December 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

December 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

Around 2,54,270 passenger cars were sold in the Indian market for December 2021. The sales dropped by 8 percent YoY. However; the sales increased by a marginal 3.7 percent when compared to November 2021.

 The semiconductor shortage still persists and is impacting the supplies accordingly. The OEMs also were cautious in terms of rationalizing dispatches in December 2021 considering the year-end. December 2021 was one of the worst Decembers for discount seekers/buyers as lower stock at the dealerships meant lower discounts for the end customer.

Continue reading “December 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot”

Tata Motors posted CY sales of 3,31,178 units in CY21, highest ever since inception!
WAFinar no 25 : How to Master Supply Chains in 2022
Key Takeaways from Top Leaders at India Vehicle After Sales Summit 2021

Key Takeaways from Top Leaders at India Vehicle After Sales Summit 2021

by WAF Think Tank 

This has also been featured across 2 pages at the Patriot Newspaper on Dec 24

 

The 7th India Vehicle After Sales Summit 2021, was organised online on Saturday 11th December by the World Auto Forum in yet another effort of theirs to offer us the opportunity to connect with top automotive heads and experts of the Auto industry for expert knowledge sharing.

In 2020, India was the fifth-largest auto market, with ~3.49 million units sold in the passenger and commercial vehicles categories. It was the seventh-largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in 2019. Vehicle owners today place a significantly high premium on after-sales experience and customer satisfaction.

As vehicles age and owners lose interest when the warranty expires – usually four years after the initial sale –is when loyalty created through strong after sales comes into play, enabling vehicle makers to reinforce their ties.

Continue reading “Key Takeaways from Top Leaders at India Vehicle After Sales Summit 2021”

Keeping Workforce Safe and Businesses Running in the Next Normal

Keeping Workforce Safe and Businesses Running in the Next Normal

WAF Gurus WAFinar 24

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, is one of the biggest health and humanitarian crisis of 21st century. It has placed a significant burden on global health and economic well-being, an estimated 2.7 billion people, or more than four out of five workers in the global workforce have been affected by the lockdown and stay-at-home measures.

Businesses and government leaders have been challenged to both respond to the crisis quickly and rethink their work strategies in real time.

The first priority for most organizations the world over, has been crisis response and emphasizing health, safety, essential services and the virtualization of work and education.

Continue reading “Keeping Workforce Safe and Businesses Running in the Next Normal”

CFBI, CSR arm of WAF, working for Children with Serious Diseases at AIIMS

CFBI, CSR arm of WAF, working for Children with Serious Diseases at AIIMS

by WAF Think Tank 

Citizens for Better India (CFBI), the CSR arm of WAF in partnership with Givers for a Cause Trust are working for the children who have been brought by their parents for treatment and surgeries for serious diseases to AIIMS, New Delhi

These Children are staying at Pagoda Camps or at the Footpath outside AIIMS, New Delhi. If your passing by, please feel free to drop in and lend a helping hand.

In their words of Ms Rachna of Givers for a Cause Trust :

 “Presently, insane number of patients are seeking help around A.I.I.M.S.

We are unable to cope up with the demand
Needless to say, it’s a huge number
We had called for HELP for AIIMS patients and the HELP arrived in less than 24 Hours from the CFBI Community !

Continue reading “CFBI, CSR arm of WAF, working for Children with Serious Diseases at AIIMS”

Focus Group India and Middle East – A Blessing for Automotive Businesses Worldwide!

Focus Group India and Middle East – A Blessing for Automotive Businesses Worldwide!

by WAF Think Tank 

 

The Pandemic has triggered big challenges like Managing Supply Chains, ensuring High Productivity & Earnings, ensuring up time of Equipments, Workshops, meeting commitments of Quality, Cost and Time. Well, List goes on…!

Focus Engineering Middle East and India have been busy training, coaching, consulting, providing digital and video tools to empower not just the Mega Automotive Businesses and Workshops but even the smaller garages and thereby keeping the wheels of the Industry and economy moving…

Continue reading “Focus Group India and Middle East – A Blessing for Automotive Businesses Worldwide!”

Finest Tech Mind, A Thorough Professional, A True Gentleman – Navid Talib

Finest Tech Mind, A Thorough Professional, A True Gentleman – Navid Talib

By WAF Think Tank 

 

Honda cars have always been known for their quality, performance, stellar fit & finish and endurance. Honda’s Core philosophy revolves around Respect for the Individual and the 3 Joys viz Joy of  Buying, Joy of Selling and Joy of Creating.

