Autocar Professional - Latest Articles

VIDEO: BYD Bets on PHEVs to Address Range Anxiety and Expand EV Adoption

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:30:51

As BYD prepares to introduce its DM-i plug-in hybrid technology in India, the company is positioning PHEVs as a stepping stone for customers who remain uncertain about switching directly to fully electric vehicles.

In this exclusive conversation with Autocar Professional, BYD India head Rajeev Chauhan discusses the rationale behind bringing the technology to India, the role of PHEVs in addressing range anxiety, and how the company expects the technology to complement, rather than replace, electric vehicles.

Chauhan also shares BYD’s views on the rapid growth of India’s EV market, evolving customer behaviour, charging infrastructure development, and the competitive landscape as more automakers evaluate plug-in hybrid offerings for the country.

Watch the full interview to understand why BYD sees PHEVs as an important bridge towards wider EV adoption in India.

VIDEO: BYD Bets on PHEVs to Address Range Anxiety and Expand EV Adoption

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:30:51

Watch the full interview to understand why BYD sees PHEVs as an important bridge towards wider EV adoption in India.

Video - Physical Buttons to Make a Comeback on Tata Cars: Martin Uhlarik, Tata Motors

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:36:09

In this interview, Autocar Professional’s Mugdha Mishra speaks with Martin Uhlarik, Chief Design Officer, Tata Motors, & Executive Director, TMDTC on the design thinking behind the Tiago facelift, the deliberate choice to differentiate the EV from its ICE sibling, the materials and ergonomics decisions inside the cabin, where Tata Motors is headed on controls and why the brand is moving towards a hybrid approach of physical buttons with a digital backend and emerging trends in car colours.

VIDEO: River Mobility: The EV Startup That Refused to Scale Blindly | Start to Scale Ep. 1

Prerna Lidhoo — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 15:22:07

In the first episode of Start to Scale, Prerna Lidhoo sits down with Aravind Mani, Co-founder & CEO of River Mobility, to unpack the realities of building an EV startup in one of the world's toughest two-wheeler markets.

From raising River's first $2 million during the pandemic to becoming India's 7th-largest EV two-wheeler brand with just 45 stores, Aravind shares why River chose focus over hype, execution over press releases and profitability over reckless growth. He also talks about the company's partnership with Yamaha, the lessons of being a late entrant, and River's roadmap to scale from 3,000 to 20,000 vehicles a month.

A candid conversation on entrepreneurship, product-market fit, fundraising and what it really takes to build a company from start to scale.

VIDEO: River Mobility: The EV Startup That Refused to Scale Blindly | Start to Scale Ep. 1

Prerna Lidhoo — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 15:22:07

A candid conversation on entrepreneurship, product-market fit, fundraising and what it really takes to build a company from start to scale.

Deep Drive Podcast | India's 125cc Scooters Close In on 110cc Segment as Buyer Preferences Shift

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:18:54

The Indian scooter market is going through a structural shift. Buyers are moving away from the 110cc scooters that long defined the segment toward more powerful, feature-loaded 125cc models, with the two categories now approaching parity in sales for the first time.

Rising disposable incomes, younger buyers, and an expanding range of 125cc options at competitive price points have eroded the dominance of the entry-level segment. Manufacturers have responded by loading 125cc models with digital clusters, smartphone connectivity, and improved suspension, specifications that were uncommon in mass-market scooters until recently.

Industry observers note that the 125cc segment's growth represents an upgrade cycle rather than an expansion of overall volumes, with buyers trading up within the category. Whether it formally overtakes the 110cc segment will depend on price movements and the pace of new launches.

Deep Drive Podcast | India's 125cc Scooters Close In on 110cc Segment as Buyer Preferences Shift

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:18:54

VIDEO: Green SM COO Explains the Company’s 10,000-Vehicle India Ambition

Mukul Yudhveer Singh — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:28:56

Green SM’s long-term ambition for India could extend to a fleet of 10,000 vehicles, but the company plans to prioritise operational stability and customer experience before scaling aggressively, according to Manoj Ravikanti, COO, Green SM India.

In an exclusive interaction with Autocar Professional, Ravikanti discusses the company’s India launch strategy, partnership with VinFast, rollout plans across Delhi-NCR and the opportunities he sees in one of the world’s most competitive mobility markets.

The conversation also covers Green SM’s approach to charging infrastructure, the possibility of expanding into additional vehicle segments in the future, and how learnings from its international operations are being adapted for India.

Watch the full interview here.

VIDEO: Green SM COO Explains the Company’s 10,000-Vehicle India Ambition

Mukul Yudhveer Singh — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:28:56

Watch the full interview here.

VIDEO: India Auto Sales May 2026: EVs Drive Growth as Car & Two-Wheeler Sales Surge | AP Trends Podcast

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:02:05

In this month’s Autocar Pro podcast, we dig into India’s May 2026 wholesale figures and what they tell us about the road ahead for the auto sector.

Tata Motors dispatched over 10,000 EVs in May, Mahindra & Mahindra clocked around 6,400, and EV penetration in passenger vehicles has reached 6.4% — with two-wheelers already at 9.3%. Top 2W EV players including TVS, Bajaj, Hero MotoCorp, and Ather are reporting strong order books, and the FY27 outlook points to 12–13% EV penetration in 2Ws and around 8% in PVs.

But it’s not all green lights. Wholesale growth outpaced retail in May, signalling inventory build-up. The effect of recent price increases is expected to start reflecting in sales from July. And posting growth in H2 FY27 will be a significant challenge for the sector.

We also discuss the CV segment showing early signs of slower growth, customer sentiment remaining resilient, where flex-fuel transition stands, and why diesel powertrains are expected to survive even after CAFÉ III.

Video: PTC India Chief Upkar Saini: Automotive Winners Will Be Defined by Speed

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:39:57

The automotive industry’s next competitive advantage may not come from scale alone, but from speed.

In this conversation with Autocar Professional, Upkar Saini, Vice President and Country Head, PTC India, explains how the rise of software-defined vehicles, AI and digital transformation is forcing OEMs and suppliers to rethink the way products are developed. According to Saini, the industry is moving away from disconnected processes towards a more integrated approach built around a strong data foundation.

He argues that as vehicle complexity increases and product cycles shorten, speed-to-market will become a key differentiator. Indian manufacturers, he says, are increasingly focused on improving manufacturing agility, integrating software more effectively and using digital technologies to accelerate product development.

The discussion also explores how AI can help organisations unlock greater value from engineering and manufacturing data, and why India is emerging as a centre of engineering excellence rather than merely a cost-effective manufacturing destination.

Deep Drive - Inside Stellantis-Tata Motors partnership for Jeep SUV

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sat, 30 May 2026 13:14:52

In an exclusive conversation, Autocar India Editor Hormazd Sorabjee and Managing Editor Ketan Thakkar discuss what Stellantis' latest announcement means for both Jeep and Tata Motors. At its 2026 Investor Day, Stellantis announced that Jeep will launch a new SUV through its joint venture with Tata Motors, with the model due in 2028 and targeted for export to more than 50 countries. The announcement marks a shift in how the company views India — from a sales market to a base for global product development and export.

While Stellantis has not officially confirmed the platform, industry reports indicate the SUV could use Tata Motors' ARGOS architecture, which underpins the Tata Sierra and supports all-wheel drive and electrified powertrains.

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filos said the partnership would strengthen the company's product lineup in India while supporting exports to Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Gregoire Olivier, head of Asia Pacific at Stellantis, said the project would help the company remain "asset light" while improving global competitiveness, and that Stellantis targets sales of 100,000 localised vehicles globally by 2028 through its Tata and Dongfeng partnerships.

The Ranjangaon plant near Pune, operated jointly by the two companies, has produced more than 1.37 million vehicles since the venture began and currently manufactures four Jeep models alongside three Tata passenger vehicles. Stellantis has faced challenges scaling volumes in India's competitive and price-sensitive market, and the new model is seen as a way to address that while serving broader export ambitions.

