Witnessing manufacturing modernisation since Maruti Udyog began producing cars in collaboration with Suzuki of Japan at Gurgaon in 1984, the Indian auto industry landscape has drastically changed. Opening up to automation with the installation of some of the best robots available at Kuka, ABB and others, the auto industry has left no stone unturned. Such has been the fervor that Tal, a Tata Motors company, launched a robot called Brabo in 2018 to make manufacturing processes involving the application of sealants, picking and placing of parts, welding and vision inspection reliable and easy to perform. Made with an eye on manufacturing process the world over, the Brabo was tested in over 50 work streams and has so far found use in sectors like lighting, aerospace, software, electronics, plastics, education and logistics sectors apart from the auto industry. Coming from an auto maker that installed 300 Kuka robots to automate the assembly of Sumo and Safari at its Pune plant in 2009, the Brabo has seen many rounds of development and application-preparedness since its launch.                

Smart manufacturing trend

Highlighting the smart manufacturing trend, the TAL Brabo robot with payloads of two and 10 kilos has also found favour with companies in Europe and other places. Highlighting the prowess of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), the robot is an example of the fast-changing manufacturing canvas. Producing about 1,286 engines per day, the Igatpuri plant of Mahindra & Mahindra became India's first carbon-neutral manufacturing facility by adopting smart manufacturing practices under Industry 4.0 in 2019. It invested in energy efficient technologies among others. It invested in recycling of water and other waste. It invested in solar panels to power some of its processes in the plant. An industry source expressed that the rapidly changing business environment the world over is providing impetus to smart manufacturing. It is driving efficiency enhancements and collaborations, he added. Emphasising on efficiency enhancements and collaborative efforts as key smart manufacturing drivers, an industry expert stated that technologies like AI, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), automation, big data and 5G are the biggest triggers. They are touching every aspect of manufacturing, from sourcing of raw materials to final inspection, he quipped.  

Industry 4.0

As companies like Lincode (it has collaborated with Switzerland-based Global Automotive Alliance), specialising in AI-powered visual inspection with multiple patent-pending defect detection capabilities, find more and more takers in India, the smart manufacturing shift is continuing to take place despite disruptions. It has, in fact, gained speed in India with the race to successfully accomplish BS VI transition in the last few years. A source in the auto industry mentioned that BS VI transition led to manufacturers upping their global ambitions. Vinay Raghunath, Partner and Leader, Automotive Sector, EY India, averred in a report that automotive shop floors are evolving and adopting digital technologies. This, he added, is happening amid challenges like slowdown in demand, non-availability of labour, concerns on health and safety management on the shop floor. Witnessing disruptions relating to ROI among other factors, as Raghunath has informed, the Indian auto industry has been an early adopter of digital manufacturing techniques.  

Working to dial higher efficiency, expertise and superior productivity, the Indian auto industry has been overhauling existing assembly lines, erecting new ones and extensively re-evaluating its manufacturing processes and practices in view of smart manufacturing, especially from an automotive value chain point of view. Taking to Industry 4.0, it is leveraging AI and IoT-based manufacturing technologies to automate further – to engage in machine-to-machine communication (M2M) such that there is self-monitoring as well as self-diagnosing. Taking to Industry 4.0 to tackle unanticipated disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic, which has put well-oiled supply chains and production lines to the test and made it painfully clear that they in their current form are not as agile or resilient as expected, the auto industry is shifting to smart manufacturing in a big way. It is exploring and experimenting; it is finding new ways. It is doing so as it absorbs a significant change in technologies and products like electrification and EVs.

Operator 4.0 and hyper-intelligence

Investing heavily in data analytics infrastructure and capabilities, the auto industry is leveraging opportunities to digitally transform itself. It is defining the boundaries of physics for data-driven model. It is focusing on digital skills development. It is supporting the rise of Operator 4.0. Taking to collaborative robots that coexist with humans in a workplace, it is transforming its ways of manufacturing significantly. Drawing attention to the semi-conductor shortage and how the auto industry was affected despite using only 10 percent of the production, Vipin Sondhi, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, explained that the rapidly changing consumer psyche is dictating a move to a completely different technological aspect. Emphasising on material technology, he said smart manufacturing is about digitising and achieving cost competitiveness. It was some two to three years ago that the Chennai-based CV maker began implementing smart manufacturing technologies to mitigate challenges. It took to modernising and digitising existing workplaces to address quality issues that are difficult for human beings to detect and acquire made-to-order or mass customisation capabilities. It took to equipping itself with an ability to expand and contract in tandem with the market conditions even as it took to modularisation of product lines.  