When it comes to creating at Honda, a name comes up prominently, like a shining star and that is Mr Navid Talib. 

Talib san as he’s lovingly addressed by his colleagues, teams and friends, has been the key driving force behind Engineering, Quality, New Model Development and Manufacturing of Honda Cars, as he had been heading all these functions at Honda Cars at India.

Continue reading “Finest Tech Mind, A Thorough Professional, A True Gentleman – Navid Talib”

One Moto leads the race in EV domination, outshines competitors at Bengaluru EV Expo

One Moto leads the race in EV domination, outshines competitors at Bengaluru EV Expo

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 9 (ANI/NewsVoir): Optimizing on the successful launch of the One Moto EV’s in India, the EV’s were publicly put on display for the first time in India at the Green Vehicle Expo in Bengaluru from November 27-29 2021. With a massive turnout of over 15,000 people at the One Moto stall, the Expo has proven to be a major boost for One Moto Lovers with visitors crowding in for the viewing and information of the vehicles.

The EV’s have gained huge popularity among the crowd owing to their stylish designs and standout features. Among the major goals of One Moto India is to create a sustainable society that has the ease of adaptability. The charging capacities and the low carbon footprint that the EV’s yield have been the defining features for their popularity. Continue reading “One Moto leads the race in EV domination, outshines competitors at Bengaluru EV Expo”

A Tribute to Mr Prakash M Telang, Former MD Tata Motors by WAF

A Tribute to Mr Prakash M Telang, Former MD Tata Motors by WAF

by WAF Think Tank 

Mr Prakash M Telang had been a force at Tata Motors for over 4 decades. He was promoted as MD of TML in 2009- 10 on retirement of Mr Ravi Kant

Mr Telang had led Tata Motors’ overseas expansion at Thailand, South Africa and other regions. He had also led several cost reducing innovations like E-Procurement.

Prior to taking on the mantle as the MD, he led the CVBU business as its ED where he is credited for innovative & successful products like the Tata Ace . He was a key team member behind the earlier game changer product Tata 407

Mr Telang had joined the House of Tatas via the TAS- Tata Administrative Services and even after his retirement continued to hold several board positions in the Tata Group of Companies.

He shall be remembered for his warm and helpful nature, sharp insights, Manufacturing Innovations and long standing commitment to Tata Motors, Tata Group and the India Business EcoSystem.

“He was committed to manufacturing,” Ravi Kant, former vice-chairman Tata Motors

‘May the All Mighty grant his soul eternal peace. Praying for strength to his family and friends,’ says Anuj Guglani, CEO WAF

November 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

November 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

Around 2,45,262 passenger cars were sold in the Indian market for November 2021. The sales dropped by 14.3 percent YoY. The shortage of semiconductors crippled the entire supply chain during the festive season and the drop in dispatches has hit both the OEMs and PV dealers hard. The industry recorded its worst festive season in the last decade due to the supply crunch.

 India’s biggest OEM Maruti Suzuki stated, “The shortage of electronic components had a minor impact on the production of vehicles during the month. The shortage primarily affected the production of vehicles sold in the domestic market. The company took all possible measures to minimize the impact.” Continue reading “November 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot”

Volkswagen announces the start of production of the exciting new Tiguan in India

Volkswagen announces the start of production of the exciting new Tiguan in India

by WAF Think Tank 

 

  • Volkswagen fulfills its commitment of launching four new SUVWs by the end of 2021 with Tiguan

  •  Roll-out of the exciting new Volkswagen Tiguan from the Aurangabad plant in India

  •  Built on the MQB platform: Increased dynamic proportions offers the template for an authentic and energetic SUV design

  •  Powered by award-winning TSI technology of Volkswagen: The new Volkswagen Tiguan will be powered by the brand’s globally renowned TSI technology, 2.0l TSI engine mated to 7-speed DSG transmission

Continue reading “Volkswagen announces the start of production of the exciting new Tiguan in India”

MG Motor India becomes First Car maker to harness Hybrid Solar & Wind Energy

MG Motor India becomes First Car maker to harness Hybrid Solar & Wind Energy

by WAF Think Tank 

•MG Motor India has become India’s first car maker to harness hybrid Wind Solar Energy Plant to make cars.

