BMW TechWorks India

Germany-headquartered automotive major the BMW Group and Tata Technologies, a global product engineering and digital services company, have announced the official launch of their joint venture BMW TechWorks India with offices in – Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai.

The JV which goes on stream in November 2024, will initially start with 100 employees at these three locations and rapidly scale to four-digit number of employees by end-2025, with a strong focus on attracting top-tier Indian talent. The BMW Group and Tata Technologies will each hold 50 percent of the shares in this JV.

The management team of BMW TechWorks India is comprised of seasoned executives from both partner companies. Representing Tata Technologies are Aditya Khera as CEO and Sweta Girinatham as CFO of this JV. From the BMW Group, Oliver Scheickl will hold the position of COO of Automotive Software in this new JV and Stefan Flader will serve as COO of Business IT.

BMW TechWorks India complements BMW Group’s global strategy by engineering seamless, scalable software solutions for next-gen vehicles and delivering leading digital experiences. Tata Technologies will bring its expertise across the entire product value chain, from conceptualisation to detailed engineering and turnkey SDV (Software Defined Vehicles) development, will drive key software projects for the BMW Group’s premium mobility solutions and facilitate access to India’s impressive talents.

The partners aim to leverage India’s engineering and IT talent in developing strategic software solutions for SDVs, automated driving, digital infotainment, and automotive digital services.

In addition to automotive software, the JV will also provide digital innovations for the BMW Group's Business IT. Consequently, BMW TechWorks India will expedite the digital transformation of the car manufacturer's global production network, along with enhancing its digital customer journey and sales processes. Another key area of focus will be the development of AI applications and platforms, which will increase the speed and efficiency of all core business processes.

Christoph Grote, Senior Vice-President of Electronics and Software BMW Group said, “BMW TechWorks India is a significant addition to our global vehicle software development initiatives. India’s software talent will be a great asset for our Software-Defined Vehicles of the future. With agile processes and state-of-the-art tools, engineers at BMW TechWorks India will co-create innovative automotive digital experiences, such as automated driving and next-gen infotainment systems.” 

Alexander Buresch, CIO, and Senior Vice-President, BMW Group IT stated, “With BMW TechWorks India, we are steadily advancing our international IT-Hub strategy and broadening our global Business IT presence. The partnership with Tata Technologies represents a strategically important step and provides excellent conditions for developing innovative software solutions along our value chain. We are excited to welcome Indian tech talents to join us in driving the digital transformation of the BMW Group.”

Warren Harris, CEO and MD, Tata Technologies said: “Our joint venture with the BMW Group, BMW TechWorks India, underscores our deep expertise in Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) and reflects our commitment to driving innovation in both automotive software and business IT. By leveraging Tata Technologies' strong brand presence in India, this JV will attract top talent and provide a platform to develop forward-thinking solutions that redefine the future of mobility. We are excited to partner with the BMW Group in engineering premium, software-driven vehicles, enhancing digital experiences, and accelerating their digital transformation journey.”

Nachiket Paranjpe, President of Automotive Sales, Tata Technologies commented, "The rapid evolution of automotive technology is transforming the way vehicles are developed, with Software-Defined Vehicles at the forefront of this shift. At Tata Technologies, our deep automotive expertise and end-to-end solutions across the value chain – from concept and detailed engineering to manufacturing engineering and turnkey SDV development – position us perfectly to support the BMW Group in shaping the future of mobility. Through this joint venture, we will push the boundaries of automotive technology, creating vehicles that are not only cutting-edge but also deliver exceptional driving experiences to consumers worldwide."

Aditya Khera, CEO, BMW TechWorks India: “With the launch of BMW TechWorks India, we are establishing a world-class software hub that will play a critical role in the BMW Group's automotive software and business IT strategy. By combining the BMW Group's and Tata Technologies' leadership in software-defined vehicles and product engineering excellence, we are poised for innovation and growth, offering India's top talent the opportunity to shape the future of the BMW Group's mobility solutions.”

AIFI Hosts Session On Emerging Technology In Forging Sector

AIFI

The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the body representing India’s forging sector, organised a Session on ‘Emerging Technology in Forging’ in Bengaluru. The session brought together industry leaders, technology experts and forging professionals to discuss how innovation, automation and digital transformation are reshaping the future of the forging ecosystem. The event aimed to spotlight opportunities that new-age technologies offer for enhancing operational efficiency, productivity, and sustainability within the sector.

The session began with remarks by Vivek Bansal, Director, Bansal Precision Forge. This was followed by a presentation by Senthil Kumar R, Nasscom Centre of Excellence – IoT & AI, on how Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and automation are reshaping the forging industry. He highlighted use cases and the relevance of connected manufacturing.

This was followed by a session on ‘Driving Digital Transformation in the Forging Sector’ by Dr. Amit Goyal and Dr. Manju Gupta from BizSol Technologies. Their presentation showed how ERP systems, digital integration and data intelligence are enabling forging companies to transition into the Industry 4.0 era with agility and efficiency.

Ajit Gaikwad, Yeskolube India, spoke on the ‘Importance of Forging Die Lubricant’ and its role in productivity and die life. The presentation by Ramakrishna D, Orb Energy, focused on ‘Powering Indian Enterprise with Solar,’ highlighting how renewable energy adoption is becoming an advantage.

Yash Munot, President of The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), said, “At AIFI, our priority has always been to empower the forging industry with knowledge, capability, and a clear roadmap for the future. As the sector enters a new phase driven by digital and technological advancement, it is essential that our members understand and adopt these innovations at the right pace. This session reinforces AIFI’s commitment to enabling industry-wide transformation through meaningful collaborations, continuous engagement with technology leaders, and creating platforms that help our members stay globally competitive. We remain focused on strengthening India’s forging ecosystem and ensuring it continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s industrial and economic progress”.

Vedanta Aluminium Doubles Electric Forklift Fleet To 142 Units

Electric Forklift

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has announced the expansion of its lithium-ion battery powered electric forklift fleet to comprise 142 units. This expansion, which more than doubles the previous total, supports the company’s commitment to green logistics.

The transition to electric forklifts aligns with Vedanta’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the goal of decarbonising its Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) fleet by 2030.

The 142 electric forklifts have been deployed across the company's operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. At its Jharsuguda smelter alone, where 116 forklifts operate, the initiative is expected to eliminate approximately 4,450 tonnes of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions annually and reduce diesel consumption by 1.63 million litres each year. The transition also enhances workplace safety and boosts operational efficiency through faster charging and lower maintenance requirements.

Rajiv Kumar, CEO - Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we view sustainability as more than a commitment, it is a catalyst for transformation. Our expanded electric forklift fleet is a testament to what becomes possible when we invest in technologies that benefit both our operations and our planet. This milestone has not only strengthened our environmental efforts but has also created new pathways for greater inclusion in industry roles that were once considered inaccessible to women.”

The initiative has created new opportunities for inclusive growth, with several forklifts operated by women and transgender professionals, reinforcing the company's commitment to equality. This includes the deployment of India's first 10-tonne capacity electric forklifts at the Jharsuguda smelter operations.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Attains 2 Million Unit Production Milestone

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Attains 2 Million Unit Production Milestone

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has attained a new production milestone of rolling out its 2 millionth unit in the country.

The milestone marks a pivotal moment in the company’s 25-year history in the country. This achievement follows the Group's strongest commercial performance, with October 2025 being its most successful month since the Group's formation. The total includes over 500,000 vehicles built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which was developed in India by local engineering teams. This platform supports the Skoda Kushaq, Slavia, Kylaq and the Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus.

The last 500,000 units were produced in just 3.5 years, reflecting demand for India-built products.