Automating its cab panel pressing plant at Hosur in 2019, which increased the output by up to 66 percent, Ashok Leyland has been one of the many automotive OEMs globally that are investing in hyper-intelligent automation. A confluence of AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), hyper-intelligent automation is redefining not just Industry 4.0 but also Operator 4.0. It is facing challenges like the high initial acquisition cost in terms of tools, but that isn’t worrying players involved like Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Catalytic Inc and Infosys Limited among others. Estimated to grow at a CAGR of 18.9 percent as manufacturers strive to reduce energy consumption, up quality and reliability, and control costs through predictability and data-driven unique insights, hyper-intelligent automation is turning out to be yet another finer aspect of smart manufacturing. It is proving to be a big enabler for automating repetitive tasks – to enhance efficiencies, to take to cloud computing to ensure significantly more flexibility and to achieve scalability and the ability to collaborate and reduce costs.

Increasing visibility, predictability and enhancing control on operations and inventory, hyper-intelligent automation is aiding effective decision-making. Supported by development of new technologies such as 5G, which according to a domain expert, promises the need for speed and flexibility along with the capability to eliminate network instability or downtime, hyper-intelligent automation is helping automotive suppliers like Rane Madras Limited to make efficiency, reliability and cost control gains. In 2018, the company adopted automated solutions of Mistubishi Electric Corporation for its new plant in Gujarat. It led to a significant decrease in energy consumption. Aiding smart manufacturing, technologies like hyper-intelligent automation and 5G are helping the auto industry to achieve resilience and immunity against future uncertainties. They are helping to integrate Information Technology (IT) systems used for data-centric computing with Operational Technology (OT) systems – for data readiness and cyber security, and for the development of digital talent. Technologies like hyper-intelligent automation and 5G are helping to develop cross-functional profiles like engineering-manufacturing, manufacturing-maintenance and safety-security.

Tackling disruptions and smart working environment

Looking at productivity gains, emerging competition and risk aversity in the globalised world as per the EY report, the auto industry is taking to smart manufacturing to achieve significant technology transformations like electromobility as well. Apart from the creation of a smart working environment, it is also looking at the use of new materials, new process guidelines and practices. With health also becoming a disruptive factor in recent times, the auto industry is looking at automation in processes like inbound logistics, production planning, sourcing, press shop, body shop, paint shop, quality control and outbound logistics through data visualisation. With sensors and analytics shaping up, the smart working environment in a factory is coming to include AI-based alerts and fully automated work floors. This is increasingly getting compounded by data collection, historical data and high-quality extensive data mining. Helping to guarantee ROI, smart manufacturing is helping to lower the ‘takt’ time. It is also ironically undermining the involvement of humans on the shop floor.   

Reducing the cost of computation, storage and connectivity, smart manufacturing is coming of age with plummeting prices of sensors, 3D printers and robots. Empowering cloud-based manufacturing techniques and a gradual increase in the understanding of emerging technologies, smart manufacturing is providing an advantage in terms of the ability to respond to market changes quickly. Taking to develop a new light-duty truck platform with export ambitions and flexibility in terms of left-hand drive and right-hand drive orientation, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd took to automating its welding line with robots at its Pithampur plant. It also took to robotising its windshield pasting station among others. Experiencing quality, consistency, efficiency and cost gains, the CV maker is also known to have reduced the takt time and energy consumption. As global ambitions and modularity strike in view of the ability to explore new export markets with a cost competitive BS VI product, the auto industry in India is using embedded sensors, RFID and GPS etc. for smart tracking. It is using smart manufacturing technologies to monitor parameters like temperature, pressure, vibration, machine rpm and flow rate.

Smart flexibility

As part of a shift to smart manufacturing, automakers and suppliers are resorting to flexible manufacturing and AR-based solutions to upskill. They are, in view of the technologies like connected vehicles and EVs, stressing on re-aligning their traditional manufacturing setups with that of the future. Emphasising on quality, resource optimisation, streamlining of business processes and adoption of new emerging technologies, they are closely evaluating the advantages of solutions like digital twins and rapid prototyping using additive manufacturing offer. With ROI on their mind, they are embracing smart manufacturing to move up the value chain.

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Mahindra Tractors, the leading tractor brand in India and a key entity within the Mahindra Group, has inaugurated a vibrant new brand campaign specifically for the Punjab market. The initiative, titled ‘Duniya Vich Ikko Lalkaar’, was formally launched at a Chandigarh event, headlined by the release of a high-energy music video named ‘Oh Ho Ho Ho’. This contemporary track is a reimagination of Sukhbir Singh’s iconic 1999 hit, ‘Ishq Tera Tadpave’.

The newly released video is a cinematic tour across Punjab, designed to visually represent the scale, advanced technology and robust power of Mahindra’s agricultural machinery. It features prominent artists, including the celebrated ‘Prince of Bhangra’, Sukhbir Singh, alongside rapper and director Parmish Verma. This launch serves as the initial phase of a larger, multi-platform campaign intended to resonate with local audiences by celebrating regional pride and a forward-looking mindset.

At its core, the campaign aims to honour the ambitious and entrepreneurial character of Punjab’s populace while underscoring the brand’s substantial legacy and deep ties to the region. The initiative recognises Punjab’s status as a globally significant agrarian hub and seeks to reinforce the trust that Mahindra has cultivated with local farmers through decades of collaborative growth and mutual progress.

This enduring relationship has allowed Mahindra to stay attuned to the evolving agricultural demands of the state. The company’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by its award-winning tractor platforms, including the NOVO, ARJUN and YUVO TECH+ series. These machines are specifically engineered to provide the power, performance and durability necessary to support the highly progressive farming economy prevalent across Punjab.

Parikshit Ghosh, Sr Vice President & Head – Marketing & National Business Operations, Mahindra Tractors, said, “Mahindra Tractors is a global brand born in India, trusted by farmers across markets and recognised for its power, technology and performance. Through Duniya Vich Ikko Lalkaar, we are celebrating the shared spirit of ambition, confidence and global influence that defines both Mahindra Tractors and Punjabi music. This is an expression of our global offerings, bringing together culture and creativity to connect with audiences in a way that is contemporary and unmistakably Punjabi.”

Sukhbir Singh said, "Growing up, Mahindra Tractors was a common sight on farms, and over the years I have watched this brand become a global success story while staying deeply connected to Indian farming. This journey of Mahindra Tractors resonates strongly with me personally. I am delighted to collaborate with this powerful brand on Duniya Vich Ikko Lalkaar. It was exciting to recreate my song with these campaign lyrics that celebrate the passion, pride and global influence that both Punjab and Mahindra Tractors share."

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The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to introduce Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication systems in motor vehicles across India.

Under the proposed regulatory schedule, vehicles in categories L, M and N manufactured on or after 1 October 2027 that are fitted with V2V hardware must comply with Automotive Industry Standard 230 (AIS-230). Compliance and mandatory installation of V2V communication systems conforming to AIS-230 will be required for all manufactured vehicles in categories L, M and N from 1 October 2028.

V2V systems enable vehicles to exchange data regarding speed, position, direction and acceleration. The technology provides alerts for safety scenarios including emergency braking, forward collision risks, lane changes and approaching emergency vehicles beyond line-of-sight visibility, acting alongside Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The technical framework operates on Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology utilising the 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency spectrum. The Department of Telecommunications exempted this frequency band from licensing requirements via notification G.S.R. 466(E) on 10 June 2026, following recommendations from a dedicated Intelligent Transportation Systems task force.

The AIS-230 standard was finalised following the 56th meeting of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules Technical Standing Committee on 7 May 2026. The standard defines requirements for factory-installed On-Board Units, covering radio performance, receiver sensitivity, Global Navigation Satellite System positioning accuracy, electromagnetic compatibility, cybersecurity provisions and power supply operations. The framework also supports safety alerts including Emergency Brake Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Wrong-way Driving and Emergency Vehicle Alert.

