Recording a 353 percent increase in the revenue for the first quarter of FY2021-22 at INR 29,510 million in comparison to the revenue generation of INR 6,510 million in the corresponding quarter of FY2020-21, Ashok Leyland is confident of a strong demand emerging post the second Covid-19 wave. Clocking export volumes of 1,437 units in the first quarter of FY2021-22, up 254 percent when compared to the export of 405 units in the first quarter of FY2020-21, the commercial vehicle manufacturer is concentrating on vaccination and the adherence of safety protocols to try and ensure that all its stakeholders stay protected from a potential third wave. Experiencing a 1,041 percent growth in domestic M&HCV volume in the first quarter of FY2021-22, which is almost twice than that of the industry growth volume at 562 percent during the same period, the company has reported a net loss of INR 28,20 million in the first quarter of FY2021-22 as against a net loss of INR 38.90 million in the corresponding quarter of FY2020-21. Selling 8,690 LCVs in the domestic market in the first quarter of FY2021-22, up 224 percent as compared to the sale of 2,686 LCVs in the corresponding quarter last fiscal, Ashok Leyland is closely observing the way the freight rates are shaping up. It is confident that freight rates will improve with higher availability of commercial vehicles once the Covid-19 subsidies and uncertainty fades. “We are hoping for the volumes to grow higher as the market gets better,” mentioned Mahadevan. “July (2021) has been a growth month,” he added. Stressing that they have had eight months of degrowth, Mahadevan said, “Economic growth will induce growth in CVs.”

CV trends
Working on a strategy for a robust domestic and exports growth, the commercial vehicle major is appointing dealers in Africa. Looking at gaining good traction in South East Asia, Ashok Leyland will launch new products in the LCV segment even though not in the immediate quarter. Buoyed by the international markets opening up and experiencing export thrust, the company is said to be testing an electric version of its LCV platform on which the Bada Dost is based in the UK. This vehicle is expected to be launched at the end of this fiscal or in the first half of the next fiscal. Of the opinion that electric vehicles are catching up, especially at the local point of use, on the encouragement of the governments, Mahadevan averred, “It is more to do with buses, but trucks will catch up.” Seeing a trend of petrol commercial vehicles in the low-tonnage segment of sub-1 tonne to 1.5 tonne, Mahadevan drew attention to the push on CNG. “We are ready in the LCV and ICV (segment),” he added. Of the firm belief that diesel vehicles will continue and the IC engine will coexist and not die overnight, Mahadevan said, “We are ready to cater to higher demand.” 
 

Watching closely how freight operators are able to pass on the fuel price hike to their end customers, Ashok Leyland is hoping that bus commute will pick up. A 40,000 units per annum market, according to Mahadevan, buses have been severely affected due to the Covid-19-led disruption. Delivering 40 electric buses to the city of Chandigarh recently (from where it has bagged an order to build and maintain e-buses with quick charging technology), Ashok Leyland is expecting pent-up demand to show up once normalcy returns. Also expecting demand to show up because of the need to ferry people without sacrificing social distancing norms, Mahadevan drew attention to their work towards further strengthening their position in the bus and LCV market segments. With the talk of schools reopening in regions where the Covid-19 infections are down, and the relaxation in Covid-19 norms in some region allowing more employees to return to their offices, bus demand is expected to improve post witnessing a sudden downfall mid-last year. Through the establishment of Switch Mobility, Ashok Leyland is keen to experience a speedier ride in the ‘cleaner and greener’ bus space. 
 

Managing costs and productivity 
Eyeing international markets like the US, Europe and Japan, the company, through the Switch Mobility subsidiary, has worked with a few consultants to make sure that its data points and numbers are on par with the current situation. Under Switch Mobility, it is developing new products to present an advantage of unique position in terms of value and premium positioning. For its Switch Mobility subsidiary that includes the erstwhile Optare of UK, Ashok Leyland has managed to get USD 18 million worth of investment from Dana Incorporated (Dana), a US-based manufacturer of drivetrain and e-propulsion systems. To do de-bottlenecking once enough demand is evident, Ashok Leyland, investing sufficiently in terms of capex, is confident of seeing early growth sprouts in LCVs. Therefore, if it were to do immediate capex investment, it would be in LCVs. Discussing with scrappage centres post the announcement of the scrappage policy, Ashok Leyland, the second-largest CV maker in the country, is witnessing good traction from its other business verticals like defence, power solutions and aftermarket. They are contributing to its top line. 
 