Interestingly, Skoda Auto India recorded its highest-ever 10-month performance, more than doubling year-on-year to 61,607 units in 2025. Volkswagen India recorded its highest-ever monthly sales for the Virtus during Diwali, with the model holding over 40 percent share in the premium sedan segment in 40 months.

During the year, the Group’s premium and luxury brands also contributed to its market position:

  • Bentley launched Bentley India, an operational division within SAVWIPL, accompanied by new showrooms in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
  • Porsche India added over 4,400 customers over the past six years and expanded its footprint to 13 points of sale.
  • Audi strengthened India’s EV ecosystem with over 6,500 charging points installed under Phase II of the segment-first Charge My Audi initiative. The Audi Approved: plus segment posted 5 percent growth between January and September 2025.
  • Lamborghini delivered its best-ever annual performance in 2024, delivering 113 cars, a 10 percent increase over 2023. The launch of the Temerario in India completes Lamborghini’s hybrid transition in line with its Direzione Cor Tauri strategy.

Piyush Arora, CEO & Managing Director, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Every milestone we achieve in India reflects our strong belief in the country’s potential – not just as a market but as a driving force in the future of mobility. The 2-million mark is the outcome of consistent investment in people, technology and local capability. It also speaks to the exceptional trust Indian customers place in our six brands. Indian buyers are among the most informed and discerning in the world. They evaluate every strength and every limitation before choosing a Volkswagen, Škoda, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini or Bentley, and their confidence strengthens our resolve. This achievement highlights how closely we listen to our customers and how their evolving expectations shape the products we design and build here, with the same quality, precision and trust that define the Group worldwide.”

Going forward, exports will continue to remain a key pillar of the Group’s operations, with more than 700,000 vehicles shipped from India to markets across Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, strengthening India’s emergence as an export hub.

The Group operates facilities in Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The Pune plant was established with an investment of nearly €600 million to support higher volumes and deeper localisation.

Greaves Cotton Engines Power European Micromobility With Ligier Partnership

Greaves - Ligier

Greaves Cotton, an engineering firm, has partnered with Europe’s Ligier Group, a manufacturer of light and heavy quadricycles. The collaboration will see Greaves’ Euro V+ certified 499cc REVO D+ diesel engines powering Ligier’s JS50 and Myli microcar models.

The engines, designed and manufactured at Greaves' facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India, are integrated into Ligier vehicles sold across multiple European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany. This partnership highlights India's increasing role as a supplier of regulatory-compliant automotive technologies globally.

The 499cc REVO D+ single-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel engine features electronic fuel injection and is designed for the light quadricycle, L6e category of vehicles.

The engine produces 6.0 kW of power at 3000 rpm and 26 Nm of torque at 1800–2200 rpm. The engine is claimed to deliver superior fuel efficiency, exceptional Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH) performance, and low friction. The engines met the stringent Euro V+ compliance norms through rigorous European-grade quality assurance, including cold-weather validation and lifecycle reliability assessments.

Parag Satpute, Managing Director and Group CEO, Greaves Cotton, said, “This partnership with Ligier is a proud milestone for Greaves Cotton, showcasing how a Made-in-India powertrain is driving European mobility solutions. It reflects our strong engineering capabilities, customer-centric approach, and commitment to delivering global quality standards from our Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant. As a trusted partner to OEMs worldwide, we continue to strengthen our comprehensive solutions driven approach that meet the demands of global OEMs for highest standards of performance, efficiency, and sustainability.”

Christian Dujardin, CEO, Ligier Group, said, “Our partnership with Greaves has been marked by outstanding collaboration and mutual trust. Together, we have succeeded in bringing to market the new 499cc REVO D+ engine - a modern, efficient, and reliable powertrain that perfectly meets today’s market expectations, regulatory standards, and customer demands. We are proud of the quality and fluidity of our exchanges throughout this project, which have allowed us to combine innovation and performance. Our teams continue to work hand in hand on future developments to stay one step ahead of the competition and uphold Ligier’s promise of always being at the forefront of innovation.”