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.” 

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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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