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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The Hyundai Motor India Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Hyundai Motor India, has launched Samarth UnnATi in association with the AssisTech Foundation in Gurugram.

The initiative provides grant support of INR 7.5 million to assist startups developing assistive technology solutions for persons with disabilities. It focuses on capacity building, mentorship, investor linkages and market access.

Gopalakrishnan C S, Trustee, Hyundai Motor India Foundation, said, “At Hyundai, we believe that accessibility and innovation are powerful enablers of inclusion and progress. Through ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower persons with disabilities to participate more independently and confidently in society. The Samarth UnnATi – AT start-up scaleup program is an important step towards strengthening Assistive Technology ecosystem by supporting innovators who are developing impactful solutions to address real-world accessibility challenges. Through our partnership with AssisTech Foundation, we aim to accelerate the adoption of assistive technologies and help build a more inclusive society.”

Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-Founder, AssisTech Foundation (ATF), said, “By 2050, the need for assistive products in the global population is estimated to increase to 3.5 billion (UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology). To reach this breadth, innovation cannot be a standalone phenomenon. It must be nurtured, deployed at scale and reach the people who need it the most. Samarth UnnATi is the engine that drives this, bringing together these largely disparate efforts toward a more cohesive approach.”

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Cars24 Labs has announced a partnership with the Startup Policy Forum to collaborate on AI policy, industry engagement and AI adoption in India.

The partnership involves Cars24 Labs contributing to Startup Policy Forum initiatives through policy discussions, founder engagements, industry dialogues and global immersion programmes, sharing practical learnings from deploying AI across Cars24 operations.

Vikram Chopra, Builder, Cars24, said, "At Cars24, we've always believed that the best way to understand AI is to build with it. Cars24 Labs was created with that mindset, and we've learned a great deal from putting AI into real products used by millions. Partnering with Startup Policy Forum gives us an opportunity to share those learnings, learn from others, and contribute to the conversations that will shape how India builds and adopts AI in the years ahead."

Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President & CEO, Startup Policy Forum, said, "Cars24 has been a valued member of SPF, and we've worked closely with them on several policy initiatives that matter to India's new economy. Being among the most AI-forward startups in our country, Cars24 is doing some incredible work on AI adoption and innovation. We're excited to partner with Cars24 Labs. It's deeply aligned with our mission of bridging the gap between India and global AI ecosystems, enabling cross-border collaborations, and encouraging AI adoption by Indian companies."

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N.A.N. GreenMet, the critical minerals and advanced manufacturing platform founded by Navin Agarwal (Vice Chairman, Vedanta), has launched N.A.N. MagneTech to establish a Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnet manufacturing facility at the Naidupeta Industrial Park in Andhra Pradesh.

The company has earmarked an investment of INR 12.5 billion in Phase I to build an initial capacity of 1,200 tonnes per annum, with a long-term target of 10,000 tonnes per annum.

It expects commercial production to begin in Q1 2028, generating annual revenues of INR 12 to INR 15 billion. The facility will integrate oxide processing, metal and alloy production, sintered magnet manufacturing and closed-loop recycling.

The project has secured feedstock supply arrangements with an Australian rare earth producer and executed off-take agreements with domestic automotive original equipment manufacturers. Technical development is led by Dr. John Ormerod, Dr. Masato Sagawa and Dr. Gaurav Shukla.

Navin Agarwal, Founder & Chairman, N.A.N. GreenMet, said, “The industries shaping the future will be defined by those who control advanced materials and manufacturing technologies. At N.A.N. GreenMet, we are building a globally competitive industrial enterprise that strengthens India’s manufacturing capabilities in strategically important sectors. N.A.N. MagneTech is an important milestone in that endeavour, bringing world-class technology to establish a domestic rare earth magnet ecosystem that supports the country’s long-term industrial growth”.

Dr. John Ormerod, Chairman of the Technology Board, N.A.N. MagneTech, added, "We are bringing the most advanced Japanese process technology to India, covering the complete oxide-to-magnet ecosystem. Backed by a secured feedstock strategy and closed-loop recycling, this platform is engineered to deliver consistent, world-class quality."

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European technology company N-Dream has brought its AirConsole gaming platform to India through a collaboration with Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and KPIT Technologies, with the marked debut on the Sierra.ev SUV.

AirConsole is integrated into the vehicle's connected services pack and the Arcade App, utilising the vehicle's display setup. Passengers connect smartphones as controllers by scanning a QR code on the screen. The initial launch brings approximately 15 games, including Kaun Banega Crorepati. The in-vehicle gaming technology will be exclusively available on the Sierra.ev for a period of four months, before it can be made available on other models and brands.

Anthony Cliquot, CEO, N-Dream / AirConsole, said, "India is one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in the world. Experiencing the Sierra.ev's launch event in Mumbai where AirConsole was so prominently featured, made our team proud. To see our gaming platform in the vehicle alongside other premium offerings, was a clear testament of how entertainment and passenger experiences are becoming paramount for consumer choice. TMPV is moving at a pace that few in this market can match right now, and this partnership with AirConsole will enable gaming to be part of that momentum."

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, "The Sierra has always been an icon, and with the Sierra.ev, we have elevated that legacy for an electric era. Bringing AirConsole's in-car gaming experience to the Sierra.ev redefines what connected, immersive technology can add to the ownership experience. As the first vehicle in India to offer this capability, we are delighted to partner with AirConsole to deliver an entirely new dimension of entertainment and engagement for our customers."

Pushpahas Joshi, EVP at KPIT Technologies & Board Member at N-Dream, said, “KPIT is very excited to bring AirConsole to India. This is going to be the first among several launches that will enhance consumer experience in the Cockpit of the future. AirConsole is a category creating product loved by more than 4 million car owners worldwide. As part of its strategy towards futuristic Products & Solutions, AirConsole became part of KPIT family in November 2023. Since then, KPIT has enabled AirConsole to expand outside Europe -into Asia and USA. I am very sure, that, owners of Tata cars & their families will enjoy the cool In-car gaming experience with AirConsole”

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