The division will provide expertise, resources and equipment, enabling some customers to carry out testing that they wouldn’t have been able to previously and others to meet strict deadlines.

Regulatory and consumer testing is expanding rapidly, placing increasing pressures on manufacturers. In 2014, the Euro NCAP assessment included 6 ADAS test scenarios, in 2020 it is now 39, an increase of 650 percent. On top of this, the drive for safety has meant that advanced technologies that were once the preserve of prestige vehicles are now commonplace at all price levels, resulting in a growing number of vehicle models requiring driver assistance and crash avoidance testing. By 2022 many advanced driver assistance systems will be made mandatory for all new cars in 40 countries.

Wesley Hulshof, Senior Applications Engineer – Testing Services, AB Dynamics, said, “Vehicle testing and assessment is more complex and requires more resources than ever before and this trend is likely to continue as the scenarios evolve. This poses a significant challenge, whether you are a major vehicle manufacturer or test laboratory lacking the resource to carry out the required quantity of testing, or a start-up that doesn’t have the test equipment or expertise. Our service is a scalable and flexible solution to meet the customers’ specific needs.”

“By taking advantage of our extensive knowledge, clients can negotiate even the most complex of testing scenarios. This allows them to progress projects as efficiently as possible, achieve greater testing capacity and enhance the skillsets of their own teams. In particular, customers may find our support most beneficial in staging increasingly common swarm testing environments that require the accurate control of 7, 8 or more vehicles or targets. These swarm scenarios, which are becoming essential for developing Autonomous Driving technologies, can quickly strain an entire lab’s resources and knowledge. This type of test requires a significant investment in testing equipment and choreographing the scenario can be incredibly complex,” Hulshof said.

AB Dynamics’ unique Simpia toolchain software is used throughout all of its products, meaning complicated ADAS or AV test scenarios need only be generated once and can then be precisely replicated from virtual testing on the simulator to real life on the test track or vice versa, achieving considerable time savings.

The flexibility of the service is particularly beneficial for smaller companies who only have a limited need for testing, perhaps for a standalone project. It allows them to complete their own programme without the need for heavy investment in personnel and equipment, giving access to an ‘on-demand’ service that provides the opportunity to bid for bigger projects.

The service is tailored to an individual customer’s requirements, whether it's consultancy, training or the completion of physical testing. Using its extensive suite of industry-leading test products, the company can provide a ‘turn up and test’ service, supplying and operating the test objects only, or, if preferred, control the entire scenario on a customer-supplied test vehicle. With several international bases and the ability to transport teams and equipment, it is a global service offering.

“Our robots and test systems have long been adopted worldwide as the first choice for vehicle testing. By passing on this expertise to our customers, we are ensuring that they can successfully overcome any testing challenges as a result of evolving technology and, if they do already have the relevant knowledge, help them to optimise their workload and efficiency,” he added. (MT)

