Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M Ltd) has inaugurated the Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS), a state-of-the-art creative facility that marks a significant leap ahead in the company’s automotive and industrial design capabilities. 
Located in the group’s automotive manufacturing site at Kandivali in Mumbai, MIDS marks the expansion of the existing design studio at the same location with the addition of new and modern equipment such as the Kolb clay milling machine with two five-axis milling centres on a single ‘bed’ that would enable prototyping of two projects – an exterior or interior of a vehicle, two exterior works or more – at the same time in an effort to contribute to time-to-market. 
Marking the doubling of the studio size and reaffirming M&M's commitment to design excellence as a cornerstone of the product development strategy, the MIDS has also acquired a new paint booth to support paint design and development activities regarding new designs. 
With ‘Heartcare’ design philosophy driving the group’s push into the SUV space, the MIDS will also work on other automotive areas such as commercial vehicles and tractors. 
Marking a significant upgrade of a facility that was originally set up in 2015 as a dedicated studio to support M&M's auto and farm business, the newer and bigger set up is already tapping the growing talent in the respective field in the country.  
To be headed by Ajay Saran Sharma, the MIDS will have a 100 strong team to drive design project management, concept design, digital designing, physical modelling, studio engineering, CMF design, design quality/Realisation and HMI/UI/UX. The finer elements would include exterior and interior designing, visualisation, clay modelling, prototyping and more. 
Capable of supporting working progress on two or three projects at the same time and not just regarding passenger vehicles but also regarding commercial vehicles and tractors, MIDS will serve as a collaborative bridge between India and Mahindra’s global design outpost – the Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE). 
Aiming to inspire innovation by blending digital tools with hands-on craftsmanship, MIDS will play a central role in shaping vehicles and experiences that are distinctly global, yet Indian. 
“It is a pleasure to have this new avatar of Mahindra India Design Studio commissioned. With state-of-the- art design spaces and machinery backed by world-class skills that hugely expands its capability and capacity, the footprint of the space stands doubled to take on and deliver the ever-expanding project portfolio across businesses. The end-to-end delivery on projects from the first concept sketch through to production stands further strengthened with the new working structure that along with the classic design verticals includes new functions such as HMI Design, Design Quality & Realisation,” explained Sharma. 
Pratap Bose, Chief Design and Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, averred, “We are thrilled to inaugurate our future ready Mahindra India Design Studio bringing world class design technologies and tools to create stunning, design outcomes across our Auto and Farm businesses. The new studio will attract the best design talent from India and become a leading automotive design centre in India. The influence of MIDS on our products will be felt for many years to come.” 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has announced the appointment of Peyman Kargar as Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 27 January 2027.

He will succeed K N Radhakrishnan, who will remain in the role until the transition date before serving as Non-Executive Director until the company's Annual General Meeting in July 2027.

At present, Kargar serves as the President of International Business at TVS Motor Company, overseeing operations that represent 29 percent of the sales volume. He has over three decades of automotive industry experience across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, covering research and development, manufacturing, quality, sales and marketing.

The leadership change follows a financial year in which TVS Motor Company reported global sales of 5.9 million units and revenue growth of 30 percent. In his upcoming role, Kargar will oversee the manufacturer's domestic operations in India alongside its international expansion into developed markets.

Sudarshan Venu, Chairman, TVS Motor Company, said, "This appointment marks an important step for TVS Motor Company as we prepare for the future. Peyman is an accomplished global leader with deep industry experience, strategic vision and a strong understanding of customers and markets. As President, International Business, he has already made a meaningful contribution to our business, and I am confident he is the right person to lead TVS Motor Company and further strengthen our position among the world's leading mobility companies. At TVS Motor Company, our values and culture are fundamental to who we are and how we operate. I am confident that Peyman will continue to build on these values and work towards our vision of transforming the quality of life of people across the world through mobility solutions that are exciting, responsible, sustainable and safe. I would also like to thank K. N. Radhakrishnan for his outstanding contribution to TVS Motor Company and the wider TVS VENU group over many years. His leadership, passion, and commitment have helped shape the company into the strong organization it is today. I am personally grateful for his valuable counsel, guidance and support."

Peyman Kargar said, “It is a privilege to be appointed as Chief Executive Officer of TVS Motor Company. Building on our momentum, we are entering into a new phase of growth, expanding our presence and further consolidating our position in India and global markets. As we do so, the guiding principles of the TVS Way and its values will always be the North Star. I will be focused on realizing the company’s vision and strengthening our technology leadership, AI capabilities, commitment to quality, and customer centricity. Together, these principles have helped create a culture where individuals and teams can thrive, innovate and deliver exceptional outcomes. I look forward to working closely with our teams in India and around the world to strengthen our position in key markets, deliver for our customers and build on the foundations we have created."

