OEMs are facing new challenges to improve the existing technologies and develop next-generation ones for the new mobility in shorter times. Reducing market responding time along with new complexities are paving the way for virtual simulation, which displaces physical tests and prototypes by virtually replicating product development, testing and manufacturing with simulations. Emmanuel Leroy, Executive Vice-President Industry Solutions at ESI Group, explains, “We enable our customers to drastically reduce every additional physical prototype by using our solutions. In the end, only one physical prototype is required to validate the whole concept. We envision that one day we may be able to virtually certify a product from end to end.” Excerpts:

Q) How did the Covid impact the software and services businesses of ESI Group?

The Covid pandemic has accelerated the need for more digitalisation within the industrial market. It has also somehow accelerated the readiness level of our customers and made solutions such as virtual prototyping even more relevant. Indeed, we enabled the continuity of our clients’ business. The use of virtual prototyping allowed them to continue designing, testing and prototyping their products. Our human-centric approach – one of ESI Group’s four outcome solutions – was particularly used by our customers to ensure the continuity of their businesses: using virtual reality to experience the product from home.

During pandemic times, we also provided our CFD (computational fluid dynamic) solutions to help investigating different scenarios to demonstrate the effect of occupant proximity, ventilation systems and contamination avoidance unique to each office and plant environment. ESI Group developed different virtual scenario, based on its facilities in India, to optimise the return to offices and on plant – especially on a car assembly line.

How the growing complexity of part process is influencing the virtual testing?

We notice that the automotive industry is facing more and more draconian regulations, disruptive technologies, intensifying competitions and shortening response time. Coupled with these, customers are getting more demanding on quality, reliability, safety and production deadlines in the business. Indeed, end users are no longer looking for products but for results (flight hours instead of engines, number of possible kilometres instead of electric car, etc.) and they seek for committed and responsible automakers to motivate their buys. At ESI Group, we have understood these preoccupations and we have defined four primary solutions answering our customers’ expectations.

The first one is the Pre-certification and Validation, enabling gains in performance and productivity. The purpose is double: meeting certification and validation requirements like crash, safety and fatigue issues in the first attempt and then increasing productivity with predictive models and process automation.

The second outcome is Smart Manufacturing, which enables to establish the right manufacturing processes to meet the performance indicators for industrial products and processes.

The Human-Centric Product and Process Validation, our third outcome, focuses on humans by implementing an operator-centric approach to ensure the efficiency of assembly, maintenance operation and the safety of human interactions.

The last one, Pre-experience, is the most advanced solution of ESI Group. Here, our customers and the operators do not look at the product itself, but virtually experience a product, component, subsystem or system under numerous conditions and environments.

Using these approaches, we identify industry challenges from the customer’s perspective and support them in achieving their results.

Finally, as products are getting more complex, one of our strengths is our end-to-end multi-material assembly solution with modelling of different materials (steel, aluminum, composite) and manufacturing processes, covering all the product development cycle.

What will be the growth drivers for the internal combustion engine-driven vehicles business?

Safety is essential and will remain a key driver in the future. Today, the active safety is gaining traction owing to the regulations and overall trends. There is an increasing demand for smart integrated safety, which caters to both active and passive what?

Alongside there are regulations on Co2. In Europe, the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) Norm is challenging and will eventually be implemented in other countries. Regarding Co2 reduction, we focus part of our research and innovation around engine efficiency, aerodynamics and light-weighting, as we did with Bentley for instance.

OEMs are also looking to reduce the manufacturing cost and development time which are leading demand for virtual prototyping, digital twin and shifting OEMs’ investment from hardware to software. The end-to-end value and the digital continuity from the early design to the production is essential to achieve these goals.

OEMs are exploring possibilities to manufacture ICE vehicles and EVs on the same line. Being a solution provider for the smart manufacturing process, how do you see this as a challenge?

Some OEMs assemble EV and ICE vehicles on the same line and look for flexibility, while others use completely dissociated platforms. We, consequently, must find the right strategy regarding their requirements. The new upcoming challenges in CASE mobility manufacturing will bring even more complexities from components to manufacturing. We have to consider the complexity to train the operators: our virtual reality solutions are key here. We help our customers by providing training, on both ICE vehicles and EVs manufacturing processes to their team, even from different place around the world, gathered on the same interface. This solution gathers all stakeholders (from operators to QHSE officers and plant managers) around the same product. This immersive tool helps getting complementary feedbacks early on in the process.

Where do you find more competencies or comfortability — in the complete vehicle design or component design?

Clearly, we are positioning ourselves on the whole vehicle design as it gives the most significant benefit for the OEM and other customers. We are talking about an end-to-end value that we can demonstrate on full scale CAE demonstrators. When it comes to a standalone component, the complex interactions between components and environment are not well taken into account and can lead to reduced predictiveness. In this case, we come up with a holistic view of the problem itself. It is how we defined the four outcome solutions introduced earlier.

