeris EV coming?
• Taking on the segment leader

VIDEO: How Tata Power Is Scaling EV Charging in India | Virendra Goyal, Tata Power

Ketan Thakkar — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:59:14

Virendra Goyal, Head – Business Development (EV Charging) at Tata Power says Tata Power has deployed over 2.5 lakh home chargers and installs about 400 a day.

The company has more than 6,700 public charging points across highways, cities and tourist destinations, and is present in over 700 cities and towns. Its targets are 10,000 public chargers and 7.5 lakh home chargers by 2030.

He also covers:

The cost of a 120 kW charger, which he puts at roughly ₹15-20 lakh depending on the state and power infrastructure.
Charger utilisation, which he says has risen by about 40 percent in the last 12 to 18 months.
The waiver of demand charges for EV connections by most states, following the Ministry of Power's recommendation.
Charging experience and user awareness, and how the company is handling grid load.
The use of green power at public chargers in Mumbai.
Why he considers the 30 percent EV penetration target for 2030 achievable.
Growth across Tata Power's four charging verticals: home, public, fleet and bus

Chinese Car Brands Move Into India's Premium and Luxury Segments

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 20:32:05

Chinese automotive brands are increasingly targeting India's premium and luxury vehicle segments, with BYD's Denza sub-brand pricing products between ₹1 crore and ₹1.5 crore, and JSW's Combat — developed in partnership with Chery — positioned around the ₹40 lakh mark.

Speaking on the latest episode of Autocar India's Deep Drive podcast, Hormazd Sorabjee and Sergius Barretto discussed how Chinese carmakers have moved from being associated primarily with low-cost products to competing with established premium brands on design, features and performance.

When SAIC-owned MG Motor launched the Hector in 2019, the company downplayed its Chinese origins and marketed the product as a British brand. Consumer perception of Chinese-made vehicles at the time was largely negative, associated with poor quality and imitation designs. The hosts noted that Chinese management was reportedly asked not to attend the Hector's launch events for this reason.

Why Chinese Automakers Are Avoiding Local Manufacturing in

The change in strategy is partly driven by geopolitical and regulatory constraints. Indian government restrictions on Chinese foreign direct investment, introduced following the 2020 Galwan Valley border clashes, have made it difficult for Chinese automakers to set up or expand local manufacturing. Technology transfer restrictions have further complicated joint venture arrangements. Plans by Stellantis to bring Leap Motor into India and a reported Nissan-Dongfeng partnership have both stalled as a result.

BYD's CBU Import Strategy Pays Off in Sales

Unable to scale through local production, brands such as BYD have pivoted to the fully built unit (CBU) import route, concentrating on higher-priced vehicles where margins can absorb import duties. BYD sold over 5,000 units in India between January and August 2025, making it the top-selling CBU brand in the country. Of those units, fewer than 100 were reported to be commercial cab purchases, indicating strong private buyer demand. The brand currently ranks sixth overall among electric vehicle sellers in India.

MG Select: China's Most Profitable Play in India

MG Motor, which has an established manufacturing presence in India, has pursued a parallel premium channel called MG Select, through which it sells models such as the Cyberster and M9. The Cyberster, a convertible EV with scissor doors priced under ₹1 crore, has sold over 600 units — a notable figure for a niche segment. The Select division is reported to be the most profitable part of MG Motor India's operations.

BMW's i5 and Its China-Sourced Body Shells

The trend extends beyond brands of Chinese origin. BMW India imports painted body shells from China for its i5 Long Wheelbase model, assembling the vehicles locally without a paint shop. This arrangement lowers costs but limits engineering adaptations for the Indian market — the i5 cannot be offered with a diesel engine, as diesel powertrains are not produced in China, and rear sunshades cannot be retrofitted into the pre-painted shells.

What's Behind the Quality Turnaround in Chinese Cars

Industry observers point to several factors behind the improvement in Chinese vehicle quality. Companies like BYD have vertically integrated their supply chains, including battery and semiconductor production, and have established procurement relationships with established European component suppliers. Mechanical reliability, however, remains a noted gap relative to Japanese and German manufacturers, according to industry reliability studies.

Chinese brands now account for upwards of 5% of the European automotive market, driven largely by EVs — a penetration level that reflects their growing global reach.

What's Next for Chinese Auto Brands in India

Looking ahead, analysts do not expect a large wave of new Chinese brands entering the Indian market under current conditions. The most likely near-term trajectory is continued CBU imports at premium price points, with MG Motor remaining the largest Chinese automotive footprint in India by volume. Any easing of investment restrictions — including diplomatic developments following recent meetings between the Indian and Chinese heads of government — could alter that outlook.

Video: ZF Group Plans to Scale Its India Business by 3X

Prerna Lidhoo — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:27:53

ZF Group India is targeting 2–3x overall growth in the coming years as it expands local manufacturing, strengthens its R&D capabilities and increases its focus on exports, according to ZF Group India President Akash Passey.

India is emerging as a key growth engine for ZF as the company broadens its role from a component supplier to a mobility integrator, with operations spanning passenger cars, commercial vehicles, industrial technology and renewable energy.

ZF's Manufacturing 4.0 and R&D Push in India

Passey said ZF is focusing on expanding local manufacturing while strengthening its R&D and testing capabilities in India. The company is also looking to scale the adoption of Manufacturing 4.0 technologies as it increases production and develops capabilities for both domestic and global markets.

ZF Targets 4-5X Local Sourcing and Export Growth

As part of its growth strategy, ZF is targeting a 4–5x increase in local sourcing. The company is also looking to expand its export footprint from India, with free trade agreements (FTAs) expected to play a role in improving the competitiveness of locally manufactured products in global markets.

Supply chain resilience remains another focus area as ZF seeks to address challenges related to sourcing and global disruptions. Increasing localisation is expected to help the company strengthen its supply base while supporting its manufacturing and export ambitions.

ZF's Push into Sustainability and Software-Defined Vehicles

ZF is also expanding its focus beyond conventional automotive applications, with safety and sustainability among its key areas. The company has interests in wind energy and is also preparing for emerging automotive technologies such as software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

Passey said ZF’s strategy in India is centred on integrating its capabilities across different mobility segments while using the country’s manufacturing and engineering base to support both domestic growth and its global operations.

Video: Jim Aota on Yamaha's Premium Strategy in India, Taking On Royal Enfield

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:16:20

In this conversation with Autocar Professional at the SIAM Annual Convention, Jim Aota, Chairperson of Yamaha Motor India Group, opens up on the company's premium-first strategy in India, a shift the brand made back in 2017-18 and is only now seeing pay off.

Aota explains why Yamaha has deliberately stepped back from chasing overall market share to focus instead on owning the premium motorcycle segment, how it plans to take on Royal Enfield's dominance there, and the balancing act between cost reduction and pricing power amid rising input costs.

He also addresses Yamaha's product portfolio gaps including why the brand hasn't brought higher-displacement motorcycles to India yet, and the E20 ethanol-compatibility hurdles that complicate doing so along with plans to expand engine manufacturing capacity.

On electrification, Aota discusses Yamaha's hybrid scooter push (already a majority of shipments across models like Fascino and RayZR), its dedicated EV R&D efforts, and why the pace of India's electric transition is moving faster than the company anticipated.

Watch the full conversation here.

VIDEO: ReiseMoto’s ₹350 Cr Pivot: From B2B Tyre Exports to D2C Lifestyle I Yogesh Mahansaria

Prerna Lidhoo — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:11:34

In this interview, Yogesh Mahansaria, founder and managing director of ReiseMoto, discusses how the company evolved from an established European tyre exporter into a direct-to-consumer (D2C) premium lifestyle brand for Indian motorcycle enthusiasts.

The Origin Story

How a joint venture in Europe laid the foundation for ReiseMoto’s expansion into India’s growing leisure biking market.

Strategic Investments

How ReiseMoto is managing a ₹350+ crore capital expenditure programme, avoiding the “burn cash” startup model and using family office insights to support sustainable growth.

Overcoming Market Challenges

How the company balances international quality standards with price-point expectations in the Indian market.

Expanding Horizons

ReiseMoto’s plans to move beyond tyres into helmets, riding gear and broader lifestyle solutions for motorcycle communities.

Future Outlook And Resilience

Mahansaria discusses the importance of maintaining balance sheet strength, building supply chain flexibility and managing disruptions in global markets.

The interview offers insights into ReiseMoto’s business strategy, investment approach, product expansion and plans for the premium motorcycle market in India.

Cybersecurity Dialogue Ep 3: Who Really Secures Your EV?

