ARAI And MoRTH Launch Bharat VECTO Project At Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

ARAI And MoRTH Launch Bharat VECTO Project At Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

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.”

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    India Auto Retail Sales Grows 6.6% In January Says FADA

    Auto retail sales - Jan 2025

    The automotive retail sales in January 2025 grew by 6.63 percent YoY, a growth much better than previously anticipated by most industry observers. A total of 22,91,621 vehicles were sold across segments, which includes 15,21,862 two-wheelers (+4.15 percent YoY), 1,07,033 three-wheelers (+6.86 percent YoY), 4,65,920 passenger vehicles (+15.53 percent YoY), 93,381 tractors (+5.23% YoY) and 99,425 commercial vehicles (+8.22% YoY) according to the latest data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).

    “The auto retail sector kicked off 2025 on a promising note, aligning with FADA’s earlier survey projections that expected January to range from flat to moderately positive. Indeed, overall retail sales posted a robust 6.6 percent YoY growth, reinforcing the industry’s optimistic start. Our observations indicate that each vehicle category – two-wheeler, three-wheeler, passenger vehicle, tractor and commercial vehicle – witnessed positive momentum, pointing toward sustained consumer confidence and steady market recovery,” said C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA.

    In the two-wheeler segment, urban sales outpaced rural sales on the back of new model launches, marriage season demand and improved financing as key growth drivers. However, concerns about rising interest rates, rural liquidity challenges and market uncertainty still linger.

    The passenger vehicle segment saw some spike on the back of ‘2025 model year’ sales, as the previous year models do see significant discounting.

    “Commercial Vehicle sales increased by 8.22 percent YoY and surged 38.04 percent MoM, with urban markets climbing from 50.1 percent to 51.2 percent share and outpacing rural growth (9.51 percent vs 6.89 percent). While higher freight rates and passenger carrier demand provided a boost, many dealers cited low cash flow, strict financing policies and sluggish industries (like cement and coal) as major hurdles. Sentiments in rural regions remained notably subdued, compounded by limited new products. Overall, the sector shows cautious optimism but faces persistent headwinds,” added Vigneshwar.

    Going forward, FADA maintains a cautious optimism for February, with dealers having a mixed sentiment ranging from an uptick, flat to even a drop in sales.

    The tailwinds include continuing marriage season, fresh product launches and strategic promotional activities to sustain customer footfalls. This will be aided by improved inventory management, better financing options from select lenders and backlogged orders in certain segments (such as commercial vehicles) add to the sense of guarded confidence. With supportive policies and a post-budget lift in consumer sentiment, many believe February could see a stable or slightly elevated sales curve.

    On the other hand, the headwinds expected include shorter working days, pockets of weak rural liquidity and inflationary pressures. Then there is the strict lending criteria, costlier vehicles and subdued demand in certain industrial sectors to further weigh on overall performance.

    Category Jan '25 Jan '24 Change (in units) Change (in %) Dec '24 Change (in %)
    YoY YoY MoM
    Two-wheeler 1,525,862 1,465,039 60,823 4.15% 1,197,742 27.39%
    Three-wheeler 107,033 100,160 6,873 6.86% 93,892 14.00%
    E-Rickshaw (P) 38,830 40,537 -1,707 -4.21% 40,845 -4.93%
    E-Rickshaw with Cart (G) 5,760 3,744 2,016 53.85% 5,826 -1.13%
    Three-wheeler (Goods) 12,036 10,716 1,320 12.32% 9,122 31.94%
    Three-wheeler (Passenger) 50,322 45,113 5,209 11.55% 38,031 32.32%
    Three-wheeler (Personal) 85 50 35 70.00% 68 25.00%
    Passenger Vehicle 465,920 403,300 62,620 15.53% 293,465 58.77%
    Tractor 93,381 88,741 4,640 5.23% 99,292 -5.95%
    Commercial Vehicle 99,425 91,877 7,548 8.22% 72,028 38.04%
    LCV 56,410 51,260 5,150 10.05% 39,794 41.76%
    MCV 6,975 5,586 1,389 24.87% 4,662 49.61%
    HCV 30,061 30,220 -159 -0.53% 22,781 31.96%
    Others 5,979 4,811 1,168 24.28% 4,791 24.80%
    Total 2,291,621 2,149,117 142,504 6.63% 1,756,419 30.47%

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      Sarla Aviation’s Shunya Air-Taxi Prototype Promises A Flying Future

      Sarla Aviation’s Shunya Air-Taxi Prototype Promises A Flying Future

      Arranged in one corner of Hall 6 of Pragati Maidan in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 was an air-taxi called Shunya. Developed by Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based startup, the air-taxi attracted a good deal of crowd, reflecting a new and future mode of transport or mobility.

      The Shunya air-taxi prototype could facilitate a new mode of mobility much like a radio-taxi does to travel between Mumbai and Pune; between Mumbai and Kalyan; between Delhi and Jaipur or between Delhi and Meerut, for example.

      Intending to launch the electric air-taxi in Bengaluru by 2028 to become the first to introduce urban air transport in India, Sarla Aviation (the company’s name is inspired by Sarla Thakral, India’s first female pilot) is steadfastly focusing on an indigenous design and manufacture since the beginning of the operations.

      A testament to Sarla Aviation’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, the Shunya air-taxi proto has been designed to execute short trips of 20 to 30 kms with speeds of up to 250 kmph with up to six passengers onboard. As the first eVTOL of its kind in the country, it marks a pivotal moment in the history of Indian civil aviation, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess in cutting-edge aerospace technologies.