•This pioneering effort is a result of  the company’s unequivocal focus on Green Mobility powered by Green Energy.

MG Motor India has partnered with Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions (CleanMax) for the supply of 4.85 MW of wind-solar hybrid power to its manufacturing facility in Halol, Gujarat. The step will help MG Motor reduce approximately 2 lakh megatonnes of CO2 over 15 years which the company says is equal to planting more than 13 lakh trees. In fact, MG’s Halol based manufacturing plant will receive 50 per cent of electricity from CleanMax Wind Solar Hybrid Park which is set up in Rajkot.

Continue reading “MG Motor India becomes First Car maker to harness Hybrid Solar & Wind Energy”

Gallops Group : The Prominent Star of the Indian Automotive Retail World

Gallops Group : The Prominent Star of the Indian Automotive Retail World

by WAF Think Tank 

 

Back in 2004, the Indian Automotive Retail segment was still burgeoning and far from being an organised one. There were just a handful of Multi Outlet Dealership Groups.

Several Car makers like VW, Renault, Jeep, Citroën, MG, Kia, BMW, Audi were yet to set up shop.

Around the same time, a compact showroom of General Motors came up at Ahmedabad almost like a test and try experiment on SG Highway. This road was at the City’s outskirts during those days but later transformed to be the most happening Motown District, Retail & Real Estate Hub of Ahmedabad.

Continue reading “Gallops Group : The Prominent Star of the Indian Automotive Retail World”

One Moto’s Launch in India turns out to be tremendous success

One Moto’s Launch in India turns out to be tremendous success

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], November 20 (ANI/NewsVoir): With the stupendous response to the Launch especially for dealerships, One Moto has made a grand entry in India.

Onr Moto has launched its vehicles for booking in India on the 18th of November 2021 in a Virtual Launch presided by the One MOto Global CEO, Adam Ridgeway, and the Indian founders Muzammil Riyaz & Sameer Moidin. Continue reading “One Moto’s Launch in India turns out to be tremendous success”

October 2021 Vehicle Registration Data

October 2021 Vehicle Registration Data

On a YoY basis, total vehicle retails for the month of October’21 decreased by -5.33% as per the data released by FADA. When compared to October’19 (a regular pre-covid month), overall retails continue to fall by -26.64%. On a YoY basis, 3W was up by 74% and CV was up by 26%. 2W, PV and Tractors fell by -6%, -11% and -21% respectively.

 During the 42 day festive period, total vehicle retails were down by -18% YoY. Except for 3W and CV, which were up by 53% and 10%, all the other categories were in red with 2W, PV, and Tractors down by -18%, -26%, and -23% respectively. This was the worst festive season in a decade for Auto Dealers as semi-conductor shortage in PV and low demand for entry-level 2W segment kept the celebrations at bay.

Continue reading “October 2021 Vehicle Registration Data”

Maruti beats Hyundai, to become Number 1 UV OEM this FY 21-22 YTD.

Maruti beats Hyundai, to become Number 1 UV OEM this FY 21-22 YTD.

The Indian UV segment is not only the fastest-growing segment of the Indian PV Industry, it is also the largest segment. It is now ahead of the hatchback segment with over 39.7% market share of the Indian PV segment.

On the volume front, it has crossed the 7.6 Lakhs mark YTD with 69% growth. More than 85% of the recent new car launches have been dedicated to the UV segment. This segment is where the entire PV Industry’s action is. Continue reading “Maruti beats Hyundai, to become Number 1 UV OEM this FY 21-22 YTD.”

Is your electric car as eco-friendly as you thought?

Is your electric car as eco-friendly as you thought?

BERLIN, Nov 10 (Reuters) – Electric vehicles (EVs) are a powerful weapon in the world’s battle to beat global warming, yet their impact varies hugely from nation-to-nation and in some places they pollute more than gasoline models, data analysis shows.

In Europe, where sales are rising the fastest in the world, EVs in Poland and Kosovo actually generate more carbon emissions because grids are so coal-reliant, according to the data compiled by research consultancy Radiant Energy Group (REG). Continue reading “Is your electric car as eco-friendly as you thought?”

