Latest news with #JBMGroup
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Design, rather than assemble EVs: JBM's Nishant Arya
At the intersection of India's ambition of becoming a global manufacturing hub and the accelerating race for EVs manufacturing, the country holds a competitive edge due to its local market and human capital, points out JBM Group 's Vice Chairman and Managing Director Nishant Arya . He was speaking at the ET Auto Manufacturing Innovation Summit recently held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. 'The next two decades are India's, " he said, adding that India's diverse weather conditions gives the country an opportunity to make EVs for the world. India, as he noted, is no longer inching but surging ahead towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse, and at the heart of this journey lies a silent revolution built on skilling, technology convergence, and a renewed push for design-led innovation. His optimism isn't misplaced. India's manufacturing sector currently contributes around 17 per cent to the country's GDP , and the government aims to take this to 25 per cent under its 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision. Schemes such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI), with a total outlay exceeding ₹2 lakh crore, are designed to push key industries like auto components, advanced batteries, and semiconductors into the global spotlight. Automotive alone forms close to 49 per cent of India's total manufacturing GDP, reinforcing its role as a growth engine. 'With the right mix of R&D, green technologies, infrastructure and human capital, we are ready to lead not just in scale, but in substance," he added. From build-to-print to design-to-delivery According to Arya, Indian manufacturing is evolving beyond its traditional role as a cost-effective assembler. 'We used to be in a build-to-print mode. That era is over,' he asserted. Backing this shift is a surge in private R&D investment. India's gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) may still hover at 0.7 per cent of GDP. While this is below the global average, private sector contribution has grown significantly, especially in auto and electronics. Notably, the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme for semiconductors, launched with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore, aims to foster precisely this kind of homegrown IP creation. 'Today, it's about design to delivery. We need to build IPs, create modular products, and bring them to global markets at speed," he advised. Also to be noted here is the recently announced Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. With an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore, the scheme aims to boost private sector involvement in research and innovation, especially in strategic and emerging sectors. The RDI Scheme is designed to offer long-term financing or refinancing to private companies at minimal or zero interest rates. It will fund projects that are at advanced stages of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and support the acquisition of critical or strategically significant technologies. Additionally, the scheme plans to establish a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds to invest in technology-driven ventures. Engineering a green future As mobility rapidly pivots towards sustainability, Arya is clear that India's EV manufacturing leadership must rest on a unified ecosystem approach. 'Focusing on just one aspect, say batteries or motors, won't get us there. The entire EV ecosystem must evolve together: from semiconductors and power electronics to charging infrastructure and battery packs,' he said. The numbers are trending in this direction. India's EV sales touched over 1.5 million units in FY24, a 50 per cent jump from the previous year, and are expected to breach two million in FY25. Backed by over 500 registered EV startups and more than ₹25,000 crore in planned investment across cell manufacturing and vehicle platforms, the industry is gaining serious momentum. Arya also pointed out India's geographical advantage and said, 'Our extreme climates from the Himalayas to the Thar desert give us a natural lab to test vehicles for diverse conditions, making them globally viable from day one.' Skilling as the core of competitiveness Amid the rise of new technologies and product platforms, Arya reiterated that the biggest competitive edge is human capital. 'You can buy the best equipment, but without skilled talent, it's meaningless,' he said. 'That's why institutions focused on nurturing talent, like the one hosting today's summit, are foundational to India's manufacturing ambitions," he added. The automotive component industry alone employs around two million people directly, and up to six million across the extended value chain. Yet with automation, AI, and electrification changing the skill profile, continuous skilling is no longer optional. 'Learn, unlearn, relearn. That's the new mantra,' Arya said, emphasising how India's young workforce, with a median age of under 29, can be its biggest strength—if empowered with future-ready skills. Becoming the EV capital of the world: The road ahead When asked how India could accelerate its journey to becoming the global hub for EV manufacturing, Arya's thoughts were both strategic and urgent. He spoke of designing in India rather than simply assembling, of viewing the EV sector as a connected value chain, not isolated parts, and of infrastructure that must match the scale of ambition. India already has more than 10 GWh of installed advanced battery capacity and is targeting 50 GWh by 2030. Over 7,000 public EV chargers have been installed, with plans to scale that number tenfold. At the same time, green manufacturing is being actively pursued. JBM, for instance, has deployed its own solar-powered EV buses and is investing in hydrogen and biofuel technologies. Arya pointed out that these manufacturing goals align closely with India's larger vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. 'Every product must contribute to a cleaner tomorrow. Sustainability isn't a trend. It's the direction,' he said. Wrapping up, Arya struck an optimistic yet grounded tone. 'The opportunity is immense, but the window is finite,' he said. 'We must build for the world, local for global, not local for local. This is India's moment, and we must deliver.'
