The 64th Annual Convention of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) saw the automotive industry stakeholders focus their thoughts on the topic of electrification and alternate energy. The event with the theme on ‘Sustainable Mobility Journey towards Viksit Bharat’ saw discussion on the pivotal role of sustainable mobility in achieving Viksit Bharat goals by 2047.

In a special message, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi said, “The road ahead demands that our progress is rapid while also being sustainable. Working on greener and cleaner mobility is a vital step in this direction”.

Nitin Gadkari the Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India who was the Chief Guest stated, "The automobile industry plays a pivotal role in realising the Prime Minister's vision of transforming India into a 5 trillion-dollar economy and elevating it to the third largest economy globally. Our ambition is to extend it as the number one auto manufacturing industry worldwide. As we target a carbon-neutral status by 2070, innovation and sustainable practices in the auto sector are crucial."

The Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, Government of India, H D Kumaraswamy spoke on the critical importance of industrial growth aligned with sustainability goals. He remarked, “Enhanced by our Prime Minister's sustainability pledges in Glasgow and robust Make in India initiatives, we are aggressively promoting electric mobility. Government policies are geared to fuel this transition, fostering a conducive environment for industry growth and sustainable development."

Vinod Aggarwal, President, SIAM and MD & CEO, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles added, "The automobile industry is keeping pace and setting the standards for sustainable growth. Contributing 6.8 percent to the GDP and witnessing an impressive 12.5 percent growth last year alone, the industry’s turnover has soared to INR 20,000 billion. As we look towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047', SIAM’s commitment to decarbonisation and safety is steadfast. With initiatives like the FAME program fuelling a 90 percent growth in EVs Passenger Vehicles, along with Ethanol and Gaseous fuels we are steering towards cleaner, greener mobility."

Shailesh Chandra, VP, SIAM and MD, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said, "The government’s strong commitment to sustainable mobility and the constant support from the ministries have facilitated the industry’s transitioning to sustainable mobility. We are fully aligned with the government's vision of ensuring sustainable, safe, and affordable transport solutions, and achieving net carbon-zero in future."

Session 1

The special plenary session on Achieving Global Leadership in Sustainability saw the Guest of Honour, Anurag Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India highlight the importance of collaboration between the Government and the automotive industry to drive sustainable growth. "As we aim to transform India into a developed country by 2047, substantial effort is required across various sectors. Our roadmap for the development of National Highways and the expansion of the metro network from 21 cities to 60 by 2047 reflect our commitment to enhancing infrastructure. Our vision for Amrit Kaal is anchored by four principal pillars: efficient and equitable logistics, safety in movement, sustainability in transport, and enhanced user convenience”.

Shailesh Chandra said, “Attaining global leadership in sustainable mobility demands our focus on critical future areas such as hydrogen utilisation, adoption of circular economy, and shared mobility solutions. We will explore strategies for aggressive localisation in India's manufacturing sector. Additionally, we will look at methodologies to position India among the top five low-cost manufacturers globally, leveraging our unique capabilities and innovations.”

Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Management Board & CEO of Skoda Auto said, "Skoda has been a significant player in Europe for 129 years, and is the best-selling EU brand in India. We aim for CO2-neutral production by 2030, utilising green energy and managing resources sustainably. We are not just part of India’s automotive story—we are committed to driving it forward, responsibly and sustainably."

Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India said, "India's automotive future is bright, with innovative clean energy technologies and bio-fuels, reducing dependency on imports and enhancing our exports. Inspired by Prime Minister Modi's vision for decarbonisation, Industry’s mindful consumption and circular economy can propel India to become a world leader in sustainable practices."

K N Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company said, "Industry and Government's net-zero target and sustainability should ensure that policies are customer centric. Role played by auto component manufacturers in India is phenomenal as we continue to deliver world class products in India and across the globe."

Nitesh Gupta, Partner and Leader of Auto Practice in India at McKinsey & Company, gave an insightful presentation and underscored the urgent need for sustainable solutions to reduce emissions generated by the transport sector.

