Toyota has accelerated its ‘Green Wave Project’ commemorating this year’s environment month. It is aimed at enhancing its nature conservation activity in the community with the company distributing saplings to its employees, under its sixth challenge that is termed as ‘Establishing a Future Society in Harmony with Nature’ and looks to contribute to the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.
While the eco campaign continues to drive active community involvement to promote greenery, through employee engagement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has successfully distributed over 7000 saplings to its employees, marking significant progress towards its 8,000-sapling target set under its plantation activity.
With TKM employees encouraged to plant and nurture the distributed saplings within their neighbourhoods and submit periodic reports on plant growth, the it is noteworthy to mention about Toyota’s tree plantation activities that are strongly driven by adopting a unique concept namely the ‘Miyawaki Method of Afforestation’ since 2009, and TKM was the first corporate in India to implement such plantation methodology. TKM’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and ecological restoration is yielding remarkable results, as evidenced by the numerous advantages of the Miyawaki approach. A comprehensive study conducted in collaboration with experts from Bangalore University revealed that the Miyawaki method excels in carbon sequestration, capturing an impressive 30.86 tonnes of carbon per acre.
By doing so, TKM not only restored native habitats but also created self-sustaining ecosystem that contribute to a healthier planet. Under the guidance of Late Dr Akira Miyawaki himself, TKM initiated its maiden Miyawaki plantation drive, way back in 2009, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards conservation of greenery and eco-consciousness. Since that momentous day, TKM's plantation drives have continued to evolve and expanded to 112 acres of green cover within the factory premises, out of which 32 acres of afforestation has been developed using Miyawaki method. Today, Toyota’s manufacturing facility, located in Bidadi (on the outskirts of Bengaluru) proudly boasts more than 328,000 trees of over 790 native species planted within its premises. The results have been truly awe-inspiring with a remarkable increase in biodiversity observed over the years.
From a mere 181 plant species, the count has surged to an impressive 790, while the number of faunal species has risen from 76 to 284. The vibrant ecosystem now encompasses 88 bird varieties, 38 butterfly species, 107 insects, 17 reptiles, 8 mammals, and 6 amphibians, reflecting the successful development of a thriving native forest ecosystem.
In addition, TKM has created an experiential environmental learning centre ‘Ecozone’ (spread across 25 acres with 17 theme parks and home to 65,000 trees with 650 native species) for children, teachers, community members and other stakeholders, within its manufacturing facility aimed at creating the environment leaders and change champions for the future, to usher in desired behavioural change in the communities. This green zone depicts the creation of dense forest within the plant facility using the ‘Miyawaki Concept’ of plantation. The forests are dominantly planted with species of 4 major forest types such as Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous, Semi-evergreen and Evergreen Forest, covering 21 different sub-concepts such as Pollination meadows, herbal garden, plants for spices etc. So far, more than 42,000+ students & other stakeholders have been covered through ecozone initiative.
B Padmanabha, Executive Vice President and Director of Manufacturing - Toyota Kirloskar Motor, averred, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we recognise that environmental and social sustainability are just as crucial as economic progression. Guided by Toyota’s Global Environmental Challenge 2050 (six challenges announced in 2015), our sustainability efforts are far reaching that go beyond product zero emissions. While the first three challenges seek to achieve zero carbon emissions covering the entire life cycle of our products, across manufacturing operations as well as our value chain, the last three challenges focus to achieve water conservation, establishing recycled based society and living in harmony with nature.”
“We believe that a sustainable future is built through collective action and community involvement, as exemplified by one of our eco initiatives - Green Wave Program that covers afforestation (plantation drives, distribution of saplings), sharing best practices (e.g. Miyawaki plantation methodology), creating awareness on nature conservation and imbibing good eco behaviour (Toyota Ecozone – Experiential Eco Learning). Together with our employees and other stakeholders, we aim to catalyse positive change in the community to safeguard the environment to the future,” he added.
British Battery Tech Company EQONIC Group Strengthens Senior Leadership With New Appointments
- By MT Bureau
- February 12, 2026
EQONIC Group, a UK-based battery technology company, has announced two senior leadership appointments to support the commercialisation of its lithium-free, sodium-free and rare-earth-free battery technology.
John Saunders joins as Executive Director, bringing 30 years of experience in banking, regulation and law. He has held senior roles at Coutts, Barclays, UBS and Deutsche Bank. On the other hand, Angela Knight CBE joins as Non-Executive Director, having previously served as Chief Executive of the British Bankers' Association and Energy UK, with board experience at Taylor Wimpey and Arbuthnot Banking Group.
EQONIC is developing proprietary technology that eliminates the use of lithium, sodium, and rare-earth metals. The company claims that its technology achieves materials cost savings of approximately 70 percent compared to traditional lithium batteries.
The technology utilises abundant materials that are non-flammable, which reduces the risk of thermal runaway. This approach is intended to address supply chain vulnerabilities and ensure the batteries are fully recyclable.
The company plans to license its technology to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to enable global deployment while reducing capital risk. EQONIC’s roadmap aims for its technology to surpass sodium battery performance by 2026 and reach Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) levels by 2029.
Currently, EQONIC operates a commercial division serving D2B and B2B clients with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) energy storage systems. The company has secured a multi-million-pound pipeline across multiple sectors.
John Saunders, Executive Director, EQONIC Group, said, "EQONIC's breakthrough technology represents a genuine paradigm shift in the battery sector. The combination of cost reduction, enhanced safety, and sustainable materials addresses the fundamental barriers that have constrained the industry. I'm excited to bring my experience to support the company's growth trajectory as we move toward demonstrating market-ready products and securing strategic partnerships."