Countries, cities, carmakers commit to end fossil-fuel vehicles by 2040

Countries, cities, carmakers commit to end fossil-fuel vehicles by 2040

GLASGOW, Nov 10 (Reuters) – (This November 10 story corrected to read Volvo Cars in bullet point, paragraphs 9 and 12)

A group of countries, companies and cities committed on Wednesday to phasing out fossil-fuel vehicles by 2040, as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions and curb global warming. Continue reading “Countries, cities, carmakers commit to end fossil-fuel vehicles by 2040”

Exclusive: Global carmakers now target $515 billion for EVs, batteries

Exclusive: Global carmakers now target $515 billion for EVs, batteries

Nov 10 (Reuters) – Global automakers are planning to spend more than half a trillion dollars on electric vehicles and batteries through 2030, according to a Reuters analysis, amping up investments aimed at weaning car buyers away from fossil fuels and meeting increasingly tough decarbonization targets.

Less than three years ago, a similar analysis by Reuters found car companies planned to spend $300 billion on EVs and related technologies. But looming zero-carbon mandates in cities such as London and Paris and countries from Norway to China have lent additional urgency to the industry’s EV-related investment commitments. Continue reading “Exclusive: Global carmakers now target $515 billion for EVs, batteries”

Only 5 Car Manufacturers cross 1lakh this FY 21-22 YTD. Maruti, Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra & Kia.

Only 5 Car Manufacturers cross 1lakh this FY 21-22 YTD. Maruti, Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra & Kia.

In an auto Passenger Vehicle Segment with more than 15 fiercely competitive players, we have only 5 car Manufacturers who have crossed the 1 lakh mark this Financial year. Cumulatively these 5 contribute to more than 83% of the PV Industry.

The Indian Passenger Vehicle Industry has seen a total volume of about 16,44,909 this financial year till date, ( April to October ). This was a strong performance despite the lockdowns and other challenges, the volume growth stood at 4,33,110 units when compared to the last year till date volume of 12,11,799

Keeping Workforce Safe and Businesses Running in the Next Normal

Keeping Workforce Safe and Businesses Running in the Next Normal

Join us for a WAF Webinar aka WAFinar on this pertinent Theme 

1. As the things have begun to open up, can we afford to go back to “Old Normal” from the “New Normal” ?

2. Is there a “Next Normal” we need to adopt ?

3. Is Double Vaccination enough to stop the Corona Virus ?

4. Do High Antibodies ensure one can lower the mask?

5. What are the precautions in the New Normal to ensure Workforce stays Safe and Business is Better than “Usual” ?

6. How does this connect and harmonise with our Organisation Culture, Ethos and line of business

Continue reading “Keeping Workforce Safe and Businesses Running in the Next Normal”

October 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

October 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

Around 2,60,067 passenger cars were sold in the Indian market for October 2021. The sales dropped a massive 22.1 percent YoY. The shortage of semiconductors crippled the entire supply chain during the festive season and the drop in dispatches has hit both the OEMs and PV dealers hard.

 The demand for cars has been on the rise post-covid and the new model launches from the OEMs have kept the buzz on among the car buyers. The need for personal mobility and increasing economic activity ensured that the passenger vehicle sales bounce back strongly. Hence, Passenger Vehicle sales saw an upward trend in the first half of FY2021-22 and the sales shot up an impressive 57.7% when compared to the same period in H1 FY2020-21 (source). However; the shortage of semiconductor chips hit the supply scenario hard and the OEMs grappled with production constraints.

Continue reading “October 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot”

Tata Motors to raise $1 BN in its Passenger Electric Vehicle business at a valuation of up to $9.1 BN from TPG Rise Climate

Tata Motors to raise $1 BN in its Passenger Electric Vehicle business at a valuation of up to $9.1 BN from TPG Rise Climate

Tata Motors Ltd (TML) and TPG Rise Climate have today entered into a binding agreement whereby TPG Rise Climate along with its co-investor ADQ, shall invest in a subsidiary of Tata Motors that will be newly incorporated. TPG Rise Climate along with co-investors shall invest Rs 7,500 Cr in compulsory convertible instruments to secure between 11 % to 15 % stake in this company translating to an equity valuation of up to $9.1 bn.

The new company shall leverage all existing investments and capabilities of Tata Motors Ltd and will channelise the future investments into electric vehicles, dedicated BEV platforms, advanced automotive technologies and catalyse investments in charging infrastructure and battery technologies. Over the next 5 years, this company will create a portfolio of 10 EVs and in association with Tata Power Ltd, catalyse the creation of a widespread charging infrastructure to facilitate rapid EV adoption in India.

