The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex body representing automakers in the country, concluded the 3rd International Conference on World Biofuel Day 2024 themed The Biofuel Revolution in India: Fueling Tomorrow. 

The event brought together global and national experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the critical role of biofuels in India's sustainable energy transition and the broader implications for the Indian automotive industry.

The conference commenced with the inaugural session titled Catalysing the Indian Biofuel Story for the Global Arena, moderated by Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM. He said," There are three C’s collaboration, communication, competency that defines India’s biofuel journey. India has embraced E20 economy, and its collaborative efforts is manifested by strong cooperation that the sector is receiving from the global partners. "

The Chief Guest Kenneth Félix Haczynski da Nóbrega, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil stated,” Driven by our shared vision for a sustainable future, Brazil’s ethanol expertise and India’s progress in decarbonisation align with our goal of 20-25 percent biofuel use. The Collaboration between India and Brazil sets a global example in the energy transition, emphasising inclusivity and cost-effective bioenergy solutions. Major investments and technology transfers between our nations will be key to advancing sustainable mobility and achieving long-term climate goals."

Rohit Mathur, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India said," Today’s success is the result of the collective efforts of multiple ministries under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We are poised to see significant progress in the next five years as we advance biofuels and fully utilise domestic resources. The ethanol program is benefiting farmers, saving foreign exchange, and transforming the ecosystem. We urge investment in advanced biofuels to further boost ethanol production and emphasise the need for a mass awareness campaign to educate the public on flex-fuel and ethanol percentages."

K C Sharma, Chief Engineer (MVL) at the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India said, "Achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 is a national commitment with biofuels being crucial to this goal. We have increased ethanol blending from 1.4 percent in 2013-14 to nearly 20 percent today, thanks to the collaborative efforts of fuel providers, vehicle manufacturers, and component suppliers. We are advancing towards testing new bio-ethanol solutions with prototypes already on Indian roads."

Vikram S Kasbekar, Executive Director of Hero MotoCorp and SIAM Executive Committee Member in his keynote address said, “The industry will be ready soon to rollout the flex fuel vehicles but their off-take is important. The energy content in ethanol is less than that of petrol. We have to consider what value the customer will get in adopting to ethanol and ensure that the customers benefit.”

Dr. Reji Mathai, Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) said, "Marking a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing biofuel integration and reducing emissions, India is able to achieve E20 compliance with BS VI standards".

Sujoy Choudhury, Director at Indian Oil Corporation stated,” India needs to ensure the biofuel growth is equitable and sustainable. Oil manufacturing companies have increased their tankage by ten-fold to support the biofuel journey. Today, Ethanol moves through various modes of transport including pipelines, railways, and roadways.”

Mandava Prabhakar Rao, President of the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said," Sugarcane is the most efficient crop in terms of water and land utilisation. Currently, only 15 percent of sugarcane is converted to ethanol, but increasing this by 10 percent only would allow the Indian sugarcane industry to meet 55 percent of the country’s ethanol demand”.

The conference also featured the release of the Context Paper on Biofuels in India: Current Scenario and the Road Ahead.

Rajesh Menon, Director General of SIAM in his closing remark said, "The inaugural session has highlighted India’s significant achievements in the biofuel sector and brought attention to the need for collaborative efforts for future advancements in biofuel. We must build on this foundation and drive the mobility sector towards a sustainable and impactful future".

Ashim Sharma, Senior Partner from Nomura Research Institute moderated a session on ‘Biofuel Demand and Supply Management: Bridging the Gap.’

A report was released at the event on “Sukh Da Saah – SIAM Initiative on Crop Residue Management.” Alok Sharma, Director (R&D) of Indian Oil Corporation discussed advancements in biofuel R&D; Anurag Saraogi, Chief General Manager, Bharat Petroleum Corporation presented critical operational strategies for developing storage capacity and dispensing of the fuel; Rajagopal Manohar, Head of Technical Service and Innovation, Novonesis, spoke on technological innovations beyond development of ethanol biofuel;  Ashok Singh, Assistant Vice-President, Regreen-Excel EPC focused on technologies for supply chain optimization; and Amit Agrawal, Senior Vice-President, Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar detailed the sugar industry’s role in biofuel production.

Som Kapoor, Future of Mobility Leader, EY Parthenon moderated the Thematic Session 2 titled ‘Preparing the Auto Industry for a Flex Fuel Future,’ focusing on assessing the sector's preparedness for flexible fuel vehicles, which included insightful presentations from panelists. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President (Corporate Affairs & Governance), Toyota Kirloskar Motor shared strategies for development of hybrid flex vehicles in the country, while Sameer Sinha, CEO, Triveni Engineering & Industries addressed engineering challenges related to production of ethanol. 

Shweta Saini, Founder & CEO, Arcus Policy Research discussed the regulatory landscape on ethanol production and feedstock cultivation, and Krishnan Sadagopan, Senior Vice-President, Ashok Leyland & Board of Director IOCL, and Harjeet Singh, Executive Adviser (Tech), Hero MotoCorp and Presentation by Prof. K A Subramanian, Head of Department, Energy Science and Engineering, IIT Delhi spoke on technical readiness of the OEMs to launch flex fuel vehicles in the country.

Thematic Session 3, ‘Building a Resilient Ecosystem for the Adoption of Biofuels,’ focused on the critical steps needed to support biofuel ecosystem development in India. Moderated by Raman Jha, Executive Director at PwC, the session featured key insights from industry leaders. Y. B. Ramakrishna, Member – Working Group on Biofuels at MoPNG discussed necessary policy frameworks introduced by the government for development of ethanol value chain, while Rafik Mankad, CMD, Biotexus Energy and R Ramaprabhu, Head of Fluid Technology, Mahindra & Mahindra talked about role of industry in adoption of higher blends of biofuels. Contributions from Sqn Ldr Ankur Naik Director, Punjab Renewable Energy Systems; Ashish Kumar, Managing Director, Verbio India and Rajneesh Agarwal, Secretary General, UP Distillers Association (UPDA) emphasised the need to adopt renewable energy solutions, develop robust and scalable ethanol supply chain for fulfilment of decarbonisation goals. 

The session wrapped up with a call for stronger collaboration and technological innovation among the industry stakeholders from Dr. Prabhakar Thakur, HoD (Hydrocarbon Efficiency & New Energy), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, Govt. of India and Dr. S. D. Singh, Senior Advisor, Biodiesel Association of India.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.”

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