Angela Knight CBE, Non-Executive Director, EQONIC Group, said, "EQONIC exemplifies the kind of innovative British technology that can lead global markets. The company's approach - developing transformative technology first, then building robust commercial frameworks around it, is hugely compelling. Strong governance will be critical as EQONIC scales its business model and establishes partnerships with established OEM’s. I look forward to contributing to the board's strategic oversight during this pivotal phase."
Jas Kandola, Founder and CEO, EQONIC Group, stated, "John and Angela bring exactly the calibre of leadership we need at this critical juncture. John's regulatory expertise and commercial acumen will be invaluable as we navigate partnerships and licensing arrangements, while Angela's governance experience across complex, regulated industries will strengthen our board oversight. These appointments reflect our commitment to building a world-class organisation capable of delivering on the enormous potential of our technology."
Einride Appoints Former Nvidia Executive Gary Hicok To Board Of Directors
- By MT Bureau
- February 12, 2026
Einride AB, a technology company specialising in electric and autonomous freight, has appointed Gary Hicok to its Board of Directors. He joins the company following a 25-year career at Nvidia, where he held several leadership roles in autonomous technology and automotive hardware.
The appointment comes as Einride prepares for a public listing on the New York Stock Exchange through a business combination with Legato Merger Corp. III.
During his tenure at Nvidia, Hicok served as Senior Vice-President of the Mobile Business Unit and led Automotive Hardware and Systems. He oversaw the development of the Nvidia DRIVE platform and the Tegra processor, which are used in safety-critical automotive AI and in-vehicle computing.
His experience spans engineering and executive leadership within AI-driven markets and global organisations. At Einride, he will focus on scaling autonomous platforms and managing industry partnerships.
Einride operates in seven countries with more than 25 enterprise customers. The company reports approximately USD 65 million in expected annual recurring revenue (ARR) from signed contracts, with a potential long-term ARR exceeding USD 800 million through joint business plans.
The company has secured regulatory permits for autonomous vehicle operations in the United States and Europe. Its platform uses proprietary AI technology to manage electric and autonomous fleets, targeting the global road freight market.
Gary Hicok said, “Einride is solving an industry-scale problem the right way. Its platform approach unlocks partnerships, accelerates innovation, and makes electrified and autonomous freight real. I’ve watched many smart companies struggle with doing everything in house. It doesn’t scale or leverage the expertise of the industry, whereas Einride’s approach does. I believe its approach is built to win.”
Robert Falck, Founder and Executive Chairman, Einride, said, “Gary brings deep, hands-on experience scaling autonomous technology through critical partnerships across the automotive and technological ecosystem. Working alongside the Einride team, his perspective on building and scaling safety-critical platforms with industry partners will strengthen our ability to deploy autonomy globally. We’re pleased to welcome him to the Board.”
Roozbeh Charli, Chief Executive, Einride, added, “Gary's expertise and experience in building high-performing teams tackling the most advanced technology development will be instrumental for us as we continue to scale and cement our leadership position within autonomous freight technology. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built so far, and I’m excited for what we’ll achieve together with Gary’s unique experience.”
BorgWarner Secures 800V Integrated Drive Module Award for European REEV
- By MT Bureau
- February 12, 2026
American powertrain major BorgWarner has been awarded a contract by a European original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to supply an 800V Integrated Drive Module (iDM). The system will support a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), with mass production scheduled to commence in 2029.
The iDM is a system incorporating a single-electric-machine design that provides both generator and drive functionality. The module operates alongside an inverter, two clutches and a dual-mass flywheel. It is paired with the customer's internal combustion engine.
The system includes energy-efficient generator functionality and an all-wheel-drive mode. By combining two REEV functions into one product, the module aims to optimise vehicle architecture.
The integrated inverter utilises Viper power switches and dual-side cooled power module technology. This platform is designed for high-performance electric drive applications to manage high-voltage and high-current requirements.
Dr. Stefan Demmerle, Vice-President, BorgWarner Inc. and President and General Manager, PowerDrive Systems, said, “Securing this program award underlines BorgWarner’s strength in electric drive technology and system integration. With the China team taking the lead and collaborating with a global team, we have created a highly integrated solution that balances performance, efficiency, and packaging. We are proud to support our customer with innovative technology for its next-generation range extended vehicles.”
BorgWarner maintains in-house capabilities across electric motors, drivelines, power electronics and software. The company intends to use its manufacturing footprint to support the development of the global energy vehicle market.
Aimtron Electronics Secures Initial European Order For Box-Build Solutions
- By MT Bureau
- February 11, 2026
Vadodara-based Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) company Aimtron Electronics has secured its first order from a European Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The contract, valued at approximately INR 38 million, involves providing box-build solutions for a client headquartered in Europe with manufacturing operations in Spain.
The order marks the company's entry into the European market, serving automotive and industrial sectors. Aimtron anticipates that revenues from this engagement could scale to four times the current size during the 2027 financial year.
The development follows the announcement of the India–Europe Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which aims to improve the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers. Aimtron intends to leverage its manufacturing operations in India and the United States to diversify supply chains for European customers.
This European foray follows the company’s recent acquisition of a US-based electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) firm to strengthen its engineering capabilities for global OEMs.
Sneh Shah, Whole-time Director, Aimtron Electronics, said, “Meeting European automotive requirements demands a high level of process discipline, quality governance, and execution consistency. Aimtron has invested steadily in building these capabilities across box-build, traceability, and program management. This engagement reflects that readiness and provides a clear pathway to scale programs across European end-markets.”
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT