Union Minister for Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, visited the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar today. During his visit, the minister toured the state-of-the-art facility, which is a testament to India’s growing prowess in automotive innovation and safety standards. 

The minister was given an in-depth overview of ICAT’s advanced laboratories, testing tracks and cutting-edge technologies including crash tests, acoustic rooms for reverberation studies and fuel flow testing mechanisms.                          

During his visit, he laid the foundation stone of Electrical and Electrical Lab and Centre of Excellence for Advanced Automotive IT Services (AAITS) in the presence ICAT Director Saurabh Dalela and other senior officials. 

Speaking to the media after the visit, Kumaraswamy said, “It is my pleasure to be here on my first visit to ICAT, an institution that represents India's drive towards automotive excellence. ICAT’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its advanced laboratories and testing infrastructure, are a testament to India’s capabilities in automotive innovation.” 

The minister highlighted the crucial role ICAT plays in ensuring road safety through rigorous testing procedures. “Witnessing these facilities and tests today has given me a profound perspective on the rigorous efforts undertaken here to ensure the safety of every individual who travels on our roads. It showcases the complexity and commitment behind each test,” he added. 

Kumaraswamy commended the ICAT team for their invaluable contributions to the automotive sector, emphasizing their role in advancing sustainability, safety, and innovation. “ICAT is not just a testing and research facility; it embodies the shared vision of the ministry and the government to drive the future of mobility in India,” he said. 

The minister also noted ICAT’s significant contributions to government initiatives such as the FAME scheme, PM eDrive, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. He underlined the importance of ICAT’s involvement in promoting indigenous manufacturing and global competitiveness in the automotive sector. 

“ICAT stands as a symbol of India’s automotive aspirations, contributing significantly to our transition to electric mobility and sustainable transportation. The Ministry of Heavy Industries remains committed to supporting ICAT in every possible way to ensure its continued growth and success,” Kumaraswamy assured. 

The Indian automotive industry, which contributes over 7 percent to the nation’s GDP and employs millions, is expected to witness robust growth in the coming years. The minister emphasized that ICAT’s technical expertise, research and homologation services would play a pivotal role in ensuring that this growth is sustainable, safe, and competitive on a global scale. 

Concluding his visit, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed the Ministry of Heavy Industries’ commitment to fostering innovation, creating policy frameworks, and building infrastructure to position India as a global leader in automotive technology. 

“Together, we can make India a global leader in automotive technology and innovation, ensuring safer, better vehicles for Indian and global customers alike,” he said.

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Iochpe-Maxion, a world leader in automotive wheels production and a leading producer of automotive structural components in the Americas, has received official validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its net-zero emissions strategy. This approval confirms that the company’s climate goals are consistent with the ambition to limit global warming to 1.5°C and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.

The SBTi has classified both the company’s near-term and long-term targets for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions as aligned with 1.5°C mitigation pathways. Iochpe-Maxion has committed to reducing its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 63.2 percent by 2030, using 2019 as a base year. Over the same period, it will also cut its absolute Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services by 25 percent, using a 2024 baseline.

By 2040, the company aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain. This long-term objective involves a 90 percent reduction in both Scope 1 and 2 emissions from the 2019 baseline, and a 90 percent cut in Scope 3 emissions from the 2024 baseline.

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The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex body representing the Indian auto component industry, has appointed Vikrampati Singhania, Managing Director, JK Fenner (India), as President, ACMA for the 2025–26 term.

He succeeds Shradha Suri Marwah, who had been leading ACMA for the president. In addition, Sriram Viji, Managing Director, Brakes India, is the next President Designate.

Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA, said, “The appointment of Vikrampati Singhania as President and Sriram Viji as President Designate comes at a decisive moment for our industry. The auto component sector is navigating geopolitical volatility, supply chain realignments, and accelerating electrification. Their proven leadership will be invaluable in steering ACMA’s agenda on strengthening India’s global competitiveness, securing critical raw materials, and fostering R&D and innovation. I am confident that under their stewardship, ACMA will further our industry’s vision of building a resilient, sustainable, and future-ready mobility ecosystem.”

