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)

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Blue Ocean Corporation, a globally recognised leader in supply chain consulting and training, is strengthening its engagement with India's evolving economic landscape through a significant strategic appointment. The company has welcomed Pushpinder S Puniha, a distinguished figure who chairs the Consultative Group on Tax Policy at NITI Aayog, to its Advisory Board. This move is designed to create a powerful synergy between high-level policy expertise and practical industry application.

Puniha’s arrival coincides with a period of profound structural change within the Indian economy, where modernising supply chains, implementing tax reforms and executing policy-driven initiatives are central to national progress. His deep expertise in fiscal governance and public policy will equip Blue Ocean with critical insights, enabling the firm to precisely align its consulting, training and capacity-building programmes with the country's development goals. This collaboration not only accelerates Blue Ocean’s expansion within India but also solidifies its commitment to cultivating a robust supply chain ecosystem and a highly skilled workforce. The appointment acts as a strategic bridge, connecting the government’s economic vision with global professional standards.

By integrating thought leadership from India's premier policy institution, Blue Ocean ensures its services directly support national campaigns such as Make in India and Skill India while remaining forward-looking and relevant. Puniha’s recent participation at the company's International Procurement and Supply Chain Conference in New Delhi underscores this shared mission to merge international best practices with India's ambitions for sustainable growth. As an Indian-owned multinational, Blue Ocean is actively broadening its domestic footprint with new offices in Tier 1 and 2 cities. Puniha’s advisory role is anticipated to be a catalyst in this expansion, reinforcing the corporation's position as a key partner in India's journey towards becoming a USD 5 trillion economy and a global hub for talent.

Sourav Ganguly, Member of Board at Blue Ocean Corporation, said, "Having worked with Puniha earlier at the BCCI, I know the value he brings through his expertise and professionalism. It is a privilege to work with him again at Blue Ocean, where his presence on the Advisory Board will help us drive our future growth and impact."

Puniha said, "At Blue Ocean, I see a strong commitment to aligning global expertise with India’s economic priorities. Together, we will drive initiatives that build skilled talent and strengthen India’s position as a global supply chain hub."

Dr Sathya Menon, Group CEO of Blue Ocean Corporation, said, "India is positioning itself as the world’s supply chain hub. Puniha’s expertise will strengthen our India strategy and make our initiatives more impactful."

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Shailesh Chandra, the Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, who is also currently the President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), has been elected the new President of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), effective 1 November 2025.

This makes Chandra the first Indian to lead the global federation, succeeding John Bozzella of the USA.

Founded in 1919, the OICA represents 36 national associations of motor vehicle manufacturers worldwide, focusing on issues of mobility, environment, safety, and economy and promotes harmonised technical regulations through the United Nations.

“It is an honour to become the first OICA President from India, which is highlighting the organisation’s global representation. As the global automotive industry transitions towards sustainable mobility and pursuits ‘Net Zero’, in alignment with the visions of Governments worldwide, the role of OICA becomes increasingly critical – to acknowledge the diversity of every region, as we collectively strive to make our vehicles more aspirational, safer and environmentally friendly,” said Chandra.

Chandra's background includes over two decades of automotive experience with Tata Motors, where he is credited with turning around the passenger vehicle business and spearheading the electric vehicle segment in India. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from IIT Varanasi.

On the other hand, Hildegard Muller, President of Germany's Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), was elected OICA's Vice President. Her appointment recognises her leadership within Europe's automotive sector and her experience in industry and government, which includes serving as a former Minister of State to the German Chancellor. Muller has led the VDA since 2020, navigating the German automotive industry through challenges related to electrification and global trade.

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The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex body representing the automakers in India, recently organised the Automotive HR & Skilling Conclave 2025 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on 31 October 2025.

The event, themed ‘Accelerating Ahead: HR and Skilling for the Future of Mobility’, focused on the evolving landscape of human resources and skill development within the mobility sector.