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Magnet crisis: Auto giants rush to China for rare earth rescue
The Indian automotive industry is preparing to send a high-level delegation to China next week to address escalating concerns over delays in rare earth magnet imports, people familiar with the development said. They noted that China's new export restrictions on rare earth materials, effective April 4, have created procedural bottlenecks, resulting in delayed shipments to Indian manufacturers. Several consignments of India-bound rare earth magnets - critical for electric motors and various automotive components - are reportedly stuck at Chinese ports, raising fears of production disruptions as early as the first week of June. A joint delegation from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) will meet with senior Chinese government officials to expedite necessary clearances and restore the flow of shipments, people cited above said. India's commerce and external affairs ministries are currently coordinating with their counterparts in Beijing through the Indian embassy to facilitate the meetings. "The situation is serious, but we are receiving strong support from the government. We are hopeful of an early resolution," said Vinnie Mehta, director general of ACMA. China accounts for an estimated 70-80per cent of global rare earth processing and over 90per cent of rare earth magnet production, making automakers heavily dependent on imports from the country. Automakers and component suppliers warn that further delay in getting the magnets could severely impact vehicle production, especially in the electric mobility segment. "The rare earth situation is a very difficult one," Rakesh Sharma, executive director at Bajaj Auto , said during the company's recent earnings call. He flagged the "onerous" approval process that currently involves multiple certifications from Indian ministries, the Chinese embassy, and Chinese provincial authorities. While the supply crunch poses a serious challenge, some players have begun diversifying their sourcing strategy. JBM Group, a leading electric bus manufacturer, has started procuring rare earth magnets from other Asian countries. "Post-pandemic, we undertook a comprehensive risk assessment that led us to explore alternative supply bases beyond China," said Nishant Arya, vice-chairman of JBM Group. With inventory levels depleting rapidly, Siam and ACMA have been in active dialogue with the commerce ministry. As reported by Reuters on May 29, Siam informed government officials that component makers' inventories could run out by the end of May and urged intervention at the highest level, including from the Prime Minister's Office. Representatives from major OEMs and suppliers, particularly those involved in motor manufacturing, are expected to be part of the industry delegation headed for China.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Magnet crisis: Auto giants rush to China for rare earth rescue
The Indian automotive industry is preparing to send a high-level delegation to China next week to address escalating concerns over delays in rare earth magnet imports, people familiar with the development said. They noted that China's new export restrictions on rare earth materials, effective April 4, have created procedural bottlenecks, resulting in delayed shipments to Indian manufacturers. Several consignments of India-bound rare earth magnets - critical for electric motors and various automotive components - are reportedly stuck at Chinese ports, raising fears of production disruptions as early as the first week of June. A joint delegation from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) will meet with senior Chinese government officials to expedite necessary clearances and restore the flow of shipments, people cited above said. India's commerce and external affairs ministries are currently coordinating with their counterparts in Beijing through the Indian embassy to facilitate the meetings. "The situation is serious, but we are receiving strong support from the government. We are hopeful of an early resolution," said Vinnie Mehta, director general of ACMA. China accounts for an estimated 70-80% of global rare earth processing and over 90% of rare earth magnet production, making automakers heavily dependent on imports from the country. Automakers and component suppliers warn that further delay in getting the magnets could severely impact vehicle production, especially in the electric mobility segment. "The rare earth situation is a very difficult one," Rakesh Sharma, executive director at Bajaj Auto , said during the company's recent earnings call. He flagged the "onerous" approval process that currently involves multiple certifications from Indian ministries, the Chinese embassy, and Chinese provincial authorities. While the supply crunch poses a serious challenge, some players have begun diversifying their sourcing strategy. JBM Group, a leading electric bus manufacturer, has started procuring rare earth magnets from other Asian countries. "Post-pandemic, we undertook a comprehensive risk assessment that led us to explore alternative supply bases beyond China," said Nishant Arya, vice-chairman of JBM Group. With inventory levels depleting rapidly, Siam and ACMA have been in active dialogue with the commerce ministry. As reported by Reuters on May 29, Siam informed government officials that component makers' inventories could run out by the end of May and urged intervention at the highest level, including from the Prime Minister's Office. Representatives from major OEMs and suppliers, particularly those involved in motor manufacturing, are expected to be part of the industry delegation headed for China.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Delhi govt launches 400 electric buses under DEVi scheme
The Delhi government on Friday inaugurated 400 electric buses under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Initiative (DEVI). The introduction of these DEVI buses is part of a larger effort by the Delhi government to expand its electric mobility system. Currently, the city has over 2000 electric buses in operation. The Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta , and the Union Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, jointly flagged off the new fleet. The buses are equipped with an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS). Delhi CM said that 2,080 more electric buses will be added by the end of the year. JBM Group manufactured 120 of the 400 new buses, which will operate from the Ghazipur Depot. With this, JBM now has over 650 electric buses deployed in the capital. Nishant Arya, Vice Chairman of JBM Auto, commented, 'Today's launch is a reflection of how collaborative innovation between government and industry can redefine urban mobility . At JBM, we are not just manufacturing electric buses—we are building a holistic ecosystem that integrates clean energy, intelligent transport systems, and digital infrastructure.' Features of the buses The buses include a Real-Time Passenger Information System . This system provides live location tracking. CCTV surveillance is installed for onboard security. Stop request buttons are available for passenger convenience. The buses are equipped with Fire Detection & Alarm Systems. Vehicle Health Monitoring Systems are in place for proactive maintenance. The driver's area features ergonomic dashboards. These dashboards are designed for minimal distraction and maximum control. The ECOLIFE is designed to be a driver-centric vehicle.