Continue reading “Tata Motors to raise $1 BN in its Passenger Electric Vehicle business at a valuation of up to $9.1 BN from TPG Rise Climate”

Segmentwise Car Sales for September 2021 – SUVs dominate yet again!

Segmentwise Car Sales for September 2021 – SUVs dominate yet again!

SUV sales have risen to an all-time high in the Indian market and almost all the OEMs have an offering in the SUV category. Both Compact and Mid SUV segments have grown considerably and are now easily outselling the hatchbacks/sedans. Almost all new launches in the past year have been in the segment and even the recent launches (Taigun, XUV700, Astor, etc) signifies on how the automakers are eyeing this segment.

 In Sep’21, Mid SUV segment emerged as the highest-selling segment and also recorded positive YoY growth. Mid SUVs hit the right spot in terms of the increasing demand among consumers and also have a profitable proposition for the automakers as it is a high-margin segment. The sudden influx of new models in the segment is the testimony of how all OEMs are rushing to make a presence here.
September 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

September 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

Around 1,85,636 passenger cars were sold in the Indian market for September 2021. The sales dropped a massive 36.6 percent YoY and fell 28.5 percent MoM. The shortage of semiconductors crippled the entire supply chain right before the festive season and the drop in dispatches have hit both the OEMs and PV dealers hard.

 Car sales have been on the rise this year and had given hopes that the Industry would register record volumes in the festive season. The need for personal mobility, strong financial growth in urban pockets, and better monsoons this year ensured good momentum in the market with improved buying sentiment. But the supply chain hurdles including the widespread chip shortage have been a big challenge right now for the industry.

Continue reading “September 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot”

Electrifying 2 Wheelers, 3W, and Logistics – Opportunities and Caveats

Electrifying 2 Wheelers, 3W, and Logistics – Opportunities and Caveats

By WAF Think Tank 

 

Two- and three-wheeler vehicles are likely to lead the transition to electric technology in India during the coming decade as the cost difference with combustion engine vehicles is narrowing and these vehicles can harness ‘battery swapping’ along with public charging infrastructure, according to the current industry predictions and so it was that the WAF Gurus Live Episode 22- powered by One Moto India was held virtually recently in which Gurus of the auto and mobility industry across discussed this very issue – Electrifying 2 Wheelers, 3W, and Logistics – Opportunities and Caveats.

 

As the number of EVs increases, there is a need to have a well-defined end-of-life (EOL) strategy for the batteries removed from EVs as part of collective efforts to ensure EV industry is truly green and eco-friendly. The end of life for a battery is exactly that – the moment where the battery reaches the end of its usefulness and/or lifespan and can no longer operate at anywhere close to the peak capacity that you once enjoyed. Recycling has been proposed as the EOL option for the EV batteries, but there are many issues that make recycling less justifiable, and this episode laid out those issues and discussed the alternate and appropriate EOL option.

Continue reading “Electrifying 2 Wheelers, 3W, and Logistics – Opportunities and Caveats”

England to be first country to require new homes to include EV chargers

England to be first country to require new homes to include EV chargers

Specifically, all new homes and offices will have to feature “smart” charging devices that can automatically charge vehicles during off-peak periods

IANS  |  London

 

The British government will introduce legislation in 2021 that will require all newly built homes and offices to feature electric vehicle chargers in England, the media reported.

Specifically, all new homes and offices will have to feature “smart” charging devices that can automatically charge vehicles during off-peak periods.

 New office blocks will need to install a charge point for every five parking spaces, Electrek reported.

Continue reading “England to be first country to require new homes to include EV chargers”

WAF Gurus WAFinar on Next Gen Apps in Automotive & Mobility

WAF Gurus WAFinar on Next Gen Apps in Automotive & Mobility

WAF gets together the finest Tech Leaders of the Industry to share their thoughts on the Next Gen Apps at Auto & Mobility

•The Top CIOs of the Industry about to get together 

•Tech, Digital are disrupting and transforming Auto & Mobility faster than ever before!

Attendees shall get 1 month of WAF CXO Jobs Service Completely Free 

 

Continue reading “WAF Gurus WAFinar on Next Gen Apps in Automotive & Mobility”

August 2021 Vehicle Registration Data – India

August 2021 Vehicle Registration Data – India

As per the data released by FADA, total vehicle retails for the month of August’21 rise by 14.48% on a YoY basis.