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:54:50

As electric vehicles become more connected, cybersecurity is no longer solely the responsibility of the OEM. Tier 1 suppliers, software partners and charging infrastructure providers are increasingly becoming part of the security chain.

In Episode 3 of Autocar Professional’s Cybersecurity Dialogue, Shreshth Mishra, Co-founder, Simple Energy, and Vikas Chaudhary, Founder & CEO, HackersEra, discuss where responsibility for securing an EV sits as software, cloud connectivity and connected features become a bigger part of modern vehicles.

The conversation examines why cybersecurity needs to begin at the concept and design stage rather than being retrofitted later, and how OEMs should manage security requirements across their supplier networks.

The discussion also looks beyond the vehicle at potential vulnerabilities around public charging infrastructure, OTA updates, mobile applications, payment systems and battery management systems as the EV ecosystem expands.

Mishra and Chaudhary also discuss ISO 21434, UNECE R155, the evolving cybersecurity framework for electric two- and three-wheelers in India, and why cybersecurity will require continuous monitoring even after a vehicle is sold.

Watch the full conversation here

Video: Tata Curvv Series X: The Strategy Behind India’s Coupe SUV Push

Prerna Lidhoo — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:25:45

Tata Motors is doubling down on India’s emerging coupe-SUV segment with the new Curvv Series X and Curvv.EV Series X, as it seeks to broaden the appeal of the body style beyond early adopters.

In an exclusive conversation with Autocar Professional, Sarosh Poornam, Head of Marketing, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, discussed the company’s strategy for the new Curvv, its assessment of the mid-size SUV market and the customer profile it expects to target with the model.

Poornam said Tata Motors sees scope for coupe-SUVs to gain wider acceptance in India, with the Curvv positioned to appeal to buyers looking for a combination of SUV practicality and a more distinctive body style. The company is also looking to attract customers considering an upgrade from smaller SUVs and first-time buyers moving into a higher segment.

The new Curvv also incorporates learnings from the previous-generation model, with Tata Motors responding to customer feedback on areas including cabin design, rear-seat space, seating position, materials, features and overall ambience.

On the electric side, the Curvv.EV Series X is powered by a 55kWh battery, with Tata Motors claiming a real-world range of more than 400km. Prices start at ₹16.99 lakh. The company also sees the Curvv.EV as complementing rather than directly replacing the popular Nexon.EV, with the two models aimed at different positions within Tata’s electric SUV portfolio.

The discussion also covers the factors driving EV adoption beyond running costs and total cost of ownership, as well as whether first-time car buyers are increasingly willing to move into higher-priced SUVs.

With the Curvv Series X, Tata Motors is betting that the coupe-SUV format can evolve from a niche design choice into a more mainstream body style in the Indian market.

VIDEO: Volkswagen Group's Future Plans: Sub-4M SUV, EVs & EU Export Strategy | Piyush Arora

Prerna Lidhoo — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:26:40

Piyush Arora foresees strong Indian festive auto sales despite continuous pressures from currency shifts, material inflation, and global supply chain disruptions.

To combat these pressures, Volkswagen Group emphasizes deep local manufacturing and flexible multi-powertrain platforms while eyeing expanded exports under future India-EU trade agreements.

Topics covered:

Festive Season Demand & Industry Outlook
Managing Raw Material Costs & Inflation Pressures
Localization: Kylaq, Upcoming VW Sub-4M SUV & Future Platforms
Multi-Powertrain Future: EVs, Hybrids, CNG & Diesel
Make in India for the World: EU FTA & Global Exports
Brand Strategies: Audi, Skoda & VW Product Roadmap
India Market Share Target & Segment Expansion

VIDEO: Why Commercial Vehicles Need Better Design | Mahindra's Pratap Bose Explains

Prerna Lidhoo — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:14:35

Commercial vehicles are built to be a workhorse but does that mean design takes a back seat? In this conversation, Mahindra Global Design Head Pratap Bose explains why commercial vehicle design is about far more than looks. From driver comfort, ergonomics and safety to technology, software and customer feedback, he explains how design can influence truck-driver choice even in a traditionally TCO-driven industry.

Bose also reveals Mahindra’s ‘IntelliCore’ design philosophy for CVs, how design ideas move across trucks, tractors and SUVs, and why the future of commercial vehicles could be shaped as much by software, AI and connectivity as by the physical design of the vehicle. He also discusses the role of AI in the design process, future technologies such as ADAS and why understanding the people who actually use a commercial vehicle remains at the heart of good design.

