Latest news with #ETAuto
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Hardeep Brar bids adieu to Kia India
Hardeep Singh Brar, Senior Vice President & Head of Marketing & Sales at Kia India , has stepped down from his role, sources told ETAuto. The move comes as Kia prepares to further expand its operations in India. The company recently launched Carens Clavis and Syros. Brar, who took charge in March 2021, helped steer the company through a phase of strong growth. During his tenure, Kia India crossed the one million cumulative sales mark and consistently ranked among the top five carmakers in the Indian market. He also played a role in enhancing the brand's digital retail presence and improving overall customer satisfaction. The company extended its network to over 744 touchpoints across 329 cities under the broader Kia 2.0 strategy during this period. In his five years with Kia, Brar was involved in several key product introductions, including the Seltos, Sonet, Carens, Carnival, and the flagship EV6. A veteran of the Indian automotive industry , Brar brings more than two decades of experience across leading car brands such as Great Wall Motors, Volkswagen, Maruti Suzuki, Nissan, and General Motors. His expertise spans sales, marketing, customer service, and network development. Brar is also an alumnus of the Senior Executive Leadership Programme at Harvard Business School. Kia India has not yet officially announced his successor.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
With Harrier EV, Tata Motors pushes to sustain EV leadership
Mumbai/ New Delhi: Despite the low penetration of electric vehicles in India's passenger car segment at present, the segment is poised for growth this year. Capitalising on this opportunity, Tata Motors on Tuesday launched its third EV, the Harrier SUV, built on its dedicated pure EV architecture-- ETAuto has learnt that the automaker has set an internal annual sales target of 50,000 units for the Harrier EV. Tata Motors initially introduced the Nexon, Tiago, and Tigor EVs on its first-generation architecture, which was adapted from internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms. However, the company has since shifted to a Gen-2 or pure EV architecture, which claims to offer greater flexibility in drive configurations, battery formats, and chemistries. The Punch EV was the first model launched on this dedicated EV platform, followed by the Curvv. Launched at an introductory price of ₹21.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Harrier EV features a Quick-Wheel Drive (QWD) dual-motor setup enabling all-wheel drive and delivering a peak torque of 504 Nm. The front motor produces 158 PS, while the rear generates 238 PS, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. It supports fast charging, offering 250 km of range in just 15 minutes. The motors are supplied by Tier-1 majors Schaeffler and Tata AutoComp. The vehicle comes equipped with six terrain modes and off-road assist, and introduces Tata Motors' advanced SDV architecture, which runs on 500 million lines of code. Safety is prioritised with over 20 Level 2 ADAS features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking, alongside seven airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, ESP with i-VBAC, hill descent control, and tyre pressure monitoring. In conversation with ETAuto, Anand Kulkarni, Chief Products Officer, Head of HV Programs and Customer Service, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said the Harrier EV based on evolving consumer trends like YOLO (You Only Live Once) and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), reflecting a desire to try new experiences. The vehicle is positioned as a 'third space' beyond home and work, where users can recharge and reconnect. With the launch of this model, Tata Motors is seeking to regain its lost market share, as it faces stiff competition in the EV space from its rivals, particularly JSW MG Motor and Mahindra & Mahindra. Although it still remains a market leader in the segment, the auto giant has seen its share decline from around 71 per cent in FY24 to 54 per cent in FY25. EV penetration in the segment currently stands at around 2.5 per cent. Innovations in battery tech The automaker remains cautious about exploring alternative battery chemistries like sodium-ion technology. Kulkarni noted that while sodium-ion batteries are promising due to safer, more abundant materials, initial interest was driven by high lithium costs. With lithium prices stabilising, the urgency around sodium-ion has lessened. From a global standpoint, he sees fully sodium-ion-powered vehicles unlikely to hit the market for at least a few more years. Cost remains a critical factor, and shifting economics often reshape the direction of such conversations. Nevertheless, he emphasised the importance of continued investment in technical innovation, particularly as energy density–one of sodium-ion's main limitations– continues to improve with ongoing R&D efforts. Addressing the concept of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), Kulkarni noted that while it remains a viable option if there is sufficient demand, the prevailing sentiment among Indian consumers leans toward battery ownership. 