The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) launched the project on development of ‘Motor Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (Bharat VECTO) for Real Drive Fuel Consumption/CO2 Emissions’, a landmark project in India’s homologation process, at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. ARAI is showcasing its technology and services at stall no H11-04, Bharat Mandapam; stall no H2-02, Yashobhoomi and stall no H1-A14, India Expo Centre & Mart from 17 to 22 January 2025.

Minister of Road, Transport and Highway Shri Nitin Gadkari; Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI; P K Banerjee, Chief Executive Director, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Dr Sukrut S. Thipse, Senior Deputy Director – ARAI and Bharat VECTO Project Leader graced the event.

In accordance with Europe, the United States, Japan, China and other countries, the developed Bharat VECTO will be used to compute the realistic fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs) (GVW > 3.5 tonnes) on a driving cycle basis. The BS-VII regulation will include it. Various mission profiles will be created under the Bharat VECTO project to address all HDV classifications, driving styles, road topography etc. Before being finalised for usage, the created tool will be tested on a few vehicle classifications. Along with project partners, ARAI will make every effort to create Bharat VECTO. It will be made available in Bharat Stage-VII and will serve cars powered by internal combustion engines, electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cell EVs and flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) in a phased way.

At Bharat Mandapam, a concept demo of the Over-Head Automated Charging Device (OH-ACD), one of ARAI's projects in collaboration with IIT-Madras, is on exhibit. Fast charging is possible with the 600-kW charging power, 1000V voltage and 600A current, which is made to satisfy the needs of the changing transportation environment. In addition to OH-ACD, the company is showcasing its in-house ADAS Validation Platform, a Light Commercial Vehicle with a 117 HP engine and an E-Axle for European customers and a Training Kit for the Battery Management System.

Stall number H2-02, Yashobhoomi, lists ARAI's specialised service portfolio for certification and support in developmental validation for components, systems and sub-systems. Along with engine models and lightweight components from the ARAI Fatigue Material Centre of Excellence, ARAI is also exhibiting the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) Bike and Battery Management System Kit, which was constructed by ARAI engineers.

Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, said, “It is a great pleasure to host Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari and have his presence for the launch of Bharat VECTO project. Ministry of Road Transport and Highway has played a significant role in enabling ARAI guide the auto industry towards one direction. Hence, ‘Motor Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool for Real Drive Fuel Consumption/CO2 Emissions’ will be instrumental in accelerating the momentum for industry-wide adoption of green mobility. ARAI, while being a major stakeholder in homologation and developmental testing and standardisation has also been fundamental in innovating technologies for sustainable mobility like Over-Head Automated Charging Device, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Powertrain, which are at display at Bharat Mobility Global Expo. We are thrilled to showcase these technologies and drive conversations for greener tomorrow.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has unveiled Tata.Cars as its new consumer-facing global brand identity, alongside the brand line ‘Nothing’s Too Far’. The identity unifies the company's passenger vehicle portfolio under a single master brand across its digital, retail and service platforms.

The legal entity name, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, remains unchanged for statutory, regulatory and investor communications, while the vehicle emblem continues on existing and future models.

The new visual identity system introduces a design language termed Parallel Pathways, alongside a custom typeface and a revised colour scheme designated as Ambition Blue.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, "For decades, we have grown alongside India’s aspirations, helping make the future more accessible through meaningful innovation. From India’s first indigenous car to pioneering electric mobility and making safety mainstream, we have consistently challenged limits and expanded possibilities for millions of customers. Yet, we believe our boldest ambitions remain ahead of us. Today, we proudly introduce Tata.Cars. More than a new brand identity, it is a declaration of intent for the future we envision. Anchored in the promise, ‘Nothing’s Too Far’, it conveys our belief that mobility should open doors, embrace possibilities and empower people to get closer to what matters most to them. As the world moves towards a more connected, intelligent and sustainable future, Tata.Cars will continue creating breakthrough products, experiences and ecosystems that help customers unlock new possibilities and pursue their ambitions without limits.”

The identity consolidation encompasses the automaker's range of internal combustion and electric vehicles across hatchbacks, sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). The branding roll-out will apply to customer touchpoints, retail spaces and service networks across domestic and international markets.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

T-Hub, the world's largest home for startups, has partnered with Honda Digital Innovation India to launch the Honda Innovation Challenge 2.0, an initiative designed to build digital mobility and customer experience applications alongside Indian startups.

The partnership expands upon the initial challenge framework to run three programmes over the next year, providing total project funding of up to INR 48 million. Each challenge will select four startups eligible to receive up to INR 4 million to construct proof-of-concept projects alongside Honda teams over a 12-week period, representing an increase from the INR 1 million offered per project during the first edition.

Furthermore, startups will also gain access to Honda's operational environments and T-Hub's mentorship network to support development leading toward potential commercial integration.

The launch follows the conclusion of the Honda Innovation Challenge 1.0 in May 2026, which selected four companies – Attento Technologies, Xane AI, SenSight Technologies, and AppTestify – to develop proof-of-concept projects covering driver behaviour analysis, vehicle resale evaluation and customer data systems for Honda's dealership network.

Toshiyuki Yanagisawa, CEO, Honda Digital Innovation India, said, “Honda Digital Innovation brings together two important elements: the transformation of people’s lives through digital technology, and the value that we want the Honda brand to create. Our mission is to explore and deliver new forms of value that can make people’s lives better. And Honda Innovation Challenge is the platform where we bring together people who share that ambition – people who have new ideas, new technologies, and the passion to create a better future for customers.”

Kavikrut, CEO, T-Hub, said, “Industries are solving increasingly complex problems, but building every solution in-house can take significant time and resources. Startups bring speed, agility and specialised capabilities to address these challenges. At T-Hub, we bring our industry partners and founders together to co-build solutions around real business needs and move them towards deployment. With automotive being an early adopter of technology, our partnership with Honda creates an opportunity to build in India and take these solutions to the world.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Swedish automotive manufacturer Polestar has appointed Arek Nowinski to its Board of Directors, succeeding Francesca Gamboni, who is set to retire from Polestar’s Board.

Till recently, Arek was Head of Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific at Volvo Cars and has held several other senior sales leadership positions during his career. In his previous roles, Arek has also served as the President of Volvo Cars Poland, Senior VP of Volvo Cars EMEA and President of Volvo Cars International Markets. 

He holds an MSc in International Finance from the University of Derby and an MA in Finance and Banking from the Warsaw School of Economics. 

Winfried Vahland, Chair, Polestar, said, “I would like to thank Francesca for her excellent contribution to the work of the Board. I’m also pleased to welcome Arek, who brings significant commercial expertise and experience, as Polestar enters a phase of model expansion and sales network development across existing and new markets.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Corporation has announced the appointment of Cedric Ratinaud as the new Global Head of Brand, Nissan.

Ratinaud previously served as the Director of Creative and Campaigns for Global Communications at Nissan Motor Corporation, a role he held from April 2024. Prior to that position, he worked as General Manager of INFINITI Global Communications. His background includes two decades in the automotive sector across communications, marketing communications, and brand management roles.

His career at Nissan spans operations across Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Most recently, he served as General Manager of Brand, Marketing, and Communications for Nissan Motor Asia Pacific, operating out of Thailand.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!