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India’s automobile industry has witnessed a dip is sales number in the passenger and commercial vehicle segments in FY24 and H1FY25. However, experts from CareEdge Ratings opine that this dip is no alarming for the overall industry as it is a cyclical downturn and the industry will bounce back. 
Commenting on the same during a virtual press conference, Senior Director Ranjan Sharma said, “The automobile sector has exhibited a mixed trend in H1FY25. While the two-wheeler industry has zoomed ahead at a healthy year-over-year growth rate of 16 percent, primarily driven by strong rural demand on the back of higher rural income levels, the passenger vehicle (PV) industry after witnessing healthy growth in past 2-3 years, has entered the slow lane during H1FY25 with wholesale volume growth slowing down to 2 percent on year-over-year basis due to subdued demand for entry-level cars and elevated inventory levels at dealer’s end. While two-wheeler volume growth is expected to remain healthy during FY25, overall PV volume growth is expected to continue to remain muted in FY25.”
“The commercial vehicle (CV) sector experienced significant growth post-pandemic, with approximately 30 percent growth in FY22 and FY23. FY22's growth was driven by a low base effect due to the pandemic's impact in FY21, while FY23 saw robust growth on a higher base. However, the momentum appears to have plateaued. Last year, the sector recorded a slight decline of around 1 percent and the current half-year shows a further decline of approximately 3 percent, primarily driven by a drop in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment. Meanwhile, the medium and heavy commercial vehicle (MHCV) segment has remained relatively stable,” he added. 
He also noted that infrastructure spending and increased construction activity in the second half of the fiscal year, supported by heightened government investment, could lead to some improvement. Nevertheless, for FY25 as a whole, CV volumes are expected to remain in negative territory, with an estimated decline upto 3 percent.
Commenting on how the dip in sales will fare for the overall automobile industry, he stated, “The two-wheeler segment is performing well overall. However, major CV and PV players are doing well individually, though volume growth is expected to remain neutral for a year or two, as this is cyclical. The sectors witnessed such fluctuations every 2-3 years but there is no alarming concern for the overall sector. Moreover, there are no significant concerns from a credit quality standpoint. These companies are large, have diversified portfolios and maintain a strong financial risk profile.”
He added, “The PV sector witnessed significant growth in the past couple of years, driven by its cyclical nature. The growth rate for FY25 is projected to be around 3 percent with a similar trajectory expected for FY26. The LCV segment, being more price-sensitive, has been particularly affected, showing sharper declines. For FY25, the sector is expected to close with a decline of about -1.5 percent to -2 percent. Looking ahead to FY26, even under the best-case scenario, growth is likely to remain subdued, with only minimal improvements expected, driven by the same underlying factors.”
Alluding to the performance of the electric vehicle (EV) segment, he said, “EV volumes have shown healthy growth, particularly in two-wheelers and e-buses. However, this growth has come from a very low base. Even in FY24, EV penetration remains modest with two-wheelers at approximately 5.4 percent and other segments, including passenger and commercial vehicles, at around 2 percent each. The slower pace of growth and penetration can be attributed to challenges such as underdeveloped EV charging infrastructure and the high cost of EVs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which continue to act as significant bottlenecks.”
 

Image for representative purpose only.

Dana India has announced the completion of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Chakan, Pune. The initiatives aimed at improving road safety and infrastructure in accident-prone areas and reiterates Dana India’s vital role in promoting sustainable development and community safety, both in Maharashtra and across India. 

In an effort to lower the risk of accidents for over 3,600 residents and tourists, Dana India built 30 tall solar lighting at Chakan's Alandi Phata Chowk. This project is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, including Goal 13: Climate Action and Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. Additionally, Dana India put up metal barriers and traffic safety signs in the industrial region of Chakan. Approximately 250,000 commuters are anticipated to benefit each day from these actions, which also support Goals 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 

More than 300,000 individuals now have better road visibility and safety thanks to the installation of road divider railings at strategic locations like Endurance Chowk. This programme promotes Goal 3: Well-being and Good Health. Goal 7: Accessible and Sustainable Energy Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals and Goal 15: Life on Land. In order to significantly improve evening safety for an estimated 300,000 people, Dana India additionally installed street lighting in strategic areas across Endurance Chowk and the Chakan Industrial Area. These initiatives support both Goal 15: Life on Land and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. 

Gajanan Gandhe, Country Head and Vice President, Dana India, said, “These initiatives represent a significant step towards improving road safety and promoting sustainability in the Chakan community. At Dana India, we are committed to driving meaningful change and enhancing the quality of life for the people of Pune while supporting the global sustainability agenda.”

aerpace Industries Ltd has announced that Sanjay Takale, Director of aerpace Racers and a distinguished racer, will compete in the four-wheel category of the Dakar Rally 2025, which is recognised globally as the pinnacle of motorsport.