      Capable of carrying a maximum load of 680 kg, according to a source aware of the development, the air-taxi offers a market-leading payload capacity such that every passenger can bring his or her luggage. The luggage is conveniently stored in the rear of Shunya with exterior access for ease.

      Prioritising safety, purpose-driven performance and accessibility, Shunya – poised to redefine mass transportation – can take off from any flat surface, whether on top of a building or in a rural area, making it the most infrastructure-efficient mode of mass mobility ever, according to the company.

      Working on a strategy that will see Shunya facilitate efficient commuting in megacities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Pune, Sarla Aviation is also looking at how its offering could facilitate social commitments in the form of an air ambulance that reaches where no vehicle or other means of mobility is able to reach. An air ambulance could also be used in urban and semi-urban areas to beat the road congestion.

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        Mahindra Reports Consolidated PAT for Q3 FY25 At INR 31.81 Billion

        Mahindra Reports Consolidated PAT for Q3 FY25 At INR 31.81 Billion

        Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M Ltd) has reported a strong operating performance across businesses in Q3 of FY25 with a consolidated PAT of INR 31.81 billion, up 20 percent. Auto and Farm Divisions continue to deliver growth and margins. Profits have been up 16 percent. The Financial services AUM grew at 19 percent and TechMahindra achieved good traction in deal wins, seeing its EBIT improve 480 bps.
        Claiming to be Number one in SUVs with revenue market share at 23 percent, up 200 bps, Mahindra & Mahindra reported that SUV volumes in Q3 FY25 rose 20 percent. The company reported that it has retained its number one position in LCVs below 3.5 tonne GVW with a market share of 51.9 percent, up 230 bps. The company also reported that it has retained its number one position in tractors with the market share of 44.2 percent, up 240 bps. 
        While the market share of the group in electric vehicles is at 41.8 percent, the market share of MMFSL AUM has increased by 19 percent. TechMahindra EBIT has rose 480 bps with continued focus on margin expansion. The consolidated revenue was reported at INR 414.7 billion, up 17 percent. Consolidated PAT was reported at INR 31.81 billion, up 20 percent. Year-To-Date FY25 RoE was reported at 18.4 percent and EPS at 86.0.
        Speaking about the development, Dr Anish Shah, Managing Director and CEO, M&M Ltd. said, “Our businesses continue to demonstrate strength in execution. Auto and Farm delivered solid performance on market share and margins, on the back of focused execution. The transformation at TechMahindra is gathering momentum. MMFSL continues to balance asset quality and growth priorities, with GS under four percent on the back of strong AUM growth. Our Growth Gems are demonstrating steady progress towards their long-term objectives.”
        Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO (Auto and Farm Sector), M&M Ltd, averred, “The launch of our flagship electric origin SUVs, the BE 6 and XEV 9e set a new benchmark in global innovation. Thar ROXX won the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) as well as Autocar car of the year. In Q3 F25, we were Number one in SUV revenue market share with 200 bps YoY increase. LCV less than 3.5-tonne volume market share is at 51.9 percent, a gain of 230 bps. The Auto segment PBIT is up by 120 bps YoY. We achieved highest ever Q3 tractor market share at 44.2 percent, a gain of 240 bps YoY, and farm PBIT is up by 260 bps YoY.”
         
         


         

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          ICEMA Holds 3rd Construction Equipment Manufacturing And Supply Chain Summit

          ICEMA Holds 3rd Construction Equipment Manufacturing And Supply Chain Summit

          Under the auspices of the first edition of Bharat Construction Equipment Expo (BCEE) in Greater Noida on 21 January 2025, the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (ICEMA), an affiliated organisation of CII, partnered with the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) to organise the 3rd Construction Equipment Manufacturing and Supply Chain Summit. As India works to realise its goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the event offered a forum for ideas and debates on how to enable CE manufacturing to propel national prosperity and advancement.

          In order to improve the manufacturing capabilities of the CE industry and facilitate its transformation into a global manufacturing powerhouse, the Summit, which was well-attended by representatives of various stakeholders such as government bodies, OEMs, component manufacturers, suppliers, research institutions and end users of construction equipment, featured discussions on important topics, namely ‘Driving Innovation & Indigenisation: Making Indian CE Industry Atmanirbhar & a Global Manufacturing Powerhouse’ and ‘Building Resilience & Competitiveness with the support of a Robust Supply Chain’.

          Panellists from OEMs, component manufacturers, and technology solution providers to the CE industry discussed their personal experiences and expectations regarding localisation, technology adoption, innovation and building a resilient CE supply chain during the event's panel discussions. One of the main issues that emerged regarding the bolstering supply chains was the inconsistent quality of components made by small manufacturers.

          As part of the BCEE, the ICEMA Manufacturing and Supply Chain Panel established a localisation zone to showcase CE components that the industry has recognised as being indigenised. This feature gave CE suppliers and manufacturers a chance to assess the potential for working with market leaders to produce essential components domestically, therefore bolstering the supply chain for the CE industry.

          The esteemed attendees of the Summit's Inaugural Session unveiled the second edition of the Construction Equipment industry catalogue. In order to promote networking and cooperation amongst industry participants, the catalogue compiles data on the goods, services and technologies provided by all types of stakeholders, including OEMs, component manufacturers, suppliers, technology solution providers and financiers.

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