Sona BLW Precision Forgings Announces Q3 FY23 Results

Hero MotoCorp To Increase Prices Of Bikes From Jan 2021

Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd (Sona Comstar) announced its financial results for the quarter and nine-months ended 31 December, 2022.

Key financial highlights – Q3 FY23 – 
· Revenue of INR 6.85 billion with 39 percent YoY growth. 
· 26 percent revenue share from Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), BEV revenue growth of 29 percent YoY. 
· EBITDA of INR 1.86 billion with a margin of 27.2 percent and 43 percent YoY growth.
· PAT of INR 1.07 billion with a net profit margin of 15.6 percent and 45 percent YoY growth.
· The net order book increased to INR 238 billion from INR 205 billion as of 30 September, 2022.

Key financial highlights – 9M FY23 –
· Revenue of INR 19.32 billion with 22 percent YoY growth.
· 25 percent revenue share from Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), BEV revenue growth of 31 percent YoY. 
· EBITDA of INR 4.94 billion with an EBITDA margin of 25.6 percent and 17 percent YoY growth. 
· PAT of INR 2.76 billion with a net profit margin of 14.3 percent and 18 percent YoY growth.
· The net order book increased to INR 238 billion from INR 186 billion as of 31 March, 2022.

Commenting on the performance, Vivek Vikram Singh, Managing Director and Group CEO, Sona Comstar, said, “We delivered our highest quarterly revenue, EBITDA and net profit in Q3 FY23. Our revenue grew 39 percent YoY in the last quarter, driven by the scale-up of revenue from new programs. Our BEV revenue was higher by 29 percent YOY, representing 26 percent of overall revenues. Despite the continued high steel prices, the EBITDA margin improved by 80 bps YoY to 27.2 percent, driving EBITDA growth of 43 percent and PAT growth of 45 percent. We continue to progress on all our key strategic priorities. We won the largest single new order in our history, an EV driveline program which is a big step forward for us in both business development and technology, as this is a new product called an Electronic Differential Lock (EDL). This win demonstrates our ability to keep adding new and higher value-added products for our customers. We also made our first acquisition since 2019, and with NOVELIC, we have added a third pillar of sensors and software to our business.”

Operational highlights – Q3 FY23 and 9M FY23

Key developments
· A global EV OEM has awarded the company a new program to supply EDL for their upcoming BEV model. This program has added INR 33.5 billion to the order book and is the single largest new order win in the company's history. The program's start of production is in H2 FY24.

· The company has been awarded a new program for a US-European OEM of PVs and EVs to supply differential assemblies for their upcoming BEV model. This program has added INR 3.6 billion to the order book. The program's start of production is in H2 FY24.

Electrification 
· BEV revenue share: Revenue from battery EV grew 31 percent YoY INR 4.67 billion in 9M FY23 and contributed 25 percent of total revenue against 23 percent in 9M FY22. 

· EV programs: Eleven new EV programs and six new customers were added in 9M FY23. The number of awarded programs increased to 41 across 25 different customers.

Navnit Motors Inaugurates BMW Service Workshop In Mumbai

BMW Group - Navnin Motors

BMW Group India and Navnit Motors have opened a service workshop facility in Mumbai, designed in accordance with the manufacturer's Retail.NEXT standards.

Located in Andheri East, the facility covers approximately 115,000 square feet and operates 53 service bays, comprising six consultation bays, three diagnostic bays, 21 mechanical and electrical bays, and 23 body and paint bays.

The centre incorporates infrastructure for electric vehicle maintenance, high-voltage equipment, solar power generation covering 20 percent of electricity needs, rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems. Digital integrations include service scheduling via the MyBMW App, personalised video repair estimates with digital payment options, and real-time vehicle tracking. BMW Group India currently operates 56 service workshops across its national network.

Ralf Hattler, Senior Vice-President of Customer Support and Aftersales, BMW Group, said, "Aftersales is a strategic pillar of the BMW Group’s long-term relationship with its customers. As mobility evolves, our focus is to build a service ecosystem that is ready for every drivetrain, intelligently connected and consistently centred on individual customer needs. The new Retail.NEXT service workshop in Mumbai translates this global ambition into a powerful local reality - combining scale, specialist competence and responsible operations to safeguard vehicle performance. For our customers, this means peace of mind: knowing that BMW is always by your side and keeps you mobile throughout the entire ownership journey."

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, "Customer experience does not end with the purchase of a BMW, it continues throughout the ownership journey. With Navnit Motors, we have established one of India’s largest automotive service workshops and the country’s largest BMW service workshop facility, bringing together scale, digital innovation, sustainability and future-ready expertise under one roof. It is a significant expression of our ‘Relax. We Care.’ promise and our commitment to making BMW ownership effortless, transparent and rewarding."

Krishna Kachalia, Dealer Principal, Navnit Motors, said, "As we celebrate 30 years of a strong and enduring partnership with the BMW Group, this landmark facility is a significant milestone in our shared journey. Our deep understanding of Mumbai and the evolving needs of BMW customers have shaped our vision to create this world-class service facility. As the largest BMW service workshop, it reflects our commitment to setting new benchmarks in aftersales excellence. With significantly enhanced service capacity, advanced diagnostic systems, dedicated EV facilities, connected service technologies and highly skilled specialists, the facility combines scale with precision and personalised care for BMW customers across Mumbai."

Taiwanese Suppliers To Showcase Automotive Solutions At AAPEX 2026

Taiwan - APPEX 2026

Over 200 suppliers from Taiwan will participate in AAPEX 2026, North America’s leading automotive aftermarket exhibition, scheduled to take place at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas from 3rd November to 5th November.

Presented by the International Trade Administration and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the delegation will exhibit under the Team Taiwan banner at Booth V19622.

The display features products across categories including components, electronics, lighting, tools and collision repair parts. The showcase incorporates an industry scenario zone, digital kiosks, and scheduled presentations.

The events during the exhibition include an opening ceremony, networking sessions, procurement meetings and pitch demonstrations focusing on maintenance equipment, diagnostics and advanced driver assistance systems.

Image for representational purposes only.

Indraprastha Gas Deploys Nawgati Automated Safety Framework For CNG Stations

Indraprastha Gas - Nagwati

Indraprastha Gas has introduced Nawgati's artificial intelligence (AI) vehicle recognition and safety verification system at fuel stations in Delhi.

The rollout was inaugurated at the Shantipath CNG facility by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives for the North Circle at the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The initiative implements a three-pronged compliance framework to verify compressed natural gas cylinder hydrotest validity before refuelling.

The system incorporates the consumer-facing Nawgati app, the Aaveg compliance application used by queue marshals and automated license plate recognition cameras linked to digital LED displays and public announcement systems. Non-compliant vehicles with expired certifications trigger automated alerts to station staff to halt refuelling operations.

Ambuj Singh, Senior Vice President of Business and Operations, Nawgati, said, "Fuel retail safety relies on robust enforcement and friction-free technology. Having senior leadership inaugurate this rollout at IGL Shantipath is a testament to the urgency and impact of our solution. By combining our proprietary technology, the Aaveg Compliance app for queue marshals, and consumer-facing transparency through the Nawgati app, we are helping operators eliminate manual blind spots, prevent unverified cylinders from refuelling, and set a new benchmark for smart infrastructure safety."

The safety deployment is accompanied by public awareness campaigns across media channels and operational protocols implemented by Indraprastha Gas to support national energy targets and infrastructure expansion.

AXOR Introduces Agera Full-Face Helmet With Integrated Aerodynamic Rear Spoiler

Axor Agera

AXOR, the premium helmet brand from Vega Auto, has launched the Agera, a full-face helmet designed with aerodynamic engineering and ventilation features for high-speed riding.

The helmet features a shell profile with an integrated rear spoiler engineered to manage airflow, reduce aerodynamic drag, and lower neck strain at high speeds. The rear spoiler functions as an integrated exhaust vent to assist with thermal management and interior airflow extraction. The product will be retailed in domestic markets and exported across AXOR's international distribution network.

The Agera features a double D-ring retention system and an Emergency Quick Release System for cheek pad removal during emergency situations. The helmet is equipped with an optically correct, scratch-resistant, UV-protected Revo outer visor featuring a tool-free quick-release mechanism and Pinlock anti-fog compatibility, alongside an integrated internal smoke sun visor for glare reduction.

Uttam Chandak, Joint MD and Head of Research and Development, AXOR, said, "Aerodynamic engineering plays a critical role in the overall riding experience, particularly at higher speeds. With the Agera, our focus has been on developing a shell profile that manages airflow effectively. By combining aerodynamic considerations with functional ventilation and a race-inspired design, we aim to deliver a helmet that reflects our continued focus on engineering-led product development."