'Indian customers typically prefer to own the battery,' he said. Although a lower upfront price through BaaS might appeal to a niche segment, he emphasised that it is not the dominant expectation in the market. 'Price difference may attract some customers, but overall, ownership remains the preferred model.' EV trajectory Kulkarni noted that there has been a clear reduction in range anxiety and increasing acceptance of EVs among the customers in India. He highlighted that Tata Motors EVs have collectively covered 8 billion kilometers across over 200,000 vehicles. While daily drives once averaged 40–45 km in short trips, usage has evolved to 75–80 km per trip, with EVs now used more frequently than comparable ICE vehicles. He also revealed that the company is also working on the new Avinya platform. However, he did not share any specific details. Reflecting on the evolving competitiveness of the Indian EV industry, he noted that the landscape has changed significantly over the past five years. 'Back then, my answer would have been very different. But today, as a country, we've developed real expertise.' A key enabler has been the push for deep localisation, which has helped build critical competencies and a robust supply ecosystem. He also highlighted a defining characteristic of the Indian market– its high sensitivity to cost. 'This has driven local engineers to innovate and engineer world-class products that meet demanding cost targets, even at low volumes,' he said. As a result, India is now capable of producing highly credible, competitive EV solutions tailored to its unique needs. 'While the future remains uncertain, I am confident that we will not be left behind,' he said.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tata Motors launches new Harrier EV, targets 50,000 annual sales volume
Mumbai/ New Delhi: Despite the low penetration of electric vehicles in India's passenger car segment at present, the segment is poised for growth this year. Capitalising on this opportunity, Tata Motors on Tuesday launched its third EV, the Harrier SUV, built on its dedicated pure EV architecture-- ETAuto has learnt that the automaker has set an internal annual sales target of 50,000 units for the Harrier EV. Tata Motors initially introduced the Nexon, Tiago, and Tigor EVs on its first-generation architecture, which was adapted from internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms. However, the company has since shifted to a Gen-2 or pure EV architecture, which claims to offer greater flexibility in drive configurations, battery formats, and chemistries. The Punch EV was the first model launched on this dedicated EV platform, followed by the Curvv. Launched at an introductory price of ₹21.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Harrier EV features a Quick-Wheel Drive (QWD) dual-motor setup enabling all-wheel drive and delivering a peak torque of 504 Nm. The front motor produces 158 PS, while the rear generates 238 PS, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. It supports fast charging, offering 250 km of range in just 15 minutes. The vehicle comes equipped with six terrain modes and off-road assist, and introduces Tata Motors' advanced SDV architecture, which runs on 500 million lines of code. Safety is prioritised with over 20 Level 2 ADAS features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking, alongside seven airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, ESP with i-VBAC, hill descent control, and tyre pressure monitoring. In conversation with ETAuto, Anand Kulkarni, Chief Products Officer, Head of HV Programs and Customer Service, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said the Harrier EV based on evolving consumer trends like YOLO (You Only Live Once) and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), reflecting a desire to try new experiences. The vehicle is positioned as a 'third space' beyond home and work, where users can recharge and reconnect. With the launch of this model, Tata Motors is seeking to regain its lost market share, as it faces stiff competition in the EV space from its rivals, particularly JSW MG Motor and Mahindra & Mahindra. Although it still remains a market leader in the segment, the auto giant has seen its share decline from around 71 per cent in FY24 to 54 per cent in FY25. EV penetration in the segment currently stands at around 2.5 per cent. Innovations in battery tech The automaker remains cautious about exploring alternative battery chemistries like sodium-ion technology. Kulkarni noted that while sodium-ion batteries are promising due to safer, more abundant materials, initial interest was driven by high lithium