Supporting a smart manufacturing shift across industry sectors by offering robot systems, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), mobility solutions (mobile platforms, mobile robots etc.) and technologies (arc welding, assembly, bonding and sealing, die casting, extrusion etc.), Kuka is confident of its new operating ecosystem iiQKA significantly simplifying robot use. Forming the base of an entire ecosystem that provides access to a powerful selection of components, programmes, apps, services and equipment that are easy to install, operate and use, iiQKA is designed and developed to facilitate newcomers to implement automation without specialised training. Also announcing the upgradation of its simulation software Kuka.Sim.4.0, Kuka is confident of automation benefitting in the medium-term against Covid-19 disruption. As per Peter Mohnen, CEO, Kuka AG, automation can be beneficial in the medium-term against the Covid-19 disruption for manufacturers rethinking their vulnerable, globally networked production and supply chains.

Big shift to flexible automation systems

Stating in his address to the shareholders in the 2020 annual report that the company implemented a cost-cutting drive and focused on a stable financial position, Mohnen averred that Kuka was one of the very few ‘full-range’ suppliers. Keeping a close eye on the developments taking place across the world markets that it is presently in, the company – with sales revenues of EUR 2.6 billion and an employee strength of 14,000 – is confident of its Kuka.Sim.4.0 software to help reach a new level of planning reliability, simplicity and cost efficiency. Stressing on the upgraded software facilitating easy offline programming of the robot and fast cycle time analysis, Kuka is anticipating a big shift to flexible automation solutions with quickly adaptable production cells instead of rigid systems. It is highlighting the prowess of Kuka.Sim.4.0 software in its ability to support the import of CAD data that aids configuration of safety spaces graphically in 3D and to simulate the stopping behaviour of robots.

Affected in 2020 as projects were postponed or abandoned completely, Kuka is of the view that the auto industry is facing a fundamental structural transformation that offers opportunities but poses enormous challenges at the same time. Confident that the Kuka.Sim.4.0 software will particularly aid components suppliers with its ability to facilitate the planning of robot applications across industry sectors, including auto, the company is looking at a growing use of new technologies such as AGVs and AI-based software solutions. Helped by China’s auto industry’s tremendous thrust on robot installation since 2016 in terms of growth, Kuka is banking on the upgraded software’s capability in significantly reducing the area required by a cell. Roland Ritter, Portfolio Manager, Kuka AG, mentioned that it also contains a new robot language called the ‘Kuka Robot Language’ (KRL), which provides two user views for programming the robot. One view is for the experts and the other is for beginners. Ensuring same data is being worked upon by the virtual controller and the real controller, the Kuka.Sim.4.0 supports the new KR Scara and KR Delta robots from its manufacturer. It also assures 100 percent data consistency.

Features, and more features

Aiding the creation of a customised component library using own CAD data along with Kuka.Sim.Modeling add-on, the Kuka.Sim.4.0 software is also supported by a new ‘Connectivity’ add-on that allows users to commission the cell virtually and create a digital twin for greater planning reliability and the best possible implementation. Interestingly, the customised component library could be as kinematic systems, sensors, material flow or physical behaviour. Using behavioural emulators such as WinMOD and SIMIT, the software, with the Arc Welding add-on, aids users to speed up their offline programming for welding applications. The approach positions or the optimum orientation of the robot for the welding process can be defined, for example. A big advantage of the new software, according to Ritter, is export possibilities. Integrators, he adds, will benefit from the ability to export the simulation as a 3D PDF, which can be simply opened with an Acrobat Reader.

Detailed information in 2D for mechanical commissioning can also be provided via the export feature. One of the highlights of this is product presentation using a virtual reality headset. Tablets and smartphones also deliver impressive simulation results on the go via the Mobile Viewer app, informs Ritter. Signing a major contract with Daimler to supply four-figure number of robots and linear units (KR Fortec and KR Quantec), and other Kuka technologies such as software and controllers, the company has maintained a positive outlook despite Covid-19. Working towards strengthening its position as a global player, Kuka is driving the goal of making automation available to everyone. Looking at conquering new areas and new markets, it is stressing on the potential for cobots – sensitive robots – in the auto industry.

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) Director of Sales and Marketing Yogesh Mathur has exited the company after more than two decades, sources familiar with the matter have confirmed.

Mathur joined the Japanese two-wheeler major in June 2001 and rose through the ranks to become one of its longest-serving senior leaders. At the time of his departure, he held end-to-end responsibility for sales, distribution, logistics, customer service and business planning across HMSI’s network of more than 6,500 dealer and customer touchpoints nationwide. Under his oversight, the company managed annual volumes exceeding 5 million units and a turnover of approximately INR 500 billion, spanning rural, semi-urban, urban, metro, premium and electric vehicle segments

Mutsuo Usui, Director – Sales at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, has succeeded Mathur, according to people aware of the development. The company has not issued any official statement on the leadership change.

Mathur’s career at HMSI progressed from executive roles to regional head across every geography in India, followed by stints as division head for marketing and business planning, operating head of sales and marketing, and ultimately senior-level expert. He also served on the company’s CSR Committee, Business Ethics Committee and Information Security Management System (ISMS) Committee.

