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JK Tyre leverages AI, ML technologies to cater to high-end car segment
These Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres are formulated with high-grade MFX Polymer to ensure durability for Indian roads and stability during hard cornering. In designing the grooves for the tyre for water wading capability to avoid aquaplaning, data is continuously required to work and improve upon. So, the simulations that have to be done and the algorithms that have to be hit are all done via AI and ML, Anuj Kathuria, President, JK Tyre. told ETAuto.
Volkswagen's focus on India stronger now amid global turmoil: Thomas Schäfer, global CEO, Passenger Cars
Volkswagen plans to focus on emerging markets such as India due to tensions between America and China, which make it complicated to operate between the two markets, according to Thomas Schafer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. The company's India 2.0 strategy, implemented in 2020, is set to expand through fresh investments, product interventions and capacity, he said.
Key challenge in recycling industry is building capacities and talents, says Rajat Verma of Lohum
Energy storage based on lithium-ion batteries can help India achieve its greenhouse gas mitigation targets and to develop the EV ecosystem. Hence it is important to have a reuse/recycle ecosystem for lithium-ion batteries within the country to minimize import-dependence and to develop battery technology in-house. “For the recycling industry we have to build capacities of two kinds: factories, and talents. Talent is much more difficult to build. Finding people who are talented or training people to make them talented in this particular area is very challenging,” Rajat Verma, founder and CEO of Lohum Cleantech, told ETAuto in an exclusive interview. He also spoke about the current scenario of battery recycling and the part it is playing in the overall EV ecosystem in India. Edited excerpts:
Mahle to consolidate ICE production with focus on e-mobility: Martin Wellhoffer
With the consolidation of ICE manufacturing and focus on electric mobility, the company has recently bagged a multi-million-dollar order from a leading Indian OEM for its e-mobility programme.
Maruti Suzuki aims to make Nexa 2nd largest auto brand in India by next year
Nexa which sells vehicles like Grand Vitara, Ciaz and Ignis contributed over 23% of the total sales of Maruti Suzuki. They clocked a 10% market share of the overall passenger vehicle market in India.
Tata Motors steps up EV play, plans exclusive outlets
The EV subsidiary of the Tata Group automotive flagship, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), will firm up the EV channel strategy - including design, location and the number of outlets - within the first quarter of FY24 and the showrooms will be up and running over the next six-12 months, multiple people aware of the company's plans told ET.
Mercedes expects India to help lead all-electric switch
"We are very happy with the development of EVs in the Indian market. We expect 25% of our total sales to come from EVs in the next four years," said Matthias Luehrs, head of region overseas, Mercedes-Benz AG.
Terex India looks for greenfield facility to strengthen manufacturing, export base
The company has a 30-acre manufacturing hub in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, which is in its final expansion phase. The Hosur plant has a capacity to produce up to 1000 machines a year. “We want to invest in a greenfield project on a 25-to 30-acre site in the Western region. States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Goa seem like a good option,” Jaideep Shekhar, Managing Director, Terex India told ETAuto.
Volvo Cars considering to discontinue ICE XC 40 and sell electric variant only
The response for the XC40 Recharge electric model has been good to an extent that Volvo is contemplating on discontinuing the conventional ICE (Internal combustion engine) model in the market. Volvo has similar plans for India as they have globally, that is launching one car every year as customers have started looking for variety in this segment, Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo India said, while speaking at the ETAuto 4F of EV Revolution in India webinar.
More than 2.78 lakh EVs registered in India in Jan-March 2023: Gadkari
Replying to a separate question, Gadkari said National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has planted 344.27 lakh tress under Green Highways Policy during the period 2016-17 to 2022-23 (up to February 2023).
Maruti to hike prices in April, says imperative to pass cost pressure
Due to ongoing pressure on input costs, auto firms have been raising prices aggressively. Also, starting next month, India will introduce the phase II of Bharat Stage 6 standards that mandate automakers to equip their vehicles with a gadget to detect pollutants, incurring additional expenditures.
The 4Fs of EV revolution in India: Fundamentals, Factors, Future, and Funding
Industry experts agreed that the incentives of the state and central governments for e-mobility including the ACC PLI and the FAME scheme have been effective. However, unlocking opportunities in this journey will require continuous collaboration between policy makers and industry players.