Do you think that virtual prototypes will, at a 100 percent, completely replace physical ones ?

Virtual prototypes are step by step replacing physical prototypes. Nevertheless, I think physical prototypes remain today essential to certify the product at the very end of the development phase. To give an example, in 2019 Renault succeeded a 5-star rating of its Clio 5 on the Euro NCAP safety certification test with a single physical prototype, the one needed for the consumer test. Virtual certification is a topic discussed within the automotive ecosystem, allowing to solely relying on the simulation from end to end. But we are not at that point right now.

Which is your largest market for automotive business?

The automotive industry is the most significant contributor to our total revenues. Today, Japan is the largest market for our automotive business. However, India has been an important market for ESI, and it has been growing quite well over the years.

Most of our engineering developments teams, for both our software and our platforms, are based in India.

What are the challenges in the business?

The increasing complexity I mentioned before is definitely a challenge, but it also brings opportunities to us. Our end-to-end multi-material, multiprocess solutions and chaining capabilities are key to overcome the challenges of the automobile market. Due to the ever growing content of electronics, system simulations and systems of systems techniques are improving as well. Our focus is to strengthen our collaboration with partners in the ecosystem to support the customers in solving their complex problems. (MT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

R C Bhargava the Chairman of Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has been conferred ‘The ICSI Lifetime Achievement Award for Translating Excellence in Corporate Governance into Reality’ by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).

The commendation was presented by Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, and P T Usha, Member of Parliament and President of the Indian Olympic Association, during the ICSI National Awards for Excellence in Corporate Governance.

ICSI is a professional body established under an act of Parliament to regulate the profession of Company Secretaries. It functions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and contributes to government initiatives regarding socio-economic growth.

R C Bhargava, said, “This prestigious award has been awarded to me, but the reality is that this recognition would not have been possible without the participation of the Maruti Suzuki management and employees. Over four decades, they have maintained high standards of ethics and integrity, and by doing so, made the award possible. I am very grateful to all of them and dedicate the award to all members of the Maruti Suzuki family, past and present.”

“I believe good corporate governance requires the top management to clearly differentiate between right and wrong, implement this in all their own actions, act as trustees of the company assets, believe in team building, and look after the legitimate interests of all stakeholders,” added Bhargava.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

British energy major BP has announced that it’s Board has appointed Meg O’Neill as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 April 2026.

She will succeed Murray Auchincloss, who has stepped down from his position as CEO and director of the board, effective 18 December 2025. Carol Howle, currently Executive Vice-President for supply, trading and shipping, will serve as interim CEO until O’Neill joins the company. Auchincloss will remain in an advisory role until December 2026 to assist with the transition.

At present, O’Neill is the current CEO of Woodside Energy, a position she has held since 2021. During her tenure, she managed the acquisition of BHP Petroleum International. Prior to joining Woodside in 2018, she spent 23 years at ExxonMobil in technical and operational roles.

Albert Manifold, Chair of BP, said, “We are delighted to welcome Meg O’Neill to the BP team. Her proven track record of driving transformation, growth, and disciplined capital allocation makes her the right leader for bp. Her relentless focus on business improvement and financial discipline gives us high confidence in her ability to shape this great company for its next phase of growth and pursue significant strategic and financial opportunities.”

“Following a comprehensive succession planning process, the Board believes this transition creates an opportunity to accelerate our strategic vision to become a simpler, leaner, and more profitable company. Progress has been made in recent years, but increased rigor and diligence are required to make the necessary transformative changes to maximise value for our shareholders,” added Manifold.

Meg O’Neill, said, “BP plays a critical role in delivering energy to customers around the world. I am honoured to serve as the company’s next CEO. With an extraordinary portfolio of assets, BP has significant potential to reestablish market leadership and grow shareholder value. I look forward to working with the BP leadership team and colleagues worldwide to accelerate performance, advance safety, drive innovation and sustainability and do our part to meet the world’s energy needs.”

Murray Auchincloss, noted, “After more than three decades with BP, now is the right time to hand the reins to a new leader. When Albert became Chair, I expressed my openness to step down were an appropriate leader identified who could accelerate delivery of BP’S strategy. I am confident that BP is now well positioned for significant growth and I look forward to watching the company’s future progress and success under Meg’s leadership.”

The board confirmed that Howle’s appointment ensures continuity, citing her 25-year history with the firm.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

ContiTech, a Continental group sector, has officially introduced its new Reduced Dimension Spiral hydraulic hose series to the Asia-Pacific market. Designed specifically for construction, agricultural and mining machinery, this series aims to improve equipment efficiency through high-pressure capability, flexibility, a lightweight build and extended service life.

The hose incorporates a four- to six-layer spiral of high-tensile steel wire and an optimised synthetic rubber inner tube. This construction yields a more compact and lighter hose with a tighter bending radius, allowing for easier installation in space-constrained machinery like excavators and loaders. The reduction in weight and size contributes to lower system load and energy consumption while also simplifying logistics, installation and maintenance for improved efficiency across the value chain.