VIDEO:

VIDEO: Tata Motors’ Shailesh Chandra on Tiago.ev Strategy, EV Demand Surge & Tata’s Growth Roadmap

Autocar Professional Bureau — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:17:19

Tata Motors President Shailesh Chandra speaks to Autocar India at the launch of the new-generation Tata Tiago and Tiago.ev. In this interview, he explains the thinking behind the Tiago EV’s battery and pricing strategy, why it deliberately differs from the Punch.ev, and how Tata is positioning the two cars to avoid cannibalisation. Chandra also discusses the recent surge in EV demand following the fuel price rise, Tata’s plans to expand EV capacity by 50% over the coming months, the long-term outlook for hatchbacks, diesel and CNG, the company’s export ambitions, and the steps Tata is taking to address persistent after-sales service complaints.

Watch now:

VIDEO: BMW India’s Hardeep Singh Brar Explains EV Push, Diesel Future & Growth Plans

Autocar Professional Bureau — Wed, 27 May 2026 12:13:46

In this exclusive interview, Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, speaks to Mugdha Mishra of Autocar Professional about the company’s growth strategy, rising EV adoption, the future of diesel vehicles, supply chain challenges and expansion plans for India.

Brar says electrification and long wheelbase models are BMW India’s two key growth drivers, with EV penetration rising from 21% last year to 26% in Q1. He also reveals that BMW India is expanding into 10 new cities with 18 additional touchpoints this year, while highlighting that cars priced above ₹75 lakh contribute nearly 75% of the brand’s portfolio.

The conversation also covers the impact of rupee depreciation, geopolitical tensions on supply chains, and BMW India’s current fuel mix of 61% petrol, 21% electric and 18% diesel. Despite growing electrification, Brar says diesel demand remains intact for now, though EVs will eventually dominate the market. He also notes that BMW India is currently growing at 17%, significantly ahead of the overall luxury car market growth of 2%, and expects strong double-digit growth in CY26.

Watch now:

VIDEO: Connected Data Could Become Automotive’s Biggest Differentiator: PTC’s Robert Dahdah

Mukul Yudhveer Singh — Mon, 25 May 2026 16:34:35

At the PTC Automotive Executive Exchange held in New Delhi, PTC Chief Revenue Officer Robert Dahdah told Autocar Professional that AI, connected data ecosystems and cloud-based engineering are rapidly transforming the global automotive industry.

Speaking to Autocar Professional’s Mukul Yudhveer Singh, Dahdah said shrinking vehicle development cycles, increasing software complexity and the rise of AI are forcing OEMs and suppliers to rethink traditional engineering and manufacturing approaches. He added that companies with strong data foundations and interconnected platforms across OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers and software partners will be better positioned to improve speed, quality and competitiveness in the years ahead.

Watch now:

VIDEO: India To Become World’s 3rd Largest Used Car Market By 2031 | Redseer Report Decoded

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:20:13

In this exclusive conversation with Autocar Professional, Kushal Bhatnagar, Associate Partner at Redseer Strategy Consultants, unpacks the findings of Redseer’s latest report on India’s used-car market and the structural shift now underway. India’s used-car market is projected to reach USD 68-78 billion and 9-10 million units by FY31, growing at 14-18% CAGR and overtaking the UK to become the world’s third-largest used-car market.

Kushal explains why India is the fastest-growing among the leading used-car markets globally, and why the used-to-new ratio at 1.4x still leaves significant headroom compared to mature markets at 2-3x. The conversation covers the six core demand drivers reshaping the segment, a 50 million-plus car parc by FY31, shortening replacement cycles from 7-8 years to 4-5 years, premiumisation, rising household incomes, deeper financing penetration, and digital adoption. Kushal also addresses why 65% of used-car buyers are first-time owners, and how this is redefining the category from a compromise purchase to a prudent financial choice.

Most critically, Kushal breaks down the trust deficit holding the market back, with ~80% of transactions still flowing through the unorganised channel, NPS scores below 30%, and only ~40% of buyers actively recommending their purchase. He outlines how full-stack operators are positioned to scale to 5–6% market share and unlock USD 4 billion by FY31, with metros leading the shift.

