RRP Electronics Signs MoU with AMB, Taiwan

RRP Electronics Limited has announced the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AMB (Taiwan) to produce advanced memory modules of technologies such as SPI NAND, MICROSD, EMMC and SSD. 
Projected to generate US$ 25 million in annual revenue, the signing of MoU marks yet another milestone in the push for local manufacture of semiconductors in India for consumption in various electronic products across sectors like automotive, FMCG and others.   
The MoU encompasses comprehensive technology sharing, including package structure details, substrate designs, test programme development and tool design support. With extended capacities starting from 2GB onwards, the new memory solutions will cater to increasing demand in the global electronics market.
Speaking on this landmark collaboration, Rajendra Chodankar, Chairman of RRP Electronics Limited said, “RRP Electronics is thrilled to partner with AMB, Taiwan. Through this association, we will deploy cutting-edge technology at our state-of-the-art OSAT facility, ensuring our products are ready to serve leading corporate giants like Samsung and other major players. This collaboration sets the stage for delivering US$25 million in revenue annually and further positions us as a global leader in semiconductor innovation.”
The production will take place at RRP Electronics’ 40,000 sq. ft. OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facility located in Mahape (Navi Mumbai), which became operational in September 2024. To meet growing demand, the company is also expanding its manufacturing footprint with new production lines at its upcoming plant at MIDC, Taloja, expected to commence operations within the next two years.

Ola Electric Rolls Out 1 Millionth EV

Ola Electric

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer Ola Electric has achieved a major manufacturing milestone of rolling out its 1 millionth vehicle from its Futurefactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu.

As part of the milestone, Ola Electric rolled out a special edition Roadster X+ in a midnight blue, with sporty red accents across dual-tone seat, rims and the battery pack.

It was in 2021 that Ola Electric started producing electric vehicles in the country, and the achievement comes within four years of the company’s operations.

 “This marks the celebration of every Indian who trusted us and believed in our mission. In four years, we’ve gone from an idea to becoming India’s EV two-wheeler leader. We built at scale and proved that world-class products can be designed, engineered, and manufactured right here in India. This milestone is a testament to how far we’ve come, and we’re just getting started! Our mission is clear: #EndICEAge and make India the global EV hub,” said an Ola Electric spokesperson.

Kinetic Engineering Upgrades Ahilya Nagar Facility With Robotic Chassis Line

Ajinkya Firodia - KEL

Pune-headquartered automotive company Kinetic Engineering has inaugurated its new Robotic Chassis Line at its plant in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra. This upgrade is part of a series of changes to improve the company's production capabilities.

The new line uses robots for welding and has a specific cell for the Kinetic DX EV e-scooter frames, clamping auto fixtures. This system is designed to provide consistency and accuracy. The facility's metal body panel line has also been upgraded with hydraulic and mechanical presses, as well as spot welding equipment.

The company's paint shop now uses a seven-tank process that includes a CED coating and a metallic topcoat for better protection and finish. A new store for frame parts has also been set up with quality control systems to manage inventory and supply parts to the assembly line.

Ajinkya Firodia, MD, Kinetic Engineering, said, “The future of manufacturing belongs to companies that can seamlessly integrate automation, precision and sustainability into their processes. With the inauguration of our robotic chassis line, we are not just upgrading a facility, we are reimagining how manufacturing should be done in India. This move positions us to deliver unmatched consistency and reliability, while also setting a benchmark for how automation can transform traditional industries. At Kinetic, we see this as part of a larger shift where Indian manufacturing stands shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.”

Mukand Sumi Special Steel to Build New EUR 234M Integrated Steel Plant In Karnataka

Mukand Sumi Special Steel

Mukand Sumi Special Steel (MSSSL), a joint venture between India’s Bajaj Group and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation, has announced a major expansion with the construction of a new integrated steelmaking facility in Kanakapura, Koppal, Karnataka.

The new greenfield plant will boost MSSSL's production capacity to 700,000 tonnes per annum, making it one of India's leading special steel manufacturers. The project, which is currently awaiting environmental clearances, involves a capital investment of INR 23.45 billion, or around EUR 234 million.

The expansion is driven by the increasing demand for high-quality special steel in India's industrial, energy, and automotive sectors, supported by government initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and strong economic growth. Since its inception in 2018, MSSSL has produced approximately 350,000 tonnes of special steel products annually, primarily for the automobile and engineering markets.

The new facility is designed with sustainability as a priority, adopting a Zero Liquid, Solid and Gaseous Discharge Model. It aims to source over 95 percent of its energy from renewables and is a crucial step towards the company's goal of achieving net-zero steel manufacturing by 2050. Future phases will incorporate hydrogen-ready infrastructure and carbon capture technologies.

Vipul Mashruwala, President, MSSSL, said, "This expansion marks a significant milestone in our long-term growth roadmap. Guided by the forward-looking vision of our Chairman, Niraj Bajaj, we are investing in sustainable and future-ready technologies that will strengthen our position in the global special steel market."

He added that the new facility will allow them to ‘serve growing demand with greater efficiency, quality, and environmental responsibility.’

The new plant is expected to begin operations by early 2028 and will include iron making, steel making, and blooming mill facilities with an initial capacity of 0.35 million tonnes per annum. The investment will also focus on integrating automation and digital technologies to ensure consistent product quality and optimised energy use.

The expansion will enable MSSSL to focus on critical applications in the automotive, railway, oil and gas, energy and bearing steel sectors, aligning with India’s ‘Industry 4.0’ initiative.

PM Modi Flags Off Maruti Suzuki’s First Made-in-India EV, e Vitara

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi commemorated the start of production of Maruti Suzuki India’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e Vitara, at Suzuki Motor Gujarat.

The model is being manufactured for both domestic sales and exports to over 100 countries, including markets in Europe and Japan. Maruti Suzuki India aims to produce 67,000 electric vehicles during FY2026. 

At the same event, PM Modi also marked the start of local manufacturing of lithium-ion battery cells and electrodes for strong hybrid vehicles at TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat, a fellow subsidiary of Maruti Suzuki India. This makes TDSG the first company in India to achieve electrode-level localisation of lithium-ion battery cells, used in hybrid systems of models such as the Grand Vitara.

Maruti Suzuki said the e Vitara, built on a dedicated EV platform, will be India’s largest mass-produced and exported electric vehicle. The first export batch will be shipped via Pipavav port to European countries including the UK, Germany, France, Italy and the Nordics.

Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President, Suzuki Motor Corporation, said, “We are deeply honoured that Hon’ble Prime Minister graced the occasion of commemoration of two historic events for the Indian automobile industry. His inspiration and visionary leadership have made this possible. His vision of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat have been inspiring Suzuki to invest in India. These milestones are also a testimony to the enduring Indo-Japanese partnership, built on mutual trust and a shared vision for progress and a carbon neutral future. We will provide all products and technologies that will reduce oil consumption and imports and carbon emissions like battery electric vehicles, strong hybrid electric vehicles and vehicles powered by natural gas and biofuels.” 

Suzuki has further announced that the automaker will invest over INR 700 billion in India over the next five to six years.