Session 2

The second session focussed on the topic of ‘A Catalyst for Fuelling Growth in Sustainable Mobility’.

S Sandilya, Past President, SIAM and Group Chairman, Royal Enfield stated, “Battery technology is the cornerstone of sustainable energy, crucial for addressing range anxiety in electric vehicles. Additionally, hydrogen energy and fuel cells present significant opportunities for creating environmentally friendly vehicles. Software-driven vehicles are transforming the automotive industry by enhancing safety and user experience. Together, these innovations are not just redefining our industry; they are setting the stage for a radically sustainable and user-focused future in transportation.”

Joykumar Thokchom, CTO, Battery Business Unit at Sakuu Corporation said, “India is currently well-positioned in the expanding market for lithium-ion battery manufacturing. Among the various advanced battery technologies, solid-state chemistries are particularly promising for commercialisation. These technologies offer the high energy density required for future advancements. We expect solid-state batteries to be introduced in vehicles by 2033.”

Jesse Schneider, CEO & CTO, Zev Station said, “I am proud to support ZEV Station's commitment to powering all zero-emission vehicles with completely carbon-neutral fuel. Our alignment with California’s zero-emission vehicle mandate, now adopted by 17 states, underscores our dedication to stringent environmental standards and innovative solutions in green technology.  

Session 3

The final session of SIAM’s 64th Annual Convention focused on ‘Aatmanirbhar in automobile supply chain & leveraging India’s potential in global Markets’ and underlined the necessity to placing more emphasis on indigenous manufacturing and localisation.

Vinod Aggarwal remarked, “Through the 'Make in India' initiative, we are targeting a reduction in imports of components and materials by 16-20% by 2027, significantly boosting local production capabilities. SIAM has showcased also 50 essential components, including electronics and electrical items and encouraging ACMA members to invest and manufacture in India."

Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India said, “We acknowledge SIAM and ACMA's vital roles in the auto value chain. With India targeting net zero by 2070, our auto sector is poised for significant transformation. With strong demand in the US, EU and Africa, we are strategically positioned to expand our export markets.”

Dr. V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser, Government of India said, “The Indian economy is poised to grow at a rate of 6-6.5%. Industry needs to focus on R&D and look at electric transition from the point of view of India’s resilience in critical materials required for EVs.”

Shradha Suri Marwah, President of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and Chairperson & Managing Director, Subros stressed the critical role of supply chain resilience in ensuring India's competitive edge globally. She noted, “By targeting $300 million in exports and achieving a 6 percent increase in localisation, we are strategically positioning ourselves at the forefront of innovation. We are investing heavily in R&D, fully confident in the immense potential of our country to transform itself into a global technology hub. Best wishes to SIAM as they continue to drive excellence in the sector. By advancing the use of green hydrogen, we are setting a benchmark for sustainable transportation that meets today’s needs without compromising our future.”

Andreas Tschiesner, Senior Partner and Leader of Global Advanced Industries Practice, McKinsey & Company, highlighted the role software is playing in reshaping the mobility.

Designing a vehicle is not just about creating a car - it's a movement that defines the future of mobility.

Today's automotive design goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on creating comprehensive experiences that resonate culturally and socially. Designers are tasked with crafting vehicles that transcend mere functionality, meticulously considering every element, from form and ergonomics to interaction. The focus now relies on developing timeless products that shape not only the industry but also the culture of mobility itself. As the sector embraces a transformative future, the goal is to create vehicles that are connected, sustainable and deeply experiential, meeting the needs of an ever-evolving technological and societal landscape.

More than just aesthetics: The story behind design  

Design isn't limited to making vehicles visually appealing - it's a medium through which designers communicate values, history and innovation. Every vehicle tells a story, reflecting the legacy and ambitions of the automotive world. Designers today focus on sustainability, innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that the vehicles they create are forward-thinking while maintaining a connection to their origins. Whether it's the rugged strength of an SUV or the fluid, aerodynamic lines of a crossover, modern automotive designs are focused on progressiveness and strength while ensuring inclusivity. Moreover, designers aim to reflect the diverse needs of customers, creating designs that inspire trust and innovation while embodying the brand's values of accountability and forward-looking design.