costs. With lithium prices stabilising, the urgency around sodium-ion has lessened. From a global standpoint, he sees fully sodium-ion-powered vehicles unlikely to hit the market for at least a few more years. Cost remains a critical factor, and shifting economics often reshape the direction of such conversations. Nevertheless, he emphasised the importance of continued investment in technical innovation, particularly as energy density–one of sodium-ion's main limitations– continues to improve with ongoing R&D efforts. Addressing the concept of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), Kulkarni noted that while it remains a viable option if there is sufficient demand, the prevailing sentiment among Indian consumers leans toward battery ownership. 'Indian customers typically prefer to own the battery,' he said. Although a lower upfront price through BaaS might appeal to a niche segment, he emphasised that it is not the dominant expectation in the market. 'Price difference may attract some customers, but overall, ownership remains the preferred model.' EV trajectory Kulkarni noted that there has been a clear reduction in range anxiety and increasing acceptance of EVs among the customers in India. He highlighted that Tata Motors EVs have collectively covered 8 billion kilometers across over 200,000 vehicles. While daily drives once averaged 40–45 km in short trips, usage has evolved to 75–80 km per trip, with EVs now used more frequently than comparable ICE vehicles. He also revealed that the company is also working on the new Avinya platform. However, he did not share any specific details. Reflecting on the evolving competitiveness of the Indian EV industry, he noted that the landscape has changed significantly over the past five years. 'Back then, my answer would have been very different. But today, as a country, we've developed real expertise.' A key enabler has been the push for deep localisation, which has helped build critical competencies and a robust supply ecosystem. He also highlighted a defining characteristic of the Indian market– its high sensitivity to cost. 'This has driven local engineers to innovate and engineer world-class products that meet demanding cost targets, even at low volumes,' he said. As a result, India is now capable of producing highly credible, competitive EV solutions tailored to its unique needs. 'While the future remains uncertain, I am confident that we will not be left behind,' he said.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Ashwin Patil moves from Deputy CEO to Strategic Advisor at VinFast India
In a strategic leadership shift, Ashwin Patil , who recently served as Deputy CEO of VinFast India , has taken on a new role as Strategic Advisor , effective June 2. With a career spanning nearly three decades across leading automotive brands, Patil will now guide VinFast India's market strategy and operations in an advisory capacity, as the Vietnamese EV maker gears up for its India debut, multiple sources told ETAuto. As Deputy CEO, Patil was responsible for building and leading key verticals including Sales & Network, Marketing, Corporate Banking, and HR. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for VinFast's ambitious entry into one of the world's most competitive and fast-evolving EV markets. Patil is best known for his pivotal role as National Sales Head at Kia India, where he was instrumental in establishing the brand's footprint and rapid rise in the Indian market. His earlier roles at Jeep, Mahindra, and Hyundai further cement his reputation as a seasoned industry leader with hands-on experience in both legacy and new-age automotive brands.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Geopolitics, market opportunities drive Visteon to up investments in India
Highlights$3.87 billion automotive electronics major chooses its Chennai plant for its first-ever production lines for camera, and back light unit manufacturing. India to get 'disproportionately higher' investments than other markets for the next few expected to outgrow China in terms of revenue contribution. Growing geopolitical issues make Visteon focus more on India as a strategic base too. Co. looks to invest in a new manufacturing plant, and also set up a JV New JV in India with a Chinese player to also be a global production hub. In a new era of swifter technology trends and hypercompetitiveness on one hand, and geopolitical issues on the other, global organisations have their task cut out for drawing product and investment strategies for sustainable growth. In such a scenario, India seems to be emerging as a safe bet, with a promising market, and as a hub for global trade. For the same reasons, global automotive electronics major Visteon is upping its bet on India. The $3.87 billion automotive electronics major is executing a vertical integration strategy , with a 'pilot' production facility each for automotive camera, and backlight display unit in Chennai as the first cost