Watch Now:

VIDEO: BKT’s India Push: Branding, Capacity Expansion & EV Readiness

Prerna Lidhoo — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:28:46

In this exclusive conversation, Autocar Professional interacts with Balkrishna Industries Limited's Senior President & Director Satish Sharma, who talks about the company’s global strategy, export dependence, India growth plans and the future of the tyre industry amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

From building a global brand before gaining visibility in India, to expanding in the aftermarket space and preparing for future mobility trends, this interview covers the biggest shifts shaping the tyre business today.

Watch now:

VIDEO: India's Auto Industry Confronts the Software-Defined Vehicle Era

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sun, 10 May 2026 20:16:56

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant technological shift as software increasingly determines how vehicles are designed, validated and experienced by end users. Across global and Indian markets, manufacturers and technology companies are rethinking core processes — from engineering and testing to fleet management and customer interaction.

A Sector in Transition

Connected platforms, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, domain controllers and cloud-connected fleet systems are among the tools now central to modern vehicle development. Digital twins — virtual replicas of physical vehicles used to simulate performance — and AI-led testing methodologies are also gaining traction as automakers seek to reduce development cycles and improve reliability.

This convergence of automotive hardware and software has given rise to a broader concept in the industry: the software-defined vehicle (SDV), where a vehicle's features, behaviour and performance can be updated and optimised remotely, much like a consumer electronic device.

Indian Industry Voices

Autocar Professional, an automotive trade publication, has compiled a three-part conversation series examining these developments through the perspectives of senior figures from six organisations operating in India's mobility sector — Maruti Suzuki, Volvo Asia Commercial Vehicles, Matter India, Euler Motors, OPG Mobility and technology firm PTC.

The series examines the opportunities and challenges that the SDV era presents, with a focus on what these changes mean specifically for India's mobility ecosystem — a market characterised by diverse vehicle segments, varied infrastructure and a growing base of electric and connected vehicles.

What Is at Stake

For established automakers such as Maruti Suzuki and Volvo, the shift to software-defined architectures requires rethinking supply chains, talent pipelines and validation processes built around mechanical systems. For newer entrants such as Matter India and Euler Motors, which operate primarily in the electric vehicle space, software integration is often foundational to the product from the outset.

The participation of PTC, a product lifecycle management and industrial software company, reflects the growing role that enterprise technology providers play in automotive development — supplying the digital infrastructure that underpins connected vehicle platforms and manufacturing operations.

Broader Context

The global automotive industry has seen significant investment in SDV capabilities over the past several years. Major manufacturers including Volkswagen, General Motors and Toyota have reorganised internal structures to prioritise software development alongside traditional engineering. In India, the transition is at an earlier stage, though momentum is building as EV adoption rises and regulatory frameworks around connected vehicles evolve.

The Autocar Professional series is presented in association with PTC.

VIDEO:

VIDEO: India's Auto Industry Confronts the Software-Defined Vehicle Era

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sun, 10 May 2026 20:16:56

A Sector in Transition

Indian Industry Voices

What Is at Stake

Broader Context

The Autocar Professional series is presented in association with PTC.

VIDEO:

Deep Drive Podcast | Why EV Platforms May Gain Engines

Ketan Thakkar — Sat, 09 May 2026 19:50:58

Electric vehicle sales have fallen short of early forecasts, leaving OEMs with billions tied up in born‑electric architectures. A new strategy is taking shape: re‑engineering dedicated EV platforms to accommodate hybrid powertrains. This pivot offers manufacturers greater flexibility in balancing electrification ambitions with market realities.

In this episode, we explore how global carmakers are adapting their EV investments, the engineering challenges of integrating combustion engines into electric‑first platforms, and what these shifts mean for India’s evolving mobility landscape.

Watch now:

https://www.autocarindia.com/auto-videos/deep-drive-podcast-why-ev-platforms-could-get-engines-440052