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. 

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Honda R&D, a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., has developed underlying technology for a magnetic coupling wireless power transfer road system in partnership with Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec Corporation.

The system enables wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles, including passenger cars and heavy commercial fleets. The partners plan to initiate demonstration testing on public roads starting in FY2027.

The technology integrates high-power-density receiver and transmitter units from Honda with a high-response direct current power supply system from Taisei and road-embedding construction techniques from Taisei Rotec. By supplying power to electric vehicles while in motion, dynamic wireless power transfer reduces the need for stationary charging infrastructure. The initial commercial focus targets logistics and transport operations, where continuous operation offers economic benefits.

The ground assembly embedded in the roadway combines the inverter and coil into a single unit designed to connect via direct current distribution. This design reduces component counts, simplifies wiring and supports installation into existing road surfaces through standard milling methods. The road pavement structures are engineered to withstand continuous traffic loads from vehicles weighing up to 20 tonnes (20,000kg).

Testing conducted at Taisei Group’s T-FIELD facility in Satte verified system stability and structural durability. Starting in late 2026, the companies will build a test roadway at T-FIELD Tamura to evaluate long-term durability under one million wheel-load cycles, measure power transfer efficiency at outputs up to 150 kW and analyse electromagnetic shielding.

The partnership will also join the Tateyama Expressway demonstration project managed by East Nippon Expressway Company starting in 2027.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has expanded its powertrain portfolio with the introduction of a full hybrid powertrain for the Octavia, marking the first time the marque has offered this technology. The new powertrain is available for both hatchback and estate body styles in the Selection and Sportline trim levels.

The new Octavia utilises a series-parallel hybrid setup that combines a 1.5 TSI evo2 petrol engine with two electric motors, a single-speed automatic transmission and an automatic clutch that connects the engine directly to the front axle.

The smaller electric motor functions as a generator and starter, whilst the larger motor drives the front wheels and recovers energy during deceleration. The system automatically selects between all-electric, series hybrid, and parallel hybrid operation depending on speed, driver demand and battery charge levels. Electric mode offers a driving range of approximately two kilometres.

The model is offered in two power outputs: a 100 kW variant using a 96 kW petrol engine and a 125 kW version paired with a 110 kW engine. Both variants share identical electric motors and have an electronically limited top speed of 180 kmph. Energy is stored in a 1.6 kWh battery positioned beneath the rear seats, paired with a 40-litre fuel tank. Boot capacity is rated at 460 litres for the hatchback and 485 litres for the estate. Standard features include a 13-inch infotainment display and a 10-inch digital instrument panel. Orders open in October, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in December 2026.

Johannes Neft, Chief Development Officer, Skoda Auto, said, "The Octavia is the first Skoda model to feature a full hybrid powertrain. Its series-parallel hybrid system combines a combustion engine with the flexibility of electric driving. Operating fully automatically, the system selects the most efficient drive mode according to the current conditions. The traction battery is recharged while driving by the combustion engine or through energy recuperation. With two output levels available for both the hatchback and estate, the full hybrid adds another technically versatile option to our powertrain portfolio giving customers even greater choice to match their individual needs."

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The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and COEP Technological University have signed a Letter of Intent to establish the Advanced Ergonomics and Human Factors Research Centre (AEHFRC) at COEP Tech’s Research and Innovation Park in Chikhali, Pune.

The initiative involves a planned investment of INR 1.05 billion and will function as a national facility focused on developing technologies tailored to the physical metrics of Indian users.

The facility will span approximately 38,000 square feet. The project will be executed in two phases: the first phase, spanning two to three years, will set up laboratories for posture evaluation, seating comfort analysis, human biomechanics and field of vision assessments; the second phase, over four to five years, will complete the full-scale deployment of the centre.

The centre will address sectors including automotive, defence, aerospace, railways, agriculture, industrial equipment, consumer goods and textiles. Key operational objectives include generating Indian anthropometric databases, establishing ergonomics standards, creating usability frameworks and offering training and certification programs.

The partnership will pursue research projects, consultancy assignments, and funding from government bodies, industry partners, and CSR initiatives to translate academic research into industrial applications.

Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, said, "As technology becomes increasingly human-centric, ergonomics and human factors play a critical role in ensuring safety, usability, and user well-being. Through this partnership with COEP Technological University, ARAI aims to create a national ecosystem that advances research, develops indigenous capabilities, and supports industry in creating products and systems that are better suited to Indian users and operating conditions. We believe the AEHFRC will play a significant role in strengthening India’s capabilities in human-centred design and innovation."

Prof. Sunil Bhirud, Vice-Chancellor of COEP Technological University, said: "COEP Technological University has consistently worked to translate research into societal impact. The proposed AEHFRC, in collaboration with ARAI, will provide a unique platform for interdisciplinary research, innovation, and industry engagement in ergonomics and human factors. We are confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to the development of Indian standards, indigenous technologies, and a skilled workforce capable of addressing national and global challenges."

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MathWorks and MapmyIndia Mappls have announced a collaboration to support automotive engineering teams developing and validating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for Indian driving environments.

Under the partnership, MapmyIndia’s high-definition (HD) digital maps have been integrated with MathWorks' software ecosystem, including MATLAB, Simulink and RoadRunner.

The integration enables engineers to construct digital twins of Indian road infrastructure to simulate traffic scenarios and evaluate ADAS controllers within a Model-Based Design framework before physical vehicle testing.

MapmyIndia’s HD maps capture lane-level geometry, traffic controls and localised road features, including speed breakers, potholes and worn lane markings. The dataset addresses engineering challenges associated with Indian traffic environments, such as high-density traffic, variable lane discipline and evolving road layouts.

The combined software workflow links location intelligence data directly into algorithm development and system validation tools, aiming to reduce virtual testing cycles for original equipment manufacturers and tier-one automotive suppliers operating in India.

Sapna Ahuja, President of Automotive Business and Chief Operating Officer, MapmyIndia Mappls, said, "India's roads present some of the world's most complex and dynamic driving environments. Developing ADAS solutions for these conditions requires far more than adapting models built for structured traffic ecosystems. MapmyIndia's HD maps capture the scale and complexity of Indian roads with accuracy and detail — from lane-level geometry and traffic controls to speed breakers, potholes, faded lane markings and other critical localised road attributes. Our collaboration with MathWorks empowers automotive engineers to simulate real Indian driving conditions, validate systems earlier, and accelerate the development of ADAS solutions that are truly built for India."

Vijayalayan R, Senior Manager – Automotive, MathWorks, said, "As automotive teams expand ADAS development for India, virtual validation is becoming essential to evaluate system performance across diverse driving conditions. By integrating MapmyIndia’s HD maps with MATLAB, Simulink, and RoadRunner, engineers can test ADAS algorithms earlier in development, reduce reliance on costly physical testing, and improve system performance before deployment on Indian roads."

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