A good 15m long, the Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF 2542 has two-axles at the rear and one at the front. Its name suggests it to be German. It is therefore perhaps that a European influence is evident from the smooth surfaces and well-defined lines of the G-Python’s exterior design. The standards of fit and finish are good. A sense of sleek and muscular build apparent from the vehicle’s exterior design, the G-Python, according to Kukreja, draws inspiration from the python’s prowess and size. He drew attention to the fine curves and added, “Look carefully at the headlamps; they will remind you of the eyes of a python. They shine like diamonds”. Reflecting luxury, style and an ability to stand out, the sleek and sweeping headlamps of the G-Python coach body work make an interesting part of the facia. The facia in turn has a large windshield with a black theme patch at its bottom. The pasted windows and tall sides of the G-Python nicely complement the facia design, highlighting a good sense of proportion in the process. Like a fully grown python – a reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) can reach over 6.25m in length and is termed as the longest snake in the world – the G-Python luxury coach design does appear long and attractive on the Mercedes-Benz multi-axle chassis. 
 

Finer detailing
Powering the Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF 2542 is a 388 hp, six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 470 Euro VI 10.7-litre diesel engine situated transversely at the rear. It is so located that it feeds power to one of the two rear axles. Its access is governed by an engine lid at the rear. When viewed from a three-fourth angle, the rear accommodates the engine compartment access lid nicely in a large black patch. Replicating the colour theme of the facia (there is a similar albeit smaller black patch under the windshield), the large rear patch of black cleverly hides the enormity of the coach structure. It is no doubt tall and fairly enormous when viewed against a car or a van! On either side of the black patch are sleek and stylish LED tail lamps. “True to our penchant for aerodynamic styling and discreet elegance, the G-Python coach design is based on a modular concept,” said Kukreja. “As much as the exterior, there’s much attention that has gone in the designing and building of the interior too,” he added. Containing diffused lighting, a warm shade of blue and white, the interior exudes a touch of luxury and elegance, much the same way the exterior does. 
 

Employing CR tubes and fire retardant FRP material in its construction, the interior of the G-Python coach design offers good space between each seat row. The seats of the reclining variety are designed and positioned to offer maximum comfort and leg room for passengers. This makes for a relaxing atmosphere. Cabin isolation is brought up to speed with much use of insulation material. “There’s been a good deal of innovation that has gone into the noise isolation of the cabin,” averred Kukreja. With maximum luggage compartment space, easy to operate functions and a long list of optional features like heating, AC, LED screens, mobile-laptop charger, metallic paint, infotainment system, pantry and chemical toilet etc., the G-Python, when it comes to features, offers almost all the bells and whistles. “From the very inception of the design, we made sure that we could accommodate each and every feature that a coach operator could ask for,” Kukreja remarked. “The colour combination and graphics is optional.” 
 

Stating that the attention to European standards has ensured superior built quality, Kukreja said, “From the safety point of view, we have made every effort to exceed the regulatory requirements.” The G-Python coach design employs a laminated glass windshield. The pasted windows on the sides are of the toughened variety. The emergency door has been situated at the rear. Conforming to the bus code, the G-Python seeks proximity to a European integral coach design. It is capable of seating 53 passengers. Available in ‘semi-sleeper’ guise as well, there are no plans to introduce a ‘sleeper’ version as of now. “We may offer a ‘sleeper’ version in the future,” said Kukreja.  
 

An eye for quality 
Built with close attention to quality at Guru Ram Dass Body Builders’ Sonipat facility in Haryana, the G-Python coach body design flaunts a super strong reinforced structure that is crash resistant. It is backed by a pan-India after sales support. Offering ease of maintenance and service through easy accessibility to key aggregates and parts, the luxury coach body design is subject to regular updating, according to Kukreja. “This is in line with our philosophy to keep improving a design and incorporate new developments in bus/coach body design and development,” he added. Explaining that his company’s modern plant at Sonipat has state-of-the-art paint booth, shearing and press brake machines, an R&D centre, shower booth and an FRP moulding facility among others, Kukreja said, “The build quality of the G-Python is in line with the company’s quality management system and regulatory requirements.”  

Stressing on a robust quality control mechanism in place at GRD’s Sonipat plant to ensure thorough inspection of every material that is procured and every weld joint that is carried out on the structure, Kukreja expressed, “Trained professionals use calibrated measuring instruments and various other machines as part of the quality management system.” “There’s a ‘Red Table Area’ in the Sonipat plant where the selected and reject material are segregated,” he added. Explaining that the G-Python will complement the existing G-Dolfino bus body design, Kukreja averred, “They are more or less parallel offerings.” “The G-Dolfino was launched in 2019 and the G-Python was launched in June 2021,” he said. Asked if the G-Python coach body design would fit a 12m long front-engine bus chassis like the BharatBenz 1624, and Kukreja was quick to answer, “Modifications in the floor structure should make it possible.” Whether it would be done at once? Kukreja is not in favour it seems. “We will take a call on whether we want to offer the G-Python luxury coach body design on any other chassis than a rear engine multi-axle one,” he announced. “For the 12m long front-engine BharatBenz 1624, we have yet another fine design in the form of the G-Dolfino,” he concluded. The G-Dolfino, it should not take long to understand, is inspired by a Dolphin!
 

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Following the inauguration of the Kharkhoda vehicle manufacturing facility, Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, and Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, visited the Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) in Manesar and the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) in Bahadurgarh.

At the JIM in Manesar, the leadership team observed the training programmes that focus on technical expertise, manufacturing practices, and safety. Later, they visited the IDTR in Bahadurgarh to review the driving training provided at the facility.

Toshihiro Suzuki, said, “It was the greatest possible honour for Suzuki in India when both the Hon’ble Prime Ministers of India and Japan inaugurated our Kharkhoda plant yesterday. This places even more responsibility on us to recommit and rededicate ourselves to Viksit Bharat. The foundation of this is human development. I immediately decided to visit today our institutes for road safety – IDTR in Bahadurgarh – and for skill development – JIM in Manesar.”

At present, Maruti Suzuki India manages four JIM locations in Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Manesar, and Sonipat. These institutes provide vocational training accredited by the National Council for Vocational Training and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. The training follows a system that combines classroom instruction with industry exposure.

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European automotive Group Stellantis recently hosted 300 suppliers in Paris to discuss its faSTLAne 2030 strategy. The convention included supplier partners, regional leadership and global purchasing executives, focusing on collaboration and execution for the European market.

The event outlined the company’s vision for growth and product renewal. Leaders stressed that achieving these goals requires accountability across the value chain.

Emanuele Cappellano, COO for Enlarged Europe & European Brands and Head of Stellantis Pro One, said, "Europe is entering a pivotal period as we execute our long-term strategy and bring an exciting wave of products and technologies to market. Success depends on our ability to execute together. Our suppliers are essential partners in that journey, helping us deliver the quality, innovation, and competitiveness our customers expect. By working as one team, we can strengthen our performance and position Stellantis for long-term success in Europe."

A recurring theme was the necessity of collaboration and communication between Stellantis and its supply base to support product launches and operations.

Monica Genovese, Chief Purchasing Officer, Stellantis, said, "Creating value starts with strong partnerships. Our suppliers are critical contributors to every vehicle, every launch, and every customer experience. We are committed to being a Customer of Choice by strengthening engagement, listening to feedback, and working together to solve challenges. The path to achieving our objectives is built on trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to execution."

Quality was identified as a core component of the business strategy, with leaders noting that suppliers influence the customer experience from production to long-term reliability.

Stephane Dubs, Senior Vice-President, Purchasing, Enlarged Europe, Stellantis, said, "Quality is a shared commitment across our entire ecosystem; it is not the responsibility of only one team or one organisation. Every decision we make impacts the customer experience. Together with our suppliers, we must continue to raise the bar on cost competitiveness, quality, responsiveness and execution to strengthen customer loyalty and ensure the success of our brands."

The convention offered suppliers direct access to the company’s purchasing teams to align on future priorities.

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Cars24, one of the leading vehicle buying and selling marketplaces, has removed its traditional levels, grades and job titles, replacing them with a structure called ‘Flatland’. Under this model, all employees share the title of ‘Builder’, shifting the focus from organisational rank to the problems they own and the outcomes they produce.

The company stated that this change is a response to the impact of AI on organisational structure. By removing hierarchy, Cars24 aims to improve decision-making and coordination.

Vikram Chopra, Builder at Cars24, said, “Hierarchy was one of humanity's greatest inventions. It helped organisations scale when information was scarce. AI fundamentally changes that equation. Today, intelligence and context are increasingly available to everyone. The role of an organisation is no longer to move decisions up and down layers. It's to help exceptional people solve exceptional problems together. Flatland is our attempt to build an organisation for that reality.”

Under Flatland, leadership is defined by execution and customer impact rather than position. Policies regarding benefits and assets are no longer linked to rank but to role requirements and universal benefits.

The company reports that it has tested this model over the past 18 months, resulting in a 50 percent YoY increase in revenue per employee in the second half of FY2026 and a contribution of nearly 300 basis points to EBITDA. Cars24 currently operates in India, the UAE and Australia, and reports reaching global profitability this year.

“We don't believe removing titles automatically creates a great culture. Culture comes from behaviour. Flatland simply removes the shortcuts that let people mistake position for contribution. We want the person closest to the problem to feel empowered to solve it regardless of where they joined or how long they've been here,” concluded Chopra.

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Germany-headquartered world’s largest chemical producer BASF has completed the transaction with Carlyle involving its coatings business, which now operates as Surventis.

The deal, which reached an enterprise value of EUR 7.7 billion, concluded on 30 June 2026 following regulatory approval with BASF receiving pre-tax cash proceeds of approximately EUR 5.8 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, BASF retains a 40 percent equity stake in Surventis, which includes the automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinish coatings and surface treatment operations. This transaction, combined with the divestiture of the decorative paints business in 2025, values the former Coatings division at EUR 8.7 billion.

Dr. Markus Kamieth, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, said, “This successful closing marks a key milestone in the execution of our Winning Ways strategy aimed at unlocking the value of our standalone businesses. By holding a 40 percent equity stake, we will continue to participate in the future value creation of the coatings business while sharpening BASF’s strategic focus.”

Anup Kothari, Member of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE, added, “We are convinced that the new ownership structure provides an excellent foundation for future profitable growth of Surventis. We wish the former BASF Coatings employees every success as they move forward into their future as an independent company.”

BASF has accounted for the coatings business as discontinued operations since September 2025. From July 2026, the 40 percent stake in Surventis will be treated as a financial investment accounted for using the equity method.

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