As HMSI’s official spokesperson, he represented the company in national media for over five years.

At present, there are no further details on Mathur’s next move or the exact effective date of the transition were immediately available.

The move comes at a time when Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is gearing up to unleash one of its most aggressive product launch roadmap compromising of 10 motorcycles and scooters, which includes 7 models and 3 refreshed variants.

The lineup spans internal combustion engine, electric and flex-fuel mobility, featuring models such as the ADV 160, CB 500, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, XR 300L, XR 300 Rally and QC3 EV. Production utilises local sourcing and manufacturing capabilities to support market expansion

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German automotive supplier Brose has appointed Chetan Lagu as the President of its Indian operations, effective 1 August 2026.

Lagu brings over three decades of experience in the automotive and supplier sector to the role. Prior to joining Brose, he served as Country Manager for Adient in India, a position he held from May 2019. His previous career history includes positions at American Axle & Manufacturing and over a decade of tenure at SKF Group, where he held roles including General Manager of the Car Chassis Business Unit in India.

In his new role, Lagu will oversee the execution of Brose's strategy in India, manage market expansion and direct regional business operations. He succeeds Vasanth Kamath, who served as the head of Brose India from June 2019.

‘India is an important growth market for our company. In his new role, he will drive the execution of our India strategy, strengthen our market presence, and support the continued development of our business in the region. We welcome him to the Brose team and wish him every success in his new role. We look forward to working together and driving the next chapter of growth in India,’ said the company in a statement.

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The automotive industry in India continues to reap the benefits of the revised GST 2.0, new product launches and positive consumer sentiment to drive sales growth in the country.

As per the latest wholesale data shared by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), a total of 2.47 million vehicles were sold in July 2026, marking a 25 percent YoY growth, as compared to 1.97 million units sold a year ago. Interestingly, even compared to the previous month, the industry wholesales grew by 7 percent YoY.

In segment-wise performance, passenger vehicle sales grew by 34 percent YoY to 457,810 units, registering double-digit growth across categories.

Three-wheeler sales at 92,560 units were 33 percent higher YoY, as compared to 69,403 units sold a year ago.

Two-wheeler sales at 1.92 million units managed a 23 percent uptick, as compared to 1.56 million units sold last year.

Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM, said, “India’s auto industry delivered its strongest-ever July sales, with robust double-digit growth across Passenger Vehicles, Three Wheelers and Two Wheelers. Passenger Vehicle sales rose 34.3 percent to 458,000 units, Three-Wheeler sales grew 33.4 percent to 93,000 units and two-wheeler sales increased 22.6 percent to 1.92 units compared with July 2025. This positive momentum, sustained over several months, has continued as the industry enters the festive season with expectations of strong consumer sentiment.”

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Kia India has reported that its Carens Clavis EV has surpassed 1,100 units deployed within corporate fleets since its market introduction in July 2025. The automaker underscored this milestone as evidence of the model’s increasing significance in the nation’s transition toward sustainable business transport solutions. Concurrently, the company confirmed a fresh deployment of 100 units for Refex Mobility, with the initial vehicles formally handed over during a ceremony attended by senior Kia India officials.

The vehicle’s combination of interior space, technological features and electric efficiency aligns with current corporate mobility needs, according to the manufacturer. Beyond vehicle production, Kia India is focused on developing a comprehensive ecosystem that includes charging infrastructure and dedicated aftersales support. The strategic partnership with Refex Mobility merges Kia’s electric vehicle capabilities with Refex’s operational fleet expertise, facilitating the integration of EVs into standard organisational transport routines.

This expanding corporate footprint exemplifies the brand’s overarching philosophy of inspiring movement that benefits both communities and the environment. Kia India remains committed to advancing the country’s adoption of cleaner transportation by ensuring that electric mobility solutions remain accessible, practical and prepared for future demands.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, "Demonstrating how electric mobility can seamlessly integrate into everyday corporate transportation, our deployment with Refex Mobility is a meaningful step towards accelerating this change. The Carens Clavis EV is a capable and practical fit for fleet operations, offering a spacious cabin, comfortable seating for extended daily use, a range well suited to intensive fleet requirements and an advanced Battery Management System that supports efficiency and safety for fleet customers. Recognising this capability, we have expanded the Carens Clavis EV's reach from individual customers to fleet operations, and corporate fleets have an important role to play in this transition. At Kia India, we remain committed to expanding access to innovative electric mobility solutions and working with partners who share our vision of creating cleaner, smarter and more responsible mobility for India."

Anirudh Arun, CEO, Refex Mobility, Said, “At Refex Mobility, we are committed to building fleet solutions that are efficient, reliable and sustainable. Our collaboration with Kia India on this 100-unit Carens Clavis EV deployment brings together a strong EV product with the operational scale our customers need. The Carens Clavis EV's space, comfort and electric efficiency make it well suited to the demands of everyday fleet operations, allowing us to offer enterprises a dependable, zero-emission mobility solution without compromising on service quality. This is a meaningful step in our shared commitment to accelerating cleaner, more sustainable corporate mobility in India, and we look forward to building on this partnership with Kia India in the years ahead.”

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