When compared to August’19 (a regular pre-covid month), retails are still down by -14.75%. On a YoY basis, all categories were in green with 2W up by 6.66%, 3W up by 79.70%, PV up by 38.71%, Tractor up by 5.50%, and CV up by 97.94%.

Both Tractors, as well as PVs, continue to see robust demand as they grow by 35.98% and 31.67% when compared to August’19, a pre-covid month.

 

August 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

August 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

Around 2,59,555 passenger cars were sold in the Indian market for August 2021. The sales shot up by 10.9 percent YoY and fell 11.8 percent MoM. The OEMs struggled to provide a steady supply of cars due to the dearth of semiconductor availability and impacted the overall volumes.
August marked the beginning of the festive season with Onam (biggest festival in Kerala) and Varamahakshmi (celebrated in parts of South India). The passenger cars sales saw a strong rebound in the past 3 months but was jolted by the unavailability of critical parts and hit the dispatches hard. Majority of OEMs recorded a decline in Aug’21 sales when compared to July’21. India’s biggest automaker Maruti Suzuki recorded a drop of over 30 percent in Aug’21 v/s July’21.
Maruti’s RC Bhargava, TVS Motor’s Venu Srinivasan call for ‘concrete action’ to revive auto sector

Maruti’s RC Bhargava, TVS Motor’s Venu Srinivasan call for ‘concrete action’ to revive auto sector

New Delhi, Aug 25 (PTI) Auto industry leaders, RC Bhargava of Maruti Suzuki India and Venu Srinivasan of TVS Motor, on Wednesday hit out at government officials for only paying lip service to the sector and not taking any “concrete action” to reverse the decline in growth over the past few years.

Speaking at industry body SIAM”s 61st Annual Convention, the veteran industry leaders wondered if contribution of the auto industry towards India”s growth is being recognised and lamented that cars seem to be still considered as luxury, that only the rich could afford.

“We have been going through a situation where this industry has been declining over a long period of time,” Bhargava, who is the Chairman of the country”s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India, said.

Continue reading “Maruti’s RC Bhargava, TVS Motor’s Venu Srinivasan call for ‘concrete action’ to revive auto sector”

WAF Gurus Live 22 on Electrifying 2W, 3W and Logistics. Opportunities & Caveats

WAF Gurus Live 22 on Electrifying 2W, 3W and Logistics. Opportunities & Caveats

Hello MG, AI Inside

Hello MG, AI Inside

By WAF Editorial Team 

•MG introduces Astor SUV With India’s first Personal AI Assistant And first-in-segment Autonomous Level 2 Technology

•Astor name derived from an aircraft of the Royal Air Force (RAF), UK

•After creating history with “Internet Inside” just 2 years back, MG Motor India takes it to the next level with “AI Inside”

 

MG Motor India, has unveiled the industry-first personal AI assistant and first-in-segment Autonomous Level 2 technology, to be featured in their upcoming mid-size SUV – Astor. MG aims to further its auto-tech focus by building on the concept of Car-as-a-Platform (CAAP) of possibilities and services.

MG is working on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable the development and application of services and subscriptions to support the ‘on-demand in-car’ needs of the customers. Astor is the first car to get a personal AI assistant in the company’s global portfolio.

Continue reading “Hello MG, AI Inside”

Volkswagen begins Production of the Taigun, sets several hearts racing

Volkswagen begins Production of the Taigun, sets several hearts racing

by WAF Editorial Team

 •Volkswagen India has begun the production of the Taigun at its state of the art Chakan plant at Maharashtra, India  

Powered by the globally renowned Volkswagen TSI engine

•The Prowess of German Engineering with upto 95% Localisation. Best of both the Worlds!

•Start of deliveries in Sept as customers eagerly await…

 

It’s time for the most important launch of Volkswagen India this year. At the beginning of 2021, the year had been declared as the #YearofTaigun and #SUVW !

Teams at VW India, their suppliers and network have all gone beyond the call of their duty despite the pandemic to conceptualise, plan, produce and realise the Taigun.

Yes, the Taigun shares the MQB AO IN platform with its sibling, Skoda Kushaq but it comes with several more bells and whistles and the incredible VW Brand!

Continue reading “Volkswagen begins Production of the Taigun, sets several hearts racing”

Use of AIs in the Automobile Industry

Use of AIs in the Automobile Industry

Lucy Rana, Renu Bala

S.S Rana & Co.  8 min read

 

Artificial intelligence has been consistently transforming various industries across the world. However, the Automobile Industry is one, which has arguably seen the most developments in its processes and practice, due to development in AI. AI, for quite some time now, is being applied in different parts of the automotive value chain. AI is being used in the designing, manufacturing, production and post-production process.

