- Altair
- Cimatron
- Sandvik Group
- Altair HyperWorks
- Altair Inspire Form
- Altair Inspire Mold
- Pavan Kumar
- Dan Marinac
Sandvik Group’s Cimatron Becomes Altair’s New Global Sales Channel Partner
- by MT Bureau
- October 11, 2024
Altair, a leading computational intelligence software company has appointed Cimatron, part of Sandvik Group, has become its new global channel partner.
As part of the understanding, Cimatron will amplify the reach of Altair's unique design and simulation solutions within the Altair HyperWorks platform. These solutions – particularly Altair's injection moulding and metal forming solutions, Altair Inspire Mold and Altair Inspire Form – are designed to support the manufacturing industry.
Pavan Kumar, Senior Vice-President, Global Indirect Business, Altair said, "The collaboration will introduce Altair technology to customers that might not currently be using any simulation or data analytics tools, helping them compete more effectively in a global marketplace defined by cutting-edge digital transformation. Cimatron is an outstanding addition to our channel partner ecosystem, and we look forward to seeing how customers in the manufacturing space will benefit from this partnership."
Dan Marinac, Acting President, Cimatron said, "Cimatron has deep roots in the global mould, tool, and die business. Our customers have been searching for modern tools to validate their tool designs to reduce the time and costs of physical tryouts. Combining Cimatron's and Altair's technology will boost customer productivity and help users create higher quality, more efficient products for all manufacturing sectors.”
Cimatron states it searched for the ideal fit to bring ‘virtual prove out’ to its world-class mould and die design solutions. “Enabling digital twin means modelling, simulating, improving and exploring design alternatives. Predicting and avoiding manufacturing defects such as filling, packing, sink marks, meld/weld lines, cooling, warpage, windage, forming, cracks/splits, wrinkles, surface defects, and spring back will save our customers time and money. Altair’s technology reduces the learning curve and puts the power of simulation into the hands of toolmakers without the need for CAE specialists,” Marinac said.
Founded in 1982, Cimatron develops and distributes CAD/CAM software for the manufacturing industry. It caters to all manufacturing sectors, offering specialised solutions for mould and die makers, as well as solutions for 2.5-5-Axis production milling and turning. It has subsidiaries in Asia, North America, and Europe, and works with certified independent service providers in over 40 countries worldwide.
- Federation of Automobile Dealers Association
- FADA
- C S Vigneshwar
- auto retail
- two-wheeler
- three-wheeler
- passenger vehicles
- tractors
- commercial vehicles
- electric vehicles
- Diwali
Auto Retail Sales Grow 11% In November, FADA Hopes For Stable Sales In December
- by MT Bureau
- December 09, 2024
The Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) has released the automotive retail sales data for November, which saw a total of 3,208,719 vehicles sold across categories, marking a 11.2 percent growth over November 2023.
This saw two-wheelers clocking its best-ever performance for the month at 2,615,953 units, up 15.8 percent YoY, three-wheeler at 108,337 units, up 4.2 percent YoY, passenger vehicles sales at 321,943 units, down 13.7 percent YoY, tractors sales at 80,519 units, up 29.8 percent YoY and commercial vehicles sales at 81,967 units, down 6 percent YoY.
C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA, stated, “While November was initially expected to build on its prior momentum, particularly due to the marriage season, dealer feedback suggests that this segment underperformed overall expectations. Although rural markets offered some support, primarily in the two-wheeler category, marriage-related sales remained subdued. The late occurrence of Deepawali at the end of October also caused a spillover of festive registrations into November, affecting the month’s sales trajectory.”
He shared that while November sales in certain segments were at record high, the marriage season’s contribution fell short of expectations, offering only limited relief from rural India.
The passenger vehicles sales in particular faced notable headwinds, on the back of weak market sentiment, limited product variety and insufficient new launches, compounded by the shift of festive demand into October.
“Although rural interest was present, it failed to significantly improve sentiment.
Inventory levels have reduced by about 10 days, but to remain high at around 65-68 days. FADA continues to urge OEMs to further rationalise inventory so that the industry can enter the new year on a healthier footing, reducing the need for additional discounts,” stated Vigneshwar.
On the CV sales he explained that the segment also struggled due to restricted product choices, older model issues, limited financier support, and the absence of major festivals in November following a strong October.
“External elements such as elections, a slowdown in coal and cement industries, and weak market sentiment also weighed heavily on this category,” he said.