Designing an immersive experience  

In today's automotive world, design is about creating immersive mobility experiences. Designers focus on crafting environments that feel intuitive, enhancing the connection between driver, passenger and vehicle. The interior space of a car is just as important as its exterior design, as it's where users spend most of their time. This requires careful attention to the shape, space and surface of every element, making sure that each aspect provides comfort while also evoking emotion. Designers are crafting multisensory experiences that go beyond simply driving. Every detail is designed with a purpose: from the tactile sensation of the steering wheel to the acoustic harmony of the cabin. The interaction between the vehicle and its occupants is at the forefront of modern design, creating spaces where the journey itself becomes an experience to be savoured, not just a functional necessity.

Looking ahead  

The future of automotive design is defined by adaptability and the integration of emerging technologies. Designers today must create vehicles that not only meet the demands of traditional internal combustion engines but also embrace the shift toward electric powertrains, autonomous driving and connected mobility systems.

The challenge lies in ensuring that vehicles are equipped to handle the fast growing technological and societal changes while remaining relevant and functional. Advancements in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and digital modelling have revolutionised the design process. Several automotive players including us at Tata Motors are utilising these tools for real-time visualisation, enabling designers to rapidly prototype and iterate on concepts. The precision and efficiency offered by these technologies have streamlined the transition from initial sketches to full-scale production, ensuring that the final product is a true reflection of the designer's vision. To conclude  

Automotive design is no longer about fleeting trends or short-term solutions. It's about crafting vehicles that shape the future of mobility, ensuring that today's designs remain relevant in the evolving world of tomorrow. Designers are tasked with integrating technology. sustainability and user experience into every vehicle they create, ensuring that the mobility is not just functional but transformative. Through design, the automotive industry is crafting experiences that go beyond driving vehicles that connect with people and the world in meaningful, lasting ways.

Ajay Jain is the Head of India Studio and of the Global Design Strategy at Tata Motors. Working closely with the global design team, he reports to Martin Uhlarik, Vice President Global Design, Tata Motors. Contributing to the global design strategy at Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, Jain has 20 years of experience as an automotive designer.

The European Union voted in favour of imposing extra tariffs on China-made EVs by up to 45 percent on 4 October 2024. Threatening a broader trade conflict with a country that has already vowed to protect its companies and is considered as the factory of the world, the move has been criticised by the auto industry and various EU member states.

With growing demand for EU and China resolving their differences through dialogue, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade is known to express that it is opposed to be the move.

With the technical teams from China and the EU set to resume talks on 7 October 2024, the situation in EU as far as the auto OEMs like Volkswagen Group, Stellantis and BMW Group are concerned, there have been instances of profit warnings.  

Weak demand, rising costs, global competition, trade wars, geopolitical situations, subsidies and company-specific factors are among the reasons being underlined for the profit warnings by European automakers.

Receiving necessary support with 10 members backing the tariffs, 12 abstaining and five members – including Germany – voting against, the European Union, claim sources aware of the development, has been urged by the auto industry to negotiate with China for better terms and conditions rather than to reach the level were a trader war looks eminent.

Present in the China market for a decade or more, many European automakers seem to fear if the tariffs imposed on Chinese EVs will lead to negative consequences in that market for them.

Volkswagen is known to have said that the tariffs are ‘the wrong approach’. There is a need for the two sides to negotiate and find the middle way, mentioned an industry source in Germany in response to the tariffs by EU.

Image courtesy: EmDee (Wikipedia)

The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body representing the forging industry in the country has announced its new officer bearers for 2024-26. 

The committee has elected Yash Munot as the new President of AIFI, while S.  Ravishankar was elected as the Vice-President.

Munot, who succeeds Vikas Bajaj, had previously served as Vice-President of AIFI from 2020 to 2024, is now also the youngest to be appointed as the President in the organisation's history. 