K N Radhakrishnan said, "It has been a privilege to serve TVS Motor Company as CEO and work alongside an exceptional team. I am grateful for the support, commitment and dedication of colleagues across the business, whose efforts have shaped the company that we are today. I am confident Peyman will lead TVS Motor Company with distinction and wish him every success in the role and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition over the coming months."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has unveiled Tata.Cars as its new consumer-facing global brand identity, alongside the brand line ‘Nothing’s Too Far’. The identity unifies the company's passenger vehicle portfolio under a single master brand across its digital, retail and service platforms.

The legal entity name, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, remains unchanged for statutory, regulatory and investor communications, while the vehicle emblem continues on existing and future models.

The new visual identity system introduces a design language termed Parallel Pathways, alongside a custom typeface and a revised colour scheme designated as Ambition Blue.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, "For decades, we have grown alongside India’s aspirations, helping make the future more accessible through meaningful innovation. From India’s first indigenous car to pioneering electric mobility and making safety mainstream, we have consistently challenged limits and expanded possibilities for millions of customers. Yet, we believe our boldest ambitions remain ahead of us. Today, we proudly introduce Tata.Cars. More than a new brand identity, it is a declaration of intent for the future we envision. Anchored in the promise, ‘Nothing’s Too Far’, it conveys our belief that mobility should open doors, embrace possibilities and empower people to get closer to what matters most to them. As the world moves towards a more connected, intelligent and sustainable future, Tata.Cars will continue creating breakthrough products, experiences and ecosystems that help customers unlock new possibilities and pursue their ambitions without limits.”

The identity consolidation encompasses the automaker's range of internal combustion and electric vehicles across hatchbacks, sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). The branding roll-out will apply to customer touchpoints, retail spaces and service networks across domestic and international markets.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

T-Hub, the world's largest home for startups, has partnered with Honda Digital Innovation India to launch the Honda Innovation Challenge 2.0, an initiative designed to build digital mobility and customer experience applications alongside Indian startups.

The partnership expands upon the initial challenge framework to run three programmes over the next year, providing total project funding of up to INR 48 million. Each challenge will select four startups eligible to receive up to INR 4 million to construct proof-of-concept projects alongside Honda teams over a 12-week period, representing an increase from the INR 1 million offered per project during the first edition.

Furthermore, startups will also gain access to Honda's operational environments and T-Hub's mentorship network to support development leading toward potential commercial integration.

The launch follows the conclusion of the Honda Innovation Challenge 1.0 in May 2026, which selected four companies – Attento Technologies, Xane AI, SenSight Technologies, and AppTestify – to develop proof-of-concept projects covering driver behaviour analysis, vehicle resale evaluation and customer data systems for Honda's dealership network.

Toshiyuki Yanagisawa, CEO, Honda Digital Innovation India, said, “Honda Digital Innovation brings together two important elements: the transformation of people’s lives through digital technology, and the value that we want the Honda brand to create. Our mission is to explore and deliver new forms of value that can make people’s lives better. And Honda Innovation Challenge is the platform where we bring together people who share that ambition – people who have new ideas, new technologies, and the passion to create a better future for customers.”

Kavikrut, CEO, T-Hub, said, “Industries are solving increasingly complex problems, but building every solution in-house can take significant time and resources. Startups bring speed, agility and specialised capabilities to address these challenges. At T-Hub, we bring our industry partners and founders together to co-build solutions around real business needs and move them towards deployment. With automotive being an early adopter of technology, our partnership with Honda creates an opportunity to build in India and take these solutions to the world.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Swedish automotive manufacturer Polestar has appointed Arek Nowinski to its Board of Directors, succeeding Francesca Gamboni, who is set to retire from Polestar’s Board.

Till recently, Arek was Head of Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific at Volvo Cars and has held several other senior sales leadership positions during his career. In his previous roles, Arek has also served as the President of Volvo Cars Poland, Senior VP of Volvo Cars EMEA and President of Volvo Cars International Markets. 

He holds an MSc in International Finance from the University of Derby and an MA in Finance and Banking from the Warsaw School of Economics. 

Winfried Vahland, Chair, Polestar, said, “I would like to thank Francesca for her excellent contribution to the work of the Board. I’m also pleased to welcome Arek, who brings significant commercial expertise and experience, as Polestar enters a phase of model expansion and sales network development across existing and new markets.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!