With the pace of vaccination picking up and positively setting in, Ashok Leyland is expecting a demand spike in commercial vehicles after the fear of a third Covid-19 wave is over. This, according to Mahadevan, could happen in the second half of this fiscal. Focusing on costs, productivity and middle level management, the commercial vehicle major is also concentrating on reducing its carbon footprint. Apart from announcing strategic steps to move towards net zero carbon mobility through Switch Mobility, Ashok Leyland, said Mahadevan, has formed an ESG committee of the Board. The committee will guide and propel the commercial vehicle manufacturer to achieve its sustainability agenda.
 

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French automotive major Renault Group, which unveiled its mid-term business strategy ‘futuREady’, will see India playing a huge role in its ambitious growth plan.

Fabrice Cambolive, CEO, Renault Brand, has stated that the company’s upcoming Bridger SUV, slated to be a key driver for growth, will go into production by next year.

What’s more, the sub-4-metre tech-loaded Bridger SUV touted as the company's flagship for the international markets with a spacious 400-litre boot, will see India as its first market before being exported to other countries.

As part of its future plans, the Bridger SUV will be a multi-energy vehicle, which means petrol, electric vehicle and a hybrid engine to enable transition towards EV.

While full details of the product will be revealed closer to launch, the company has clearly stated that outside Europe, India, South America and South Korea are key growth regions.

The high-growth markets with an estimated 50 million units per annum, represent 60 percent of total industry volume growth where Renault Group is present.

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French automotive major Renault Group has launched its new strategic roadmap, titled futuREady, marking the next phase of its corporate transformation following the 2021 ‘Renaulution’ plan. The strategy aims to establish the Group as a benchmark European carmaker through an offensive in products, technology and operational performance.

The Group has set medium-term financial targets including an operating margin between 5 percent and 7 percent and an average automotive free cash flow of at least EUR 1.5 billion per year.

Product Offensive and Global Growth

Renault Group plans to launch 36 new models globally by 2030. The strategy focuses on two distinct geographic tracks:

• Europe: 22 new models, of which 16 will be electric. The Renault brand aims for 100 percent electrified sales in this region by 2030.
• International: 14 new models targeted at growth hubs in India, South America, and South Korea. The Group expects 50 percent of Renault brand sales to come from outside Europe by the end of the decade.

A cornerstone of the plan is the RGEV Medium 2.0 electric platform. This modular 800-volt architecture is designed to reduce costs by 40 percent compared to current electric vehicles.

Technical specifications for the 2030 horizon include:

• Charging: Ultra-fast charging capability of 10 minutes.
• Range: Up to 750 km (WLTP) for pure electric versions and 1,400 km with a range extender.
• Software: Transition from Software Defined Vehicles (SDV) to Artificial Intelligence Defined Vehicles (AIDV), with 90 percent of functions updated via Firmware Over The Air (FOTA).
• Powertrain: A third-generation rare-earth-free motor (EESM) delivering 275 hp with 93 percent motorway efficiency.

Renault Group intends to halve factory downtime and reduce energy consumption by 25 percent through the use of an industrial metaverse – a digital twin of all manufacturing sites. The plan involves deploying 350 humanoid robots for low value-added tasks and using AI to supervise 1,000 manufacturing control points. These measures aim for a 20 percent reduction in production costs and a 30 percent reduction in logistics costs.

Francois Provost, CEO, Renault Group, said, “futuREady, our new strategic plan, is a crucial step in the future of Renault Group. In an environment that is even more competitive, we can build on solid fundamentals: our brands, our products and our financial results. Since my appointment as CEO last July, we have been working with the whole team worldwide to develop a plan that will set the Group on the path to robust and sustainable performance, whatever the challenges ahead.”

“Becoming Europe's reference carmaker means setting the ambition to design and produce in Europe products that are best in class in terms of desirability, technology and competitiveness. In an increasingly competitive environment, this means combining performance and innovation with resilience and robust strength,” added Provost.

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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has marked the conclusion of its year-long partnership with Aldingbourne Trust by presenting the charity with a series of exclusive artworks. These pieces were created by the luxury marque’s in-house design team and inspired by a wooden model gifted to Rolls-Royce by the Trust late last year.

That model, named the ‘Sapele Shadow’ after the wood used in its construction, was made by the Wood@Aldingbourne team as a gesture of gratitude when Rolls-Royce delivered its final donation. Now displayed at the company’s Goodwood headquarters, the handcrafted vehicle prompted one of the marque’s designers to reinterpret it digitally using the same advanced rendering software applied for client commissions.