Watch the full conversation for a closer look at where commercial vehicle design is headed.

VIDEO: Volvo India MD on EV Demand, Price Hikes & EX90 Launch | Jyoti Malhotra Interview

Prerna Lidhoo — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 17:28:49

Volvo Cars India MD Jyoti Malhotra speaks to Autocar Professional at the SIAM Annual Convention about the luxury carmaker’s festive-season outlook, rising input costs, forex pressures and the possibility of price hikes.

Malhotra also discusses the growing demand for luxury EVs, with nearly one in four Volvo cars sold in India already being electric, and outlines the company’s plans to bring the Volvo EX90 and ES90 to India.

He shares his views on India’s multi-pathway approach to powertrains, the future of hybrids and EVs, localisation, free trade agreements (FTAs), supply-chain challenges and why he believes electrification remains the long-term direction for the Indian automotive industry.

Topics covered:

Volvo India’s festive-season outlook
Luxury car demand in India
EV penetration reaching 25% at Volvo
Volvo EX90 and ES90 India plans
Potential price hikes
Rupee depreciation and forex pressures
Supply-chain challenges
Localisation and FTAs
Future of hybrids and EVs
India’s electrification roadmap

VIDEO: 5,000+ Bus Capacity, New Products & 30% EV Target | Switch Mobility CEO

Prerna Lidhoo — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 17:18:13

Switch Mobility CEO Ganesh Mani outlines the company’s roadmap for India’s electric bus market, with city-bus EV penetration expected to cross 30% by FY2030. In this conversation with Autocar Professional, Mani discusses what it will take to accelerate electric bus adoption, from charging infrastructure and financing to TCO parity, product innovation and customer confidence.

He also talks about Switch Mobility’s 5,000+ bus manufacturing capacity, its expanding product portfolio including 9-metre and 12-metre buses, dealer network, export ambitions and the company’s plans to develop more application-focused electric buses.

Watch the full interview for Switch Mobility’s strategy for the next phase of electric bus growth in India.

VIDEO: 5,000+ Bus Capacity, New Products & 30% EV Target | Switch Mobility CEO

Prerna Lidhoo — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 17:18:13

Watch the full interview for Switch Mobility’s strategy for the next phase of electric bus growth in India.

VIDEO: VECV Sees Double-Digit CV Growth Ahead | S.S. Gill on GST, EVs & Festive Demand

Prerna Lidhoo — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:26:36

Commercial vehicle demand in India is showing strong momentum, and VECV expects the sector to remain robust despite a high base following GST 2.0.

Speaking to Autocar Professional at the FADA Auto Retail Conclave, S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles, discusses the outlook for the CV industry, replacement demand, construction and mining activity, festive demand and the impact of the monsoon.

Gill expects the commercial vehicle industry to maintain double-digit growth, even as the exceptionally high growth rates seen after GST 2.0 begin to normalise. He also explains how the industry has managed supply-chain challenges amid geopolitical disruptions and why VECV remains optimistic about the next six to seven months.

With EV penetration in the small-truck segment rising from below 0.6 percent to around 2 percent, Gill sees government-backed bus electrification and state-level EV incentives helping accelerate the transition.

In this interview:

• India’s commercial vehicle growth outlook
• Why replacement demand is driving the CV cycle
• GST 2.0 and its impact on retail demand
• Festive season and H2 expectations
• Monsoon impact on CV segments
• Managing supply-chain risks amid geopolitical tensions
• VECV’s electric small-truck strategy
• Why EV commercial vehicles could see rapid growth
• Government support for electric buses and CVs

Watch the full interview for VECV’s outlook on India’s commercial vehicle market and the road ahead for electric mobility.

Video: Beyond ICE - Shriram Pistons is Scaling EV Motors, Tech & Global Exports

Prerna Lidhoo — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:45:03

Shriram Pistons & Rings has transformed from a traditional internal combustion engine component maker into a diversified mobility technology supplier, expanding into EV motors, precision plastics, vehicle interiors, and advanced lighting systems. In this conversation with Autocar Professional at the ACMA Annual Session, Krishnakumar Srinivasan, MD and CEO, Shriram Pistons & Rings, explains how strategic mergers, acquisitions, and heavy localization have helped the group quadruple revenues while increasing total content per vehicle for automakers.