He currently serves as the CEO at Varsha Forgings and the Managing Director at KCTR Varsha Automotive. Munot begun his journey in the forging industry in 2005 joining his family business - Varsha Forgings. He was also instrumental in organising major industry events like IFC 2011, Forgetech  India 2016, Asia Forge 2019 and ForgeTech India 2023. He has served as the Western Region Chairman from 2018 to 2020. 

“The forging sector in India is at a pivotal juncture, with tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth. Our focus will be on fostering collaboration within the industry, driving technological advancements and promoting sustainable practices. I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that our industry not only thrives domestically but also strengthens and enhances its global footprint. Together, we will build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and strive for excellence in every aspect of our work," said Munot.

S Ravishankar added, “I will strive for advancing our industry’s progress and tackling the challenges presented by a rapidly changing global landscape. Our priorities will include boosting competitiveness, driving innovation and equipping our members for future opportunities. I look forward to embracing the exciting prospects ahead and contributing to AIFI’s continued success during this transformative era”

He (Ravishankar) currently serves as the MD at Super Auto Forge and has over 25 years of experience in the auto component manufacturing industry. He is a Manufacturing Engineer with Bachelors degree from Annamalai University and Masters degree from The Ohio State University.

It was in 1997, after working in Detroit for two years, Ravishankar returned to India and joined his family business at Super Auto Forge. He has been instrumental in developing the international business of SAF and led the initiative to establish marketing offices in Detroit in 2001, followed by Belgium in 2011. He has been the Chairman of Indo American Chamber of Commerce for the period 2008 – 2009 – Tamil Nadu Branch and currently serves on the Southern Regional Committee of ACMA since 2021.

Automechanika Frankfurt has cemented its position as the leading international trade fair for the automotive industry with the successful conclusion of Automechanika Frankfurt 2024. 

The slogan of this year’s Automechanika was ‘Driving Transformation’, with topics such as electrification, vehicle connectivity, driver assistance systems and digitalisation taking the centre stage. The fair was held from 10 to 14 September 2024 and saw 4,200 companies from 80 countries displaying their products and solutions for retail, workshops and industry. Spread over an area of 320,000 square metres and 26 hall levels, the event witnessed a total of 108,000 visitors from 172 countries.

Visitors had the chance to see cars with alternative drive systems up close, such as electric, hydrogen, and hybrid models, and even take a ride in the Future Mobility Park and the related expert forum Innovation4Mobility. For even more highlights, there were brand-new event types available, such as an exhilarating rally. Ninety-four percent of attendees, 70 percent of whom were foreign visitors, expressed satisfaction with the event, not just with the trade fair's offerings but also with their aims being met.

An emphasis on sustainable technologies, products and solutions was highlighted at Automechanika this year. Several talks on remanufacturing and circular economy tactics were held on the stage in the new Sustainability Court in Hall 5.0. This year also saw the opening of ‘Ambition’, a dedicated Gen Z section in Hall 3.1 with live acts, panel discussions and succinct, fascinating presentations to pique the interest of young people in the automotive professions. This action was taken as a result of the well-known lack of qualified workers in the automobile sector.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, commented, “Even in the midst of the digital transformation, the industry once again demonstrated its wealth of innovation, providing countless highlights over the course of the five-day event. Together with our exhibitors, we were able to find the right players to present the most important topics – including alternative drive systems, sustainability and the use of AI and robotics in the automotive aftermarket – on the stages and in the exhibition halls. We are also delighted by growing demand from both German and international visitors.”

Michael Johannes, Vice President Mobility & Logistics, Messe Frankfurt, said “Never before has Automechanika in Frankfurt had a supporting programme and range of events like this. Our roster of presentations and practical workshops covered a wide range of topics, including bodywork and paintwork, electric vehicles, commercial vehicles, caravan repair, 3D printing, detailing and much else besides. These were very well received by the professionals, and students and pupils took advantage of the opportunities on offer to find out for themselves what some of the automotive trades and professions are like. One of this year’s new additions was a programme and area devoted especially to Generation Z. We wanted to draw their attention to the professional opportunities that are available in the fascinating world of the automotive industry – and we were very successful.”