Arranged in one corner of Hall 6 of Pragati Maidan in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 was an air-taxi called Shunya. Developed by Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based startup, the air-taxi attracted a good deal of crowd, reflecting a new and future mode of transport or mobility.

The Shunya air-taxi prototype could facilitate a new mode of mobility much like a radio-taxi does to travel between Mumbai and Pune; between Mumbai and Kalyan; between Delhi and Jaipur or between Delhi and Meerut, for example.

Intending to launch the electric air-taxi in Bengaluru by 2028 to become the first to introduce urban air transport in India, Sarla Aviation (the company’s name is inspired by Sarla Thakral, India’s first female pilot) is steadfastly focusing on an indigenous design and manufacture since the beginning of the operations.

A testament to Sarla Aviation’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, the Shunya air-taxi proto has been designed to execute short trips of 20 to 30 kms with speeds of up to 250 kmph with up to six passengers onboard. As the first eVTOL of its kind in the country, it marks a pivotal moment in the history of Indian civil aviation, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess in cutting-edge aerospace technologies.

Capable of carrying a maximum load of 680 kg, according to a source aware of the development, the air-taxi offers a market-leading payload capacity such that every passenger can bring his or her luggage. The luggage is conveniently stored in the rear of Shunya with exterior access for ease.

Prioritising safety, purpose-driven performance and accessibility, Shunya – poised to redefine mass transportation – can take off from any flat surface, whether on top of a building or in a rural area, making it the most infrastructure-efficient mode of mass mobility ever, according to the company.

Working on a strategy that will see Shunya facilitate efficient commuting in megacities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Pune, Sarla Aviation is also looking at how its offering could facilitate social commitments in the form of an air ambulance that reaches where no vehicle or other means of mobility is able to reach. An air ambulance could also be used in urban and semi-urban areas to beat the road congestion.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Mumbai-headquartered engineering major Greaves Cotton has incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Greaves International Trading FZE (GITFZE), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The subsidiary will function as a hub for trading and distribution, aiming to increase the company’s presence in the Middle East and Africa.

The subsidiary will manage business development, customer engagement, technical support, channel partnerships, aftermarket services and supply chain coordination. Its portfolio will include diesel engines, gensets and powertrain solutions.

Greaves International Trading FZE  will initially target GCC markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, with subsequent expansion planned for the Levant and Africa.

Parag Satpute, MD & Group CEO, Greaves Cotton, said, “International Business is a key growth driver for Greaves and a core pillar of our GREAVES.NEXT strategy. In line with our strategic roadmap, its contribution increased from 9 percent to 13 percent in FY2026. The establishment of Greaves International Trading FZE marks a significant step in strengthening our presence across the Middle East and Africa. It enhances our ability to respond with agility to market needs, deepen customer engagement and deliver reliable, future-ready solutions. This is a focused move towards expanding our global footprint and driving sustained, long-term growth.”

The establishment of GITFZE is part of the company's strategy to scale its footprint and export capabilities.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Stellantis, one of the leading automotive groups, has announced appointments within its Enlarged Europe organisation, effective 1 July 2026.

The company has announced that Santo Ficili has been appointed the CEO of the Maserati brand, while continuing his role as CEO of Alfa Romeo. In addition, Luca Napolitano has been appointed Head of Stellantis &You Sales and Services.

These appointments follow the departure of Jean-Philippe Imparato, who is leaving the company after 36 years.

Emanuele Cappellano, COO, Enlarged Europe & European Brands and Head of Stellantis Pro One, said, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Jean-Philippe for his unparalleled contribution to our Company, in which he spent his entire professional life. Jean-Philippe has been a true example of how to combine passion with business, inspiring people with his daily commitment and deep knowledge of the automotive industry. I congratulate on their appointments Santo and Luca, who are already fully operational within Maserati and Stellantis &You organisations and will ensure continuity in these key areas. Their experience and leadership will be crucial in this new stage of growth.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Castrol India to launch a pilot programme focused on establishing a circular economy for used engine oil. The initiative directly supports India’s Extended Producer Responsibility regulations while addressing the environmental challenges posed by lubricant waste.

The collaboration will create a structured and traceable system for the collection, storage and channelling of used oil originating from Tata Motors’ authorised service network. Operations for this pilot are specifically centred in Karnataka, targeting a longstanding gap in the responsible handling of this hazardous material.

Under the programme, Tata Motors’ service touchpoints in the state will function as designated collection hubs. Castrol India will leverage its technical expertise to oversee the delivery of the recovered oil to registered recyclers, ensuring rigorous quality control and traceability throughout the recycling chain.

This partnership extends the companies’ established relationship and reinforces their mutual dedication to sustainability. The pilot complements Tata Motors’ wider strategy of promoting alternative-energy vehicles while supporting Castrol India’s objective of integrating recycled content into its premium lubricant offerings.

Vikram Agrawal, Head – Spares and Non-Vehicle Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “Responsible used-oil management is central to building a truly circular automotive ecosystem in India. The volume of used engine oil generated across India’s roads each year makes responsible collection and recycling a matter of significant environmental consequence. By partnering with Castrol India, we are creating a credible, scalable model that links responsible collection at our service touchpoints to high-quality re-refined output. This is a meaningful step in Tata Motors’ broader sustainability journey.”

Anoop Jindal, Vice President – B2B (OEM) Sales, Castrol India Limited, said, “Creating a circular economy for lubricants requires collaboration across the entire value chain. This association with Tata Motors marks our first OEM collaboration focused on building a structured ecosystem for responsible used-oil management in India. We are working to strengthen every link in the circularity chain, from collection and channelisation to recycling and reuse. Insights from our used-oil collection pilots in southern India have deepened our understanding of both the opportunities and challenges involved in scaling circularity. Together with Tata Motors’ extensive service network, this initiative can help create a more organised, traceable and scalable model for used-oil circularity in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

French automotive major Renault Group has appointed Quitterie de Pelleport as General Secretary, effective from 1 July 2026. The new division will oversee Legal, Audit, Risk, Ethics & Compliance, Prevention and Protection, Sustainability, Strategic Partnerships, Defence activities and the Circular Economy unit ‘The Future Is Neutral’.

The company also announced the appointment of Sandra Gomez as Chief Product & Program Officer and Francois Lavernos as Chief Information & Digital Officer. Both will report to CEO Francois Provost, who will oversee strategy and the futuREady product plan.

Francois Provost, said, “Four months after the launch of our futuREady plan, we are continuing the transformation of Renault Group with a clear focus on simplification and speed of execution. The creation of the General Secretariat is a key lever to strengthen our governance and our capacity to deliver on our ambitions. This role will also contribute to the development of certain high-potential activities. I have every confidence in Quitterie to lead this strategic function. At the same time, we are simplifying the scope of product, programs and strategy to accelerate the strengthening of our vehicle range and technologies.”

Pelleport joined Renault Group in 2021 as Chief Legal Officer. Her career includes roles at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, DLA Piper, Rhodia and Solvay.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!