Takale's long motorsport career spans three decades and includes over 75 national and international triumphs. Among his numerous achievements is the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship Production Cup from 2013. In 2022, he became the first Indian invited to the FIA Motorsport Games, finishing 8th in Rally4 among participants from 72 nationalities. Takale's involvement in the Dakar Rally is a landmark success for Indian motorsport, cementing his position as a global hero. This development also demonstrates aerpace's dedication to nurturing cutting-edge talent and innovation.

Apart from his personal accomplishments, Takale is committed to developing new talent through aerpace Racers, an initiative of aerpace Industries. As Director, he aims to develop an innovative and sustainable motorsport culture.

Takale said, “Dakar is more than a race – it’s a dream that pushes the limits of human and machine capabilities. Representing India on this unparalleled platform is both a privilege and a responsibility. With aerpace’s unwavering support, I hope to inspire a new wave of motorsport enthusiasts to chase their dreams and redefine boundaries.”

The Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), the apex body representing passenger transport operators across the country, has re-elected Prasanna Patwardhan as its National President and announced its new National Committee list for a three-year tenure. The other key members of the National Committee include A Afzal (National Vice President), Dharmaraj D R (General Secretary), Harsh Kotak (Treasurer) and Babu Panikar (Additional Secretary).

Since its founding in 2016, BOCI has played a significant role in promoting the settlement of important problems that transport companies confront, such as infrastructural difficulties, taxation and regulatory barriers. The company is also leading new projects to improve passenger last-mile connection and encourage the use of environmentally friendly transport options like electric vehicles (EVs). With a vision that is firmly based on sustainability, innovation and teamwork, BOCI hopes to solidify its position as the force behind revolutionary developments in the passenger transport industry. 

Outlining the association’s vision for the betterment of the passenger transport industry, Patwardhan, who retains his position as National President, said, “I am deeply honoured to continue serving as the National President of BOCI, and I thank the members for their continued trust and support. The passenger transport industry is at a transformative juncture, requiring concerted efforts to adapt to evolving mobility needs. Public transport, as a pillar of sustainable and inclusive mobility, is central to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. BOCI is committed to strengthening the ecosystem by advancing solutions such as Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and enhanced last-mile connectivity, ensuring that public transport becomes more accessible, seamless and efficient for all. This tenure will focus on fostering innovative practices, driving meaningful collaborations, and establishing international partnerships to ensure our industry remains aligned with global advancements and emerging trends. As we gear up for 2025, our collective efforts will be directed toward addressing industry challenges, enhancing operational efficiencies, and creating a sustainable roadmap that empowers both operators and passengers. Together, we will continue to elevate the standards of the sector, ensuring it significantly contributes to India’s growth story.”

The complete list of members of the new National Committee is as follows:

1. Prasanna Patwardhan, National President
2. A Afzal, National Vice President
3. Dharmaraj D R, General Secretary
4. Harsh Kotak, Treasurer
5. Babu Panikar, Additional Secretary
6. Gurmeet Singh, Joint Secretary
7. D Maran, Joint Treasurer
8. Siddiq Gandhi, Joint Treasurer
9. Harish Sabharwal, Senior Vice President – North
10.  Anurag Agarwal, Senior Vice President – East
11.  Kiran Desai, Senior Vice President – West
12.  Manoj Padikkal, Senior Vice President – South
13.  Anjit Bora, Sr. Vice President – North-East
14.  Rajesh Parashar, Vice President – Stage Carriage
15. Kanwarjit Singh Sawhney, Vice President – Tourist Buses
16. Anil Dixit, Vice President – PPP Model
17. Malik M Patel, Vice President – Tourist Taxi
18. Navsharan Garcha, Vice President – School Bus
19. M Ramanathan, Vice President – Maxi Cab
20. Rijas A J, Vice President – Intercity
21. Sartaj Lamba, Executive Member
22. Mahendra Jalwania, Executive Member
23. N P Gautam Kiran, Executive Member
24. Hari Prakash Dubey, Executive Member
25. Ameet Sahoo, Executive Member