Going forward he expects that with the prospects of a bumper Kharif harvest is likely to temper food inflation and the broader macroeconomic environment appears will improve, potentially aiding consumer sentiment in the months ahead.
“However, the immediate December outlook derived from dealer feedback is mixed. Category-wise Expectations:
Two-wheelers: Dealers suggest that while some buyers remain hesitant—either awaiting new-year models or influenced by subdued post-festive sentiment—others could be drawn by potential year-end discounts and stable rural demand. Although momentum may not be robust, incremental schemes and easing inflation could lend mild support, placing two-wheeler on a cautiously positive footing.
Passenger vehicles: In the passenger vehicles segment, heavy discounting and improved product availability are expected to help offset weak consumer sentiment and a general year-end lull. While some customers are deferring purchases for new-year models, overall interest could pick up due to aggressive offers and end of year promotions. This sets a tone of cautious optimism, with a moderate chance of improved sales compared to November.
Commercial vehicles: The commercial vehicles category faces a more challenging environment. Factors such as subdued infrastructure activity and customers holding back for newer model-year vehicles continue to dampen demand.
“Nonetheless, selective OEM schemes and year-end offers may provide a limited lift. On balance, while the CV segment’s expectations are not uniformly positive, there is some hope that targeted incentives and stable financing conditions could prevent a sharper decline. In sum, while the near-term outlook for December is not overwhelmingly strong across segments, it leans towards stability with pockets of potential growth, underlining a sentiment that remains overall remains cautiously optimistic.
Category | Nov '24 | Nov '23 | Change (in units) | Change (in %) | Sept '24 | Change (in %) |
YoY | YoY | MoM | ||||
Two-wheeler | 2,615,953 | 2,258,970 | 356,983 | 15.80% | 2,065,095 | 26.67% |
Three-wheeler | 108,337 | 103,939 | 4,398 | 4.23% | 122,846 | -11.81% |
E-Rickshaw (P) | 40,391 | 41,718 | -1,327 | -3.18% | 43,982 | -8.16% |
E-Rickshaw with Cart (G) | 5,423 | 3,188 | 2,235 | 70.11% | 5,892 | -7.96% |
Three-wheeler (Goods) | 10,940 | 10,524 | 416 | 3.95% | 12,709 | -13.92% |
Three-wheeler (Passenger) | 51,466 | 48,418 | 3,048 | 6.30% | 60,169 | -14.46% |
Three-wheeler (Personal) | 117 | 91 | 26 | 28.57% | 94 | 24.47% |
Passenger Vehicle | 321,943 | 373,140 | -51,197 | -13.72% | 483,159 | -33.37% |
Tractor | 80,519 | 61,996 | 18,523 | 29.88% | 64,433 | 24.97% |
Commercial Vehicle | 81,967 | 87,272 | -5,305 | -6.08% | 97,411 | -15.85% |
LCV | 47,530 | 49,751 | -2,221 | -4.46% | 56,015 | -15.15% |
MCV | 5,473 | 5,476 | -3 | -0.05% | 6,557 | -16.53% |
HCV | 24,441 | 27,635 | -3,194 | -11.56% | 29,525 | -17.22% |
Others | 4,523 | 4,410 | 113 | 2.56% | 5,314 | -14.89% |
Total | 3,208,719 | 2,885,317 | 323,402 | 11.21% | 2,832,944 | 13.26% |
Representational image: David McBee/Pexels
- Continental
- ATE SecuBrake
- DOT 4
- brake fluid
- Tim Lunkenheimer
Continental Introduces Sustainable Brake Fluid ATE SecuBrake
- by MT Bureau
- November 25, 2024
German technology company Continental has produced ATE SecuBrake, the first sustainable brake fluid free of any hazardous substances subject to labelling. It not only exceeds the requirements for DOT 4 brake fluids but is also suitable for electric vehicles.
ATE SecuBrake is the first available product in the new ATE New Original line.
Tim Lunkenheimer, head of aftermarket product management for hydraulic brake systems at Continental, said, "ATE SecuBrake underscores our commitment as a premium manufacturer to break new ground in product development for the aftermarket. Workshops can make an important contribution to sustainability by increasingly using more eco-friendly products."