Vikrampati Singhania, said, “It is a privilege to lead ACMA at a time when India is rapidly emerging as a trusted global partner in mobility value chains. With exports crossing record highs and EV adoption reshaping the market, our task is to strengthen resilience and competitiveness. We must deepen localization, invest in advanced technologies, and embrace sustainability as a core business imperative. Together, with the government’s continued support and our industry’s commitment, we will work towards making India not only self-reliant but also a global leader in the next generation of mobility components.”

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Delhi NCR-based component maker Sterling Tools, through its subsidiary, Sterling Gtake E-Mobility (SGEM), is foraying into the EV On-board Chargers and DC/DC converter for electric vehicles space. 

The company has inked a technology license and supply agreements with Landworld Technology Co, China to locally manufacture on-board chargers, DC/DC convertors and Multi-Function Units (incorporating On-Board Chargers, DC/DC converters as well as Power Distribution Units (PDUs)).

Sterling Tools estimates that the market size to reach around INR 30 billion by FY2030, while the revenue from the partnership to achieve INR 4.5 billion respectively.

The company will manufacture the crucial products required in the passenger and commercial vehicle segments at its EV campus in Faridabad.

Anil Aggarwal, Chairman, Sterling Tools, said, “This partnership creates greater depth in the EV ecosystem in India. We are expanding beyond our initial Motor Control Unit and powertrain platforms to meet our customer’s growing demand for advanced technology in the EV sector. EV sub-systems are being increasingly consolidated into multifunction units and Sterling hopes to offer our customers greater choices for stand-alone and multifunction units to cover multiple (vehicle) functions. The Sterling Group will continue to extend excellent technical and application support to its customers to help drive greater adoption of EVs in India.”

Lin Chen, Vice General Manager, Landworld Technology Co, said, “India’s EV market offer’s immense potential for growth and innovation. Through our partnership with Sterling Gtake, we are bringing our proven expertise in On-Board Chargers and DC/DC converters to Indian customers across several EV vehicle categories. Together, we aim to create high-quality solutions that cater to India’s EV market while contributing to the country’s self-reliance and sustainability goals."

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The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) convened its 65th Annual Session in New Delhi, focusing on the theme ‘Navigating Geopolitical Challenges - Creating a Resilient Automotive Supply Chain in India’. The event brought together senior policymakers, global leaders, and industry captains, including Nitin Gadkari, H D Kumaraswamy, Piyush Goyal, and Maros Sefcovic.

In her opening address, ACMA President, Shradha Suri Marwah, emphasised the industry's resilience. She stated, “India’s auto component sector expanded beyond USD 80 billion in FY25, with exports crossing USD 23 billion – a testament to our growing reputation as a trusted global partner".

She also acknowledged the challenges ahead, adding, "Yet the road ahead demands greater resilience as we navigate geopolitical headwinds, technology disruption, and sustainability imperatives".

A key highlight was the release of an ACMA–McKinsey study, which projects the industry will reach USD 200 billion by 2030.

H D Kumaraswamy noted the government's strong policy push, saying, “Bold reforms such as the PLI scheme have already attracted over INR 295 billion in investments and created more than 45,000 jobs, far exceeding expectations".

At the valedictory session, Nitin Gadkari underlined the long-term vision for the industry. He stated, “Our goal is to make India the world’s leading hub for smart, safe, sustainable, and affordable mobility by 2030".

Piyush Goyal reaffirmed India’s growing role as a trusted global partner, asserting, “As global trade undergoes disruption, India and the EU are working towards a fair and balanced Free Trade Agreement that will strengthen our partnership for decades". H.E.

Maros Sefcovic stressed the importance of India-EU collaboration, adding, "A balanced Free Trade Agreement will be a win-win, unlocking greater market access, high-value investments, and new technologies for both regions". The session saw over 1,200 delegates in attendance.

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