Autocar Professional’s August 15 edition tracks India Auto Inc’s progress

As the tricolour is unfurled from the ramparts of the Red Fort, India completes 75 years of independence. A milestone no doubt in India’s tryst with destiny but it is also an occasion to take stock of how much India Auto Inc has driven ahead in the journey towards self-reliance or Atmanirbharta.

In this 56-page edition, we bring you a detailed perspective into India’s journey in the 30 years since reforms kicked in. Indian automakers have held their own in a competitive market scenario in many different ways but what’s the growth driver going forward and how exactly is India Auto Inc moving forward?

1991 & Beyond
India today is amongst the top five automotive markets in India. Localisation is a big buzz word as the industry gets on the road to revival after the body blow dealt by Covid-19. Increasingly, automakers globally are acknowledging the unique challenges of the Indian market

– We bring you an in-depth analysis of the journey undertaken by the Indian auto industry since the 1990s reforms. A detailed report on that crucial ‘X-factor’ that makes brands make it big in India and what makes even big brands fail.

– As we track the journey of India’s automotive sector, it is a good time to get you the perspective of India’s largest passenger vehicle seller, Maruti Suzuki. An exclusive interview with Chairman RC Bhargava on the carmaker and India’s progress on the growth highway.

– Last-mile delivery is the other buzzing segment across the Indian automotive space. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, co-founder, Kinetic Green traces the Kinetic legacy and the new growth drivers like electrification and green mobility.

Testing reaching new heights
Testing comes of age with the 2,900-acre NATRAX proving ground in Pithampur that includes 14 test tracks including an 11.3km-long high-speed track and state-of-the-art test equipment.

– We have an excusive interview with Dr N Karuppaiah, Additional Director & Centre Head, NATRAX. Find out his plans on optimising all-round testing capabilities in India.

India a growing ER&D hub
With digitalization on the rise, software companies are grabbing every available opportunity in the automotive sector. We get you an industry report on how this could help India to become a global hub for ER&D.

ACMA’s performance report
Despite challenging market conditions both in India and global markets for most of FY2021, the ACMA performance report for FY2021 indicates that the component industry did well to keep the YoY revenue decline to just 3 percent and registered a turnover of Rs 3.4 lakh crore ($45.9 billion). Find out the top winners and leaders in this segment.

The big buzz

– Reinventing the Auto Expo: Even as the bi-annual Auto extravaganza held in New Delhi was postponed given the Covid situation, the question is whether the time is ripe to re-invent the wheel for the Auto Expo. With digitisation and remote launches gaining prominence, find out what could be the next step for the Auto Expo.

– Is vehicle subscription the way ahead? Given the financial uncertainties currently and increased need for personal mobility solutions, could subscriptions for passenger vehicles provide an alternative ownership plan? Top imdustry players say growing ambition and willingness for an asset-light lifestyle could drive vehicle subscription.

But that’s not all. This issue is buzzing with all the recent development and in-depth perspective on the trends across the automotive world. Make sure you get your copy to stay on top of all automotive industry news with our August 15 Independence Day special.

How you can read this issue 
Autocar Professional magazine is also available through all good newsagents and for download from Magzster. You can also buy one-off copies of Autocar Professional magazine – contact Ganesh at ganesh@haymarketsac.com. Alternatively, never miss an issue – subscribe to Autocar Professional magazine today