The company says the ATE SecuBrake is certified according to the mass-balance standard. The starting point, ethylene, is derived mainly from renewable raw materials. With over 80 percent of raw materials obtained from renewable sources, it has got much lower CO2 footprint than with conventional brake fluids.
The ATE SecuBrake also contains no borate esters, eliminating the need for hazardous substance labelling according to the EU Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) and the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) developed by the United Nations.
- Callum
- Aqua Mist
- Neon Riot
- Midnight Tide
- Ian Callum
- Charlotte Jones
- Callum Colour of the Year 2025
Aqua Mist Is Callum’s Colour Of The Year 2025
- by MT Bureau
- November 25, 2024
British design and engineering studio Callum has selected Aqua Mist as its Colour of the Year 2025. The colour a fresh pastel blend of green and blue, it says is not only vibrant and optimistic but also promotes relaxation and tranquillity.
The company says Aqua Mist represents renewal and innovation in a fast-changing world. The refreshing, soothing hue combines the calm of blue with the rejuvenation of green, perfect for creating peaceful, balanced spaces.
It is for the first time Callum has introduced the Colour of the Year 2025, which it says will become an annual forecast of colour trends from its growing team of colour, material and finishes experts.
Charlotte Jones, colour, material and finishes designer at Callum, said, “Aqua Mist offers a fresh, calming energy. Its soft and cool undertones are associated with tranquillity and openness, providing a balanced base that doesn’t overwhelm the senses. Its versatility means it is suited to a number of applications, materials and surface textures, while layering with Callum’s specially-selected balancing colours creates a fun, energetic vibe.
Recent projects and collaborations have given us valuable insights into the needs, preferences and experiences of a variety of customers, particularly those who rely on well-considered inclusive design to enhance accessibility and comfort. We want the Callum Colour of the Year to spark conversations about how colour resonates with the emotional needs of customers and can help shape spaces and products that elicit deeper emotional responses.”
Ian Callum, Design Director, Callum, said, “Every design team in the world looks at future aesthetics to stay relevant and appeal to ever-evolving consumer tastes. Plus, it’s creative and a lot of fun. The Callum Colour of the Year 2025 is the first time we’ve made any of our forecasting work public.”
The company has identified a concise complementary palette, which sees Aqua Mist being balanced with Neon Riot and Midnight Tide, to create a playful, dynamic trio that offers an energetic yet approachable look, ideal for designs that need both vibrancy and sophistication - perfect for playful brands.
Callum stated that Neon Riot is an attention-grabbing hot pink, which brings energy, fun and vibrancy to the palette by adding a pop of brightness. Midnight Tide on the other hand is a rich, deep blue, that grounds the other two colours with its darker, more intense shade, making the overall palette feel balanced and mature.
The combination of Aqua Mist, Neon Riot and Midnight Tide in automotive projects it believes can create a bold, futuristic and attention-grabbing aesthetic, especially for brands or models aimed at trend-conscious audiences
- Ola Electric
- Ola Futurefactory
- International Convention on Quality Control Circles
- ICQCC
- shopfloor
Ola Electric’s Futurefactory Bags 5 Gold Awards At 49th ICQCC
- by MT Bureau
- November 19, 2024
Ola Electric, one of India’s largest pure-play EV companies, has bagged five Gold Awards at the 49th International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC) held in Sri Lanka in November 2024.
This landmark recognition was achieved by the company’s all-women workforce from Ola Futurefactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, who competed against industry peers from 14 countries.
The EV maker’s five teams won for the following projects –
Paint Shop: Innovation in optimisation strategies that slashes operational costs.
Motor Division: Enhancing product competitiveness by reducing Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).
General Assembly: Accelerating time-to-market by increasing capacity in the front fork sub-assembly process.
Battery Shop: Improve battery pack productivity in order to meet the growing customer demands.
Weld Shop: Improving robotics throughput to enhance operational efficiency and streamline workflows.
Ola Electric acknowledged the role of its women-led teams from rural backgrounds, who showcased their work at the factory’s paint shop, motor shop, general assembly line, battery shop, and welding shop.
“This recognition at ICQCC is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence with our incredibly talented women at the helm of the EV revolution at our Futurefactory. It reflects our ethos of blending innovation with empowerment and setting new benchmarks on the operational-heavy automotive shop floors, which are traditionally dominated by men. We are extremely happy to have started this shift in the Indian automotive manufacturing landscape and are committed to bringing more women on the shop floors,” commented an Ola spokesperson.
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