The conclave saw participation from government officials, Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) of automotive firms, HR specialists and academics. Key sessions addressed topics including ‘Driving Industry Readiness: Aligning Talent, Skills & Business Goals’ and ‘Healthy, Inclusive & High-Performing: The New Workforce Mindset’. These discussions aimed at shaping a workforce ready for the future, strengthening industry-academia links, and fostering progressive work cultures.

C V Ganesan, Minister for Labour Welfare & Skill Development, Government of Tamil Nadu, observed the significant role of HR leads. He said, “HR leaders of auto companies have greater responsibilities, as they need to take care of thousands of skilled professionals working for their organisations.”

K Veera Raghava Rao, Secretary, Labour Welfare & Skill Development, Government of Tamil Nadu, highlighted the need for appropriate skills, stating, “There is a need to ensure that we have appropriately skilled people to support the ever-evolving technological landscape and to ensure that the investments made by companies are sustained.”

Industry leaders stressed the sector’s contribution to the economy and employment. Dr. Natwar Kadel, Chairman, SIAM Human Capital Group, and Vertical Head- People Strategy, Hyundai Motor India, said, “HR leaders of Auto Industry have a responsibility to ensure we continue to unlearn, relearn and innovate ourselves in a sustained manner.”

Focusing on investment in future talent, Prabhu Nagaraj, Co-Chairman, SIAM Skilling Group and Operating Head - Corporate Affairs, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, commented, “Investing in skills today is the key to building a strong industry tomorrow. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and invest in our people, because the future of mobility will be built not just in factories, but in classrooms, workshops, and training centres across India.”

Madhuri Mehta, Co-Chair, SIAM Human Capital Group and CHRO, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Auto Industry needs to evolve itself to meet the expectations of the Gen-Z as they integrate into this Industry.”

Senior HR personnel from companies including Ashok Leyland, Hyundai Motor India, Mahindra & Mahindra, Royal Enfield and Tata Motors also contributed insights during the event.

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The ADAS Show, touted as one of India’s major automotive future mobility events, has been rescheduled to 12 February 2026 from the originally planned 12 December 2025.

The postponement has been due to the prolonged heavy rains in the Pune region, which have hampered the completion of the ADAS TEST CITY infrastructure.

The event will be held at the ADAS TEST CITY within ARAI’s Mobility Research Centre in Takwe, Pune, which is a proving ground designed for the validation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. Organisers noted that achieving the required precision for the track surface and infrastructure before December 2025 was not possible despite continuous effort.

The show, organised by Aayera, will feature live ADAS testing demonstrations by ARAI using its instrumentation. The event will also see automakers, Tier-1 suppliers and technology innovators showcase their solutions at India’s first ADAS smart city.

Syed Fareed Ahmed, Director, Aayera, said, “This extended timeline opens doors for expanded collaborations with global ADAS and autonomous technology companies, offering a larger and more robust platform for live track demonstrations, product launches and international partnerships.”

What’s more, Israel-based Foresight Automotive has also confirmed its participation at the event, where it showcases its solutions designed to provide accurate, real-time detection in complex environments for both commercial and passenger vehicles.

It will present its perception capabilities using live camera streams from both visible-light and thermal cameras. The demonstration will focus on generating depth maps and high-density 3D point clouds, which supply detailed spatial information to enhance obstacle detection and segmentation.

The company states its scalable platform is built specifically for India’s diverse conditions, from heavy urban congestion to rural roads and varying weather, supporting current Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) needs while enabling future vehicle automation.

Annat Himmel, Vice-President of Research and Development, Foresight, will participate in a panel discussion titled ‘ADAS for the Indian Market – From Premium to Mass Adoption’ on 12 February 2026.

Oren Bar-On, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Foresight Automotive, said: “ADAS Test City provides an important platform to showcase how advanced perception technology can enhance road safety in India. We are excited to demonstrate how our 3D perception solutions not only support today’s ADAS capabilities but also lay the groundwork for the next generation of autonomous vehicles, unlocking safer and smarter mobility for the future. Foresight looks forward to strengthening collaborations with Indian OEMs, Tier-One suppliers, and technology partners to support India’s growing ADAS ecosystem.”

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