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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Tier 1 supplier Uno Minda has announced an expansion into the passenger vehicle seating systems segment with a new greenfield facility in Maharashtra.

The company’s board has approved the construction of a manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, with an investment of INR 3.2 billion with operations scheduled to begin by Q4 FY2028.

The project will be managed by Uno Minda Tachi-S Seating, a joint venture between Uno Minda and TACHI-S Company of Japan. The joint venture, which began in September 2022 with the production of seat recliners, has now secured an order from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for seating systems.

Ravi Mehra, Managing Director, Uno Minda, said, "This is one of the most exciting chapters in Uno Minda's growth story. Entering the complete 4W Passenger Vehicle Seating Systems segment isn't just a product expansion — it's a strategic leap that substantially increases our per-vehicle value potential and deepens our footprint in a segment that is central to the premium vehicle experience. This greenfield facility reflects our unwavering commitment to advanced domestic manufacturing and delivering the kind of high-performance seating comfort that India's rapidly evolving automotive market demands.”

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Autoliv and Great Wall Motor (GWM) have signed a Global Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement to expand their long-term partnership. The agreement follows a collaboration established in 2023 and aims to support GWM’s international expansion.

Under the framework, the companies will cooperate in areas including global business growth, supply chain management, localised operations and the development of safety systems. The partnership is intended to align innovation and product strategies.

Mikael Bratt, CEO, Autoliv, said, "Today's agreement marks an important step in our continued collaboration with Great Wall Motor. By combining GWM's international growth ambitions with Autoliv's global capabilities in automotive safety, we are strengthening the foundation for an even more integrated and resilient partnership."

Jack Wei, Chairman, Great Wall Motors, said, "Safety is the bottom line of the automotive industry. The partnership between Great Wall Motors and Autoliv began with a shared vision and a steadfast commitment to the mission of safety. Now we are strengthening our collaboration and will jointly build the industrial cornerstone of automotive safety and deliver safer Great Wall vehicles to users around the world."

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The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) has released its performance review for FY2025–26, which saw the industry record a turnover of USD 85.9 billion (INR 7,600 billion), representing a growth of 12.7% compared to the previous year. Over the past five years, the sector has grown at a CAGR of 17 percent.

The industry body stated that supplies to OEMs rose by 16.3 percent to INR 6,628 billion, while the aftermarket segment grew by 9 percent to INR 1,084 billion. Exports increased by 5 percent to USD 24 billion, with Europe remaining the primary market. Imports grew by 13 percent to USD 25.4 billion, largely due to demand for technology products and components from China, Japan and Germany. Supplies for electric vehicles accounted for 4.6 percent of domestic OEM supplies, excluding lithium-ion batteries.

Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA, said, “FY26 reaffirmed the strength and resilience of India’s auto component industry. Robust domestic demand, continued investments in capacity and technology, and the confidence of global customers enabled the industry to deliver another year of healthy growth despite a challenging international environment. As global supply chains continue to diversify, India is steadily strengthening its position as a trusted manufacturing and sourcing partner for the global automotive industry. While imports of advanced technology products and specialised components increased during the year, they also underline the next opportunity before us - to deepen localisation, accelerate technology development and move further up the value chain. The industry’s long-term competitiveness will increasingly be defined by innovation, quality, sustainability and supply-chain resilience.”

Vikrampati Singhania, President, ACMA, added: “The medium- to long-term outlook for the Indian auto component industry remains positive. Growing domestic demand, infrastructure-led economic growth, expanding manufacturing investments, deeper global integration through Free Trade Agreements and increasing global sourcing from India are creating significant opportunities for the sector. At the same time, geopolitical developments, supply-chain disruptions, the availability of critical minerals such as rare earth magnets, logistics costs and raw material volatility will require continued strategic focus. The industry remains committed to investing in advanced manufacturing, localisation, digitalisation and sustainable mobility solutions to enhance India’s global competitiveness.”

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Automotive retail sales in India touched a new record for the month of June with a total of 2,557,234 units sold, up 21.83 percent YoY, as against 2,098,996 units sold for the same period last year.

As per the latest data shared by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the apex body representing automotive dealers in India, the record performance was witnessed across vehicle categories – two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.

For June 2026, two-wheeler sales came at 1.82 million units, up 21.22 percent YoY, three-wheelers at 120,889 units, up 16.2 percent YoY, passenger vehicle at 410,853 units, up 26.6 percent YoY, tractors at 100,818 units, up 25.31 percent YoY and commercial vehicle at 90,972 units, up 16.8 percent YoY.

On the other hand, the construction equipment segment saw a decline of 40.94 percent YoY to 5,244 units, albeit a high base.

C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA, said, “Tractors recorded their second-best June ever. That such records have come in a seasonally transitional month underscores the structural depth of the India Growth Story and the widening aspirations of Bharat.”

He further stated that when it came to two-wheeler sales, saw a marginal MoM sequential decline due to rural demand dip on the back of late onset and uneven progress of south-west monsoon. This led to many customers opting for a ‘wait-and-watch mode’ for their purchase decisions. But on the flip side, dealers witnessed a strong demand for entry-level two-wheelers, improved supply from automakers and a decisive shift in demand for electric vehicle offerings.

“Two-wheeler electric vehicle share crossed double digits for the first time at 10.60 percent against 7.34 percent a year ago,” stated Vigneshwar.

Similarly, passenger vehicle retail sales also clocked their best performance for June, with both rural (+35.09 percent YoY) and urban markets (+24.67 percent YoY) witnessing strong demand. Share of alternative energy vehicles (CNG, hybrid and electric) crossed 40 percent share for the first time at 40.35 percent (CNG 24.33 percent, hybrid 8.27 percent and EV 7.75 percent).

“On the channel side, PV inventory increased by 1 day over May-end to 32–34 days, moving further from FADA’s recommended 21-day benchmark. We once again urge PV OEMs to calibrate dispatches to retail through the monsoon-soft July window so that dealer capital is not locked in aged stock,” said the executive.

Going forward, FADA has maintained a constructive outlook with all eyes on the onset of monsoon making up its deficit with kharif sowing gathering pace and supplies staying normalised following the West Asia ceasefire and easing crude prices.

Vigneshwar said, “For the two-wheeler segment, improving rural cashflows once rainfall catches up and the accelerating shift towards EV and fuel-efficient models should provide support, though deficient-rainfall pockets and the July OEM price hikes may keep some buyers in wait-and-watch mode. Passenger Vehicles enter the month with healthy booking pipelines, particularly in EVs and CNG, and fresh launches, while Commercial Vehicles should stay steady on freight and infrastructure-linked activity. The trajectory of the monsoon remains the single most important variable for rural demand, alongside price-hike absorption and financing turnaround times. Overall, the outlook for July’26 appears Cautiously Optimistic – with monsoon catch-up and rural cashflows the key swing factors ahead of the festive season.”

For Q2 FY2026, FADA expects continued sales momentum through the festive season. But dealers have identified a monsoon shortfall / El Niño could impact rural demand as the single biggest risk, followed by further price hikes affecting affordability and inventory pile-up pressure.

FADA expects that easing geopolitical and fuel-price uncertainty and broad policy continuity will provide a supportive runway into the festive quarter, with the monsoon the key monitorable for Bharat.

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