Engineered for extreme conditions, the series operates reliably in temperatures ranging from –40°C to +120°C. It maintains flexibility in deep cold and provides strong resistance to oil and swelling at high temperatures. A durable inner tube and weather-resistant cover ensure consistent performance in demanding settings, from arctic mines to high-temperature industrial plants, minimising environmental stress and the need for frequent maintenance.

The product line spans working pressures from 4,100 to 6,100 psi, complies with ISO 18752 CC class standards and carries MSHA flame-resistance certification, adhering to a 4:1 safety factor. This multi-pressure design allows equipment manufacturers to consolidate hose variants, simplifying inventory management, reducing storage costs and maintaining safety across diverse high-pressure uses. Standardisation further streamlines customer processes in assembly, procurement and upkeep.

Tailored for the Asia-Pacific region, the SRDS version features a reinforced synthetic rubber cover that excels in repeat bending applications. Its compound resists surface cracking in tough conditions, including low temperatures, offering a reliable and cost-effective solution. For more severe environments, the XRDS series includes an abrasion-resistant cover for enhanced protection against impacts, friction, and wear in mining, construction, and forestry, thereby extending service life and reducing downtime.

Aligning with its customer-focused approach, ContiTech applies its expertise in high-performance materials and manufacturing to provide safe, efficient and sustainable solutions. The company collaborates with industry partners to advance reliability, efficiency and sustainability across the construction sector.

Xin Song, Head of Mobile Industrial Solutions, Industrial Solutions APAC, ContiTech, said, “The construction, agriculture and mining industries are rapidly transforming towards greater reliability, lower emissions and smarter equipment systems. Leveraging over 150 years of materials expertise, ContiTech develops customer-centric solutions. The Reduced Dimension Spiral series was engineered with deep insights into industry challenges, delivering breakthroughs in lightweight design, space efficiency and extreme-environment adaptability while maintaining constant high-pressure performance. It helps customers reduce equipment load, improve energy efficiency and maximise value across the full equipment lifecycle.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Vietnam’s Vingroup has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana, outlining a comprehensive plan to develop a multi-sector ecosystem through a proposed phased investment of USD 3 billion. This expansive collaboration aims to drive socio-economic growth in the Indian state through major initiatives in smart urban development, electric mobility, healthcare, education, tourism and renewable energy.

The partnership’s most ambitious component is the planned creation of a large-scale smart city. This new urban area, designed to accommodate approximately 200,000 residents, will integrate sustainable planning principles with international-standard amenities and is expected to generate significant local employment. Supporting this community, Vingroup will develop essential social infrastructure, including international-grade multi-specialty hospitals and an integrated K-12 school system.

A key pillar of the initiative is establishing a sustainable electric mobility ecosystem. This involves launching India's first large-scale electric taxi service within Telangana, supported by a widespread network of charging stations. To ensure a green power supply for this fleet, urban areas and industrial zones, Vingroup further proposes to develop a substantial solar farm. The collaboration will also enhance Telangana’s tourism appeal through a dedicated complex featuring theme parks and wildlife attractions.

The Telangana government has committed to supporting these projects by facilitating land allocation, assisting with master planning and administrative procedures and mobilising the necessary connecting infrastructure. This foundational agreement not only marks a significant step in Vingroup’s international expansion but also strengthens economic and business ties between Vietnam and India, creating a framework for future cooperation and mutual growth.

A Revanth Reddy, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Telangana, said, “The USD 3 billion investment by Vingroup is a massive vote of confidence in the ‘Telangana Rising’ vision, particularly our focus on sustainable urban development and green infrastructure. This is more than capital; it’s a partnership to build a futuristic, net-zero city and introduce India’s first large-scale electric taxi fleet, directly improving the quality of life for our citizens. Our government guarantees accelerated execution to ensure this global vision becomes a local reality.”

D Sridhar Babu, Hon'ble Industries Minister, Government of Telangana, said, "Vingroup's multi-sectoral commitment, spanning smart cities, solar power and advanced social infrastructure like hospitals and schools, demonstrates the stability and breadth of Telangana’s industrial policy. We are committed to translating this significant capital inflow into local opportunity, positioning Telangana as the gateway for Vietnamese and South-East Asian investment into India's fastest-growing economy."

Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government, Government of Telangana, said, “We welcome Vingroup’s presence in Telangana and recognise the achievements the Group has made in Vietnam, particularly in urban development, green infrastructure and electrified transportation. With the Group’s extensive expertise and capability to execute large-scale projects, we believe that this cooperation will mark an important step forward in shaping a modern and sustainable urban landscape and improving the quality of life for the people of Telangana.”

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of Vingroup Asia and VinFast Asia, said, “Vingroup sees tremendous potential in Telangana and we aspire to build a long-term partnership with the state government. With our proven track record in delivering mega urban developments, large-scale infrastructure and a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem, we believe that our collaboration with Telangana will generate tangible value, promote sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for local residents.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!