the company a little over $ 8 million. Relatively small investment in the 'pilot' project, but big gains expected with the planned scale up of the vertical integration strategy. The vertical integration that will start from India can have a massive impact globally, on our operations and our ability to, number one, be competitive number two, to be in much better control of the whole supply Lawande 'The vertical integration that will start from India can have a massive impact globally, on our operations and our ability to, number one, be competitive number two, to be in much better control of the whole supply chain,' Sachin Lawande, President and CEO, Visteon tells ETAuto . Disproportionate growth expected Visteon, a leading player in the global automotive display business, expects the number for automotive displays in India to 'explode'. The growing trend of automobiles becoming like 'mobile phones on wheels', with bigger, and more screens inside them is a key driver. The Indian automotive infotainment market stood at $595 million in 2024, and is expected to grow to over $1.8 billion by 2033, according to IMARC, an American management consulting firm. Also watch: Tariff wars could reshape some dynamics like the pandemic did: Visteon CEO Currently, 600,000 out of Visteon's total annual supply of 15 million displays worldwide are fitted in India-made cars. India contributes 6-7% of the $3.87 billion global major. Relatively small share for India, but Lawande says India will grow 'disproportionately higher than other parts of the world' for Visteon, and increase its revenue share to 10-15% in the next few years. Around 15%, or $600 million, is what China contributes to Visteon's annual revenue currently. The internal projection is that Visteon's India business will be bigger than its China revenue in the next 3-4 years. What fuels the bullishness are growing demand for larger displays, cockpit domain controllers, cameras. New growth areas ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) solutions is the space that Visteon is preparing to enter next. 'It's a new market. As you know, in India, it's just starting to appear. Regulations are also starting to come in, so we expect that to be a driver for us,' says Lawande. Visteon expects the cockpit domain and the ADAS domain in an automobile to come together. 'So we see an integration opportunity and camera capability is integral to be able to offer a competitive solution,' says Lawande, while adding that the challenge for the teams is to innovate and drive costs down simultaneously. With localisation and innovative approaches, Lawande claims that a new Visteon infotainment unit will be 'at least' 20% cheaper than its peers. What is also expected to be a major driver is the India two-wheeler industry, where Visteon currently has a small presence. With a growing trend of display technology migrating from four-wheelers to two-wheelers, the company, which currently supplies a million two-wheeler instrument clusters annually, sees strong growth potential in the segment. 'There are about 25 million wheelers produced in the markets that we serve, excluding China, and India is a big portion of that. And this 25 million is expected to be 30 million by the end of this decade,' says Lawande. Two wheelers today, which represents about 2-3% of our revenue, has the potential to be about 10%.Sachin Lawande Last year, Visteon bagged over $300 million of business in two wheelers globally. It's expecting a better rate this year. 'Two wheelers today, which represents about 2-3% of our revenue, has the potential to be about 10%,' says Lawande. And, this jump is expected in the next 5-7 years. New plant, JV With the growing focus on India, as a growth market and also as a strategic base, Visteon plans to make 'disproportionately higher' investments than in other geographies. The company generally invests $100 - $150 million annually in operations globally. Key projects planned in India for this year are a joint venture with a Chinese player for display technology, and a second manufacturing plant in India, possibly in the Chakan industrial area of Maharashtra. The combined investment for both projects could be in the range of $50 million. Also read: Visteon set to form JVs in India to tap India, and global opportunities better The growth prospects in India makes Lawande make a bet on Visteon's India business, currently 6-7% of its global revenue, to reach up to 15% in the next 3-4 years. 15%, or around $600 million, is what the American major earns annually from China currently. Visteon is among the players witnessing a slowdown in China, reflecting the market share trend of foreign brands who are also customers.A strategy to offset that is to win business from Chinese OEMs. The China factor also influences Visteon's financial guidance for 2025 to be a little lower, $3.65 - $3.85 billion, than last year. In contrast to its overall financial guidance, the outlook is bullish for India.