Revenue Growth, Diversification and 95% Localization

Targeting revenues over ₹6,000 crore (up from ₹1,500 crore in 2021 with a 20% to 25% CAGR), the group has restructured into five specialized divisions to insulate operations against powertrain shifts and supply chain vulnerabilities. Srinivasan outlines how achieving more than 95% domestic localization and engineering alternative solutions—such as ferrite-based and magnet-free motors—shielded manufacturing operations from recent geopolitical spikes in raw material and commodity prices.

R&D in Hydrogen, Flex-Fuel Tech and Export Expansion

The discussion also explores the company’s dedicated in-house R&D efforts developing components for hydrogen, flex-fuel, and HCNG applications alongside its legacy piston, ring, and valve lines, its proactive strategy of adding manufacturing capacity ahead of industry demand, and plans to sustain double-digit export growth as global OEMs increasingly turn to India for component sourcing.

Watch the full conversation here.

Video: 2 New Launches This Year, Capacity Expansion & Export Focus | Tarun Garg, Hyundai

Autocar Professional Bureau — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:11:35

Hyundai Motor India is preparing to expand its market footprint during its 30th anniversary year in India, accelerating production capacity at its newly integrated Pune facility while lining up major product introductions across the high-growth midsize SUV and EV spaces. In this conversation with Autocar Professional at the SIAM Annual Convention, Tarun Garg, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India, explains how local manufacturing agility, export momentum, and a multi-powertrain approach will help the brand sustain high single-digit growth despite broader industry tapering.

Marking a near 100% year-on-year retail spike during Onam, Hyundai has preponed the third shift at its Pune plant to October 1, unlocking an immediate capacity of 1.7 lakh units to take total annual capacity to 9.94 lakh units—ramping toward 11.44 lakh units by 2030. Garg details how absorbing input cost pressures and strategically timing new launches—including a differentiated, connectivity-led model in the Creta segment and an upcoming mass-market sub-4-metre EV—will maintain dealership delivery readiness through peak festive demand.

The discussion also explores Hyundai India's expanding global manufacturing role—where exports now contribute 24% to 25% of overall sales across 75 international destinations as the company approaches the 4-million-unit cumulative export milestone—alongside long-term targets to achieve a balanced 50% green powertrain mix across CNG, hybrids, and electric vehicles by 2030.

Watch the full conversation here.

Video: Shenu Agarwal says India Must Follow Multi-Fuel Pathway

Mukul Yudhveer Singh — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:40:05

India’s debate over the future powertrain pathway is largely settled, according to Shenu Agarwal, President-designate of SIAM and Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland.

Speaking exclusively to Autocar Professional at the SIAM Annual Convention 2026, Agarwal says India will have to follow a multi-fuel pathway, with electrification, CNG, LNG and eventually hydrogen playing increasingly important roles, while some diesel continues to remain.

The bigger challenge, he says, is defining how India makes this transition efficiently. Multiple technologies create complexity for OEMs, component suppliers, policymakers and customers, making a clear roadmap for adoption and localisation critical.

Agarwal also outlines three priorities for the industry: a regulatory roadmap that strengthens global competitiveness, deeper localisation of new technologies and higher R&D investment. He discusses India’s potential to become the world’s largest automotive production hub, the role of exports and why AI could define the next phase of the Indian automotive industry.

Watch the full conversation with Autocar Professional’s Mukul Yudhveer Singh.

Video: Hero MotoCorp Plans 6+ Premium Launches & New Harley Davidsons

Hormazd Sorabjee — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:38:33

In this exclusive conversation with Autocar Professional’s Hormazd Sorabjee, Harshavardhan Chitale, Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp, discusses the company’s outlook for the two-wheeler industry, its premiumisation strategy, EV growth and international expansion.

Chitale expects the two-wheeler industry to grow at a mid- to high-single-digit rate as the base effect from GST-led demand comes into play. He also reveals that Hero MotoCorp is planning nearly half a dozen premium motorcycle launches this year, while significantly expanding its premium retail network and investing in a dedicated premium business unit.

Key Highlights:

Hero MotoCorp’s outlook for FY27 and the festive season
Why the entry-level motorcycle segment continues to perform strongly
Plans for more Harley-Davidson models across different engine capacities
Potential for future joint sourcing and technology synergies between Hero MotoCorp and Ather Energy