Every facet of this industry is being benefited by this transformative technology. Furthermore, the most debated aspect of AI i.e its use in ‘driver assistance’ is quickly gaining momentum in different parts of the world – with Tesla inarguably being one of the modern pioneers of this aspect of AI.

Level 1 and Level 2 autonomous vehicles along with parking assistance and cruise control are gaining popularity for their use of AIs. If the current pace is maintained, within the upcoming 8-10 years, AI technology would be present in a majority of automotive applications and by the end of 2030, it is expected that 95-98% of new vehicles would have AI to some extent[1].  Autonomous vehicles are those that use artificial intelligence in some or all areas of functioning.

Level 1 vehicles include driver assistance, Level 2 includes partial automated driving, Level 3 incorporates conditional automated driving while level 4 & 5 cars have high/full automated driving. In light of such developments, it is not in the realm of the impossible that in the coming years, vehicles may be known by their software providers as opposed to being known by their hardware manufacturers. Many popular software based companies such as Google, Amazon, Uber have stepped into the realm of autonomous vehicles. One can look forward to observe the fascinating solutions that AIs could introduce to traditional problems which could even transform the functioning of the entire automotive sector.

Continue reading “Use of AIs in the Automobile Industry”

July 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

July 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot

3 min read

 

Around 2,94,330 passenger cars were sold in the Indian market for July 2021. The sales shot up by 48.9 percent YoY and 15.2 percent MoM. The OEMs were able to streamline supply before the festive season and the dispatches have happened accordingly.

 After the second wave of covid and lockdown across the country, there was a pent-up demand for passenger vehicles. The dealership stock levels were also low as many OEMs had plant maintenance shutdowns in parts of May’21. The production was ramped up significantly in July 2021 to serve the pent-up requirement and also prepare for the upcoming festivities. August marks the beginning of the festive season with Onam (biggest festival in Kerala) and Varamahakshmi (celebrated in parts of South India). The festivities will continue with Ganesha Chaturthi in Sep’21 and so on. This has led to adequate stocking levels across the channel.

Continue reading “July 2021 Car Sales – Snapshot”

Dealer Viability is the biggest concern of Auto Dealers across all segments of the Industry!

Dealer Viability is the biggest concern of Auto Dealers across all segments of the Industry!

3 min read

 

Kia in 4W Mass, BMW & Mercedes in 4W Luxury, HMSI in 2-Wheeler, Bajaj in 3-Wheeler and VECV-Eicher in Commercial Vehicles hold Pole positions.

Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the apex national body of Automobile Retail in India today announced the outcome of Dealer Satisfaction Study 2021 results which was undertaken in association with PremonAsia, a consumer-insight led consulting & advisory firm based out of Singapore.

Continue reading “Dealer Viability is the biggest concern of Auto Dealers across all segments of the Industry!”

Morris Garages India turns 2 | What a Journey its been!

Morris Garages India turns 2 | What a Journey its been!

by WAF Editorial Team 

 

•Morris Garages is a 97 years young Car Company. In India their entry or rather re-entry marks 2 years! 

•MG vintage and classic cars have been around with the Royal Families and Car aficionados at India

•In just 2 years they have established a great brand, launched internet cars, electric & hybrid cars and even semi autonomous ones

•They have won the hearts of several Indian consumers and earned lot of blessings through their philanthropic work under the MG Sewa Umbrella 

•Whew! All this and more in just 2 years and they are just getting started!

Continue reading “Morris Garages India turns 2 | What a Journey its been!”

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ANALYSIS Q1: FY 2021-2022. Tata, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, Maruti Suzuki & Others.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ANALYSIS Q1: FY 2021-2022. Tata, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, Maruti Suzuki & Others.

2 min read

 

The Passenger vehicles Industry registered a volume of about 1.05L units. This was a strong growth of about 74,164 Units over LY . The Industry growth was driven by Tata Motors which grew massively by more than 33,551 units. Followed by Mahindra which grew by 18,447 units and Ashok Leyland which grew by 13,175 units.

Continue reading “COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ANALYSIS Q1: FY 2021-2022. Tata, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, Maruti Suzuki & Others.”