Only three framed prints of this original artwork have been produced, each signed and numbered by the designer. One is set to be displayed in the Aldingbourne Trust café, another has been presented to the Wood@Aldingbourne workshop and the third will be auctioned to support the charity during the Goodwood Members’ Meeting in April.

Wood@Aldingbourne is one of over a dozen social enterprises run by the Trust, which has supported more than 1,500 individuals with learning and physical disabilities since its founding in 1978. Operating as a self-funding environmental group, it collects and repurposes reclaimed wood from local sources, including the Rolls-Royce site. All materials are either transformed into handmade goods for sale or used to fuel the Trust’s biomass boiler.

The relationship between Rolls-Royce and Aldingbourne Trust extended beyond fundraising throughout 2024, with colleagues contributing both time and resources. This ongoing collaboration reflects the meaningful connections formed when employees engage with their chosen House Charity, often resulting in support that endures well beyond the official partnership.

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “It was a privilege to work with Aldingbourne Trust as our House Charity in 2024. When we presented the final donation cheque, we received an unexpected gift – a model car made in Sapele wood by the Wood@Aldingbourne team. This delightful model inspired one of our designers to create a unique digital rendering, just as we would for a real client commission. We’re delighted that this artwork will be displayed in the Trust’s café and will also be offered as a significant prize in a fundraising auction. It’s a pleasure to extend our support for this wonderful organisation beyond 2024.”

Abigail Rowe of Aldingbourne Trust said, “We were so appreciative of the fundraising efforts by Rolls-Royce staff, and the tremendous awareness we were able to generate through being their House Charity. It’s wonderful that the relationship has continued through this collaboration, which meant so much to the client who created the original wooden model, and will help raise further money for us. We’d like to thank the whole Rolls-Royce team, and particularly the talented designer who created these images for us.”

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In a collaboration that fuses past and present motorsport excellence, Caterham and its Surrey-based retail partner HWM have unveiled the Seven HWM Edition. This limited-edition model pays tribute to the celebrated 1951 HWM-Alta Grand Prix car, a machine that helped define an era for British racing.

The Seven HWM Edition is limited to just 19 units for the UK market, each priced from GBP 57,990. Every example features a distinctive HWM Green exterior, a colour meticulously matched to the original 1951 racer. Design cues drawn directly from its predecessor include bespoke side panel louvres, a unique nosecone grille and suspension components finished in Retro Grey. Additional touches such as a custom HWM nosecone badge and a central chrome fuel filler cap reinforce the connection.

Inside, the hand-turned aluminium SuperSprint dashboard continues the tribute, equipped with classic SMITHS chrome instrumentation, a solid metal cut-off switch and a polished wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel. The cabin is completed with optional leather or composite seats bearing the HWM logo, while chrome accents on the gear knob and handbrake add refinement.

Mechanically, the car is rooted in the Seven 420, powered by a 210 bhp 2.0-litre Duratec engine. With a power-to-weight ratio of 375 bhp per tonne, it delivers exhilarating performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. A numbered dashboard plaque, indicating its exclusivity, is fitted to each of the 19 cars.

HWM, originally established in 1938 as Hersham and Walton Motors, built its reputation as the first British team to claim a Grand Prix victory after the war. Yet it was the 1951 HWM-Alta that truly solidified its place in history, securing numerous international podium finishes with a roster of drivers that included the legendary Sir Stirling Moss. Now primarily a luxury sports car specialist, HWM became an official Caterham retailer for the South East in 2023, making this partnership a natural extension of its longstanding connection to performance engineering.

Trevor Steel, Senior Vice President of Operations & CFO, Caterham Cars, said, “It’s been a real privilege to work with HWM on this special limited edition. Drawing inspiration from the legendary HWM-Alta racer, this car pays tribute to Walton-on-Thames’ rich racing heritage while celebrating the lightweight, driver-focused ethos that defines what Caterham is today. Bringing together two iconically British brands with deep roots in motorsport made this project especially meaningful. It reflects a shared commitment to engineering purity, performance and craftsmanship – values that have shaped both our histories and continue to drive us forward. We’re proud to honour that with a car created for true enthusiasts.”

Guy Jenner, CEO, HWM, said, “We are immensely proud to celebrate HWM’s remarkable history as a works team and grand prix car constructor. This project has given us a unique opportunity to tell the story of how a small outfit from Walton-on-Thames took on the greatest teams in European grand prix racing during one of motor racing’s most inspiring eras. Our sincere thanks go to Caterham for being such an enthusiastic and committed partner. Each of the 19 hand-built cars showcases exquisite detailing, with an outstanding sense of quality and craftsmanship.”

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