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German steel and technology group Salzgitter has agreed to sell its subsidiary Klockner DESMA Elastomertechnik to German-French industrial group NAME & MAWI Partners S.A.S. (NMP). The transaction forms part of Salzgitter's corporate portfolio adjustments under its ‘Salzgitter AG 2030’ strategy.

The company has not disclosed the financial terms of the transaction, while the completion of the sale is expected in autumn 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Headquartered in Fridingen, Baden-Württemberg, Klockner DESMA Elastomertechnik operates within Salzgitter's Technology Business Unit. Founded in 1965, the company manufactures injection moulding machines for rubber and silicone products, employing more than 500 people globally. Its product scope includes mould systems, cold runner systems and automation equipment used across automotive manufacturing, power distribution, medical technology and infrastructure sectors.

Gunnar Groebler, CEO, Salzgitter, said, "The decision to sell Klockner DESMA Elastomertechnik follows a careful strategic review and forms part of the group’s consistent portfolio management.”

The idea is to advance the implementation of its 2030 Group strategy while creating long-term and sustainable prospects for its portfolio companies.

Groebler noted that Salzgitter is convinced Klockner DESMA Elastomertechnik will have ‘strong conditions for further development under its new owner, NMP.’

He concluded that the transaction ‘benefits both the company and its employees by providing a clear vision for the future.’

NMP, headquartered in Weil der Stadt, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, operates 10 companies with 500 employees across Germany, France, Switzerland and Slovakia. The group specialises in splitting, skiving and cutting machinery for materials used in the leather, rubber, footwear and packaging sectors.

Narith Meksavanh, CEO, NMP Group, said that group’s strategic focus on quality and customer service has supported steady growth over the past decade.

He added that NMP is seeking to ‘expand production capacity and strengthen its international sales network in order to meet growing customer demand.’

The acquisition serves both as an opportunity and a solution that will help NMP address industrial challenges by using the capabilities available at DESMA’s locations.

The combined operations further strengthens its market position, particularly in high-growth markets such as the United States, India and China.

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Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has facilitated a landmark achievement in accessible mobility through its ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative. The company supported international para-athlete Chandeep Singh in completing a record-setting cross-country drive spanning over 7,000 kilometres. The expedition, undertaken in a specially modified Hyundai CRETA, saw Singh successfully traverse from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and back to the starting point.

This arduous journey stands as one of the longest transcontinental drives ever undertaken by a para-athlete in India. The customised vehicle proved instrumental as Singh traversed a vast array of challenging terrains and severe climatic conditions. His successful completion of the route not only demonstrated exceptional personal endurance but also served as a powerful testament to the principle that mobility solutions should enable all individuals to chase their goals without barriers.

Consequently, Singh’s feat has earned him a distinguished place in the Golden Book of Records. Beyond this personal victory, the expedition solidifies HMIL’s ongoing dedication to social progress and inclusive mobility. Through ‘Samarth by Hyundai,’ the company continues to champion interventions that improve accessibility, ensure equal opportunities, and empower persons with disabilities.

Virat Khullar, Head – Marketing, HMIL, said, “At Hyundai Motor India, we believe mobility is about empowering people and enabling possibilities. Through our ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative, we are committed to creating a more inclusive and accessible ecosystem where every individual can dream bigger and achieve more. Chandeep Singh’s remarkable journey is a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit, resilience and determination. We are honoured to have supported him in this historic achievement, which not only finds a place in the Golden Book of Records but also inspires millions across the country to redefine what is possible.”

Singh said, “Completing this 7,000+ km drive from Jammu to Kanyakumari and back, and securing a place in the Golden Book of Records, is a dream realised through years of relentless preparation, grit and belief. This journey was never just about setting a record; it was about showing every person that with determination, the right support and accessible technology, no destination is out of reach. The specially adapted Hyundai CRETA performed flawlessly across every terrain, truly becoming an extension of my body and spirit. I am deeply grateful to Samarth by Hyundai for believing in my vision and helping turn what seemed impossible into a reality for India. Furthermore, I am also grateful to Hyundai dealership network for their unwavering support throughout this remarkable journey.”

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