Mint
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Adani TotalEnergies, Jio-bp, JBM eye Fortum's EV charging biz
New Delhi: Finnish state-run energy power utility Fortum Oyj's efforts to offload a majority stake in its electric vehicle (EV) charging network business in India has zeroed in on three potential suitors–Adani TotalEnergies E-mobility Ltd (ATEL), Reliance BP Mobility Ltd (Jio-bp) and Gurugram-headquartered electric bus manufacturer JBM Group–according to two people aware of the development. 'Adani TotalEnergies, Jio-bp and JBM Group have signed NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) and are evaluating the deal, post which bids will be submitted," one of the two people cited above said, requesting anonymity. London-based Opus Corporate Finance Llp is running the transaction (termed Butterfly) for the EV charging business GLIDA, formerly known as Fortum Charge & Drive India. The development comes in the backdrop of Fortum's renewable energy platform Fortum India Pvt Ltd (FIPL), including carbon credits, being acquired by New York-based I Squared Capital-backed Hexa Climate Solutions, as reported by Mint earlier. A formal announcement to this effect was made on Wednesday. The latest deal, once it fructifies, would signal the exit of Fortum Oyj from India, a market it entered in 2012. 'GLIDA is the last transaction left for Fortum in India after the FIPL sale to Hexa," the person cited above said. GLIDA has around 180 EV charging stations with 850 charging points across the country. ATEL, on its part, has 3,401 installed EV public charging points. A Fortum Corporation spokesperson in an emailed response said, 'As a stock listed company, we do not comment on any market rumours or speculations." Queries emailed to the spokespersons of ATEL, Reliance BP Mobility Ltd, JBM Group, and Opus Corporate Finance on Tuesday afternoon remained unanswered till press time. ATEL is a subsidiary of Adani Total Gas Ltd, which is a joint venture (JV) between Adani Group and France's TotalEnergies. Reliance BP Mobility Ltd is a JV between Reliance Industries Ltd and bp, and has installed around 500 EV charging stations with 5,000 charging points. JBM Group's flagship firm JBM Auto Ltd. is one of India's largest electric bus manufacturers, with the group operating over 1,000 fast chargers. Fortum Oyj had earlier announced that it would limit its exposure in India and was evaluating alternatives for its remaining operations in the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. This resulted in gas supply disruption and substantive losses to Fortum's majority-owned Uniper, which was subsequently sold to the German government at a loss of around €6 billion. Also, the Russian Federation confiscated Fortum's Russian plants valued at around €5 billion. In transactions that were announced starting 8 June 2018 to 3 May 2024, Fortum India has sold 700 MW of solar power plants to Actis Llp; another 230 MW to UK Climate Investments and Elite Alfred Berg; and 185 MW to Malaysia's state-run oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Bhd or Petronas's unit Gentari. The current transaction comes in the backdrop of Hyderabad-headquartered AM Green acquiring Oulu-headquartered biotechnology firm Chempolis Oy, in which Fortum has a stake, and also Fortum and Chempolis's 50% stake in their joint venture–Assam Bio Refinery Private Limited, as reported by Mint earlier. AM Green was set up by the founders of Greenko Group–Mahesh Kolli and Anil Kumar Chalamalasetty. India currently has around 25,202 EV public charging stations (EVPCS), with close to a fifth or ₹ 2,000 crore of a ₹ 10,900 crore central government scheme allocated for setting them up. Under the PM E-drive (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme, the government plans to set up 22,100 public charging stations for electric cars; 48,400 stations for electric bikes, scooters, and three-wheelers; and 1,800 stations for electric trucks and buses by 31 March 2026. India has announced a number of schemes for promoting green mobility–including the ₹ 3,435.33-crore PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme for deploying 38,000 electric buses; and a ₹ 18,100-crore PLI scheme for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) manufacturing, among others. India's Economic Survey presented earlier this year said that electric mobility is an important element in the country's path to net zero. 'Mitigating road transport emissions, which comprise nearly 75 per cent of the emissions from the transportation sector, is critical to India achieving its Net Zero goals by 2070," it noted. 'China's vertical integration across the entire electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, from mining to EV manufacturing, has enabled it to retain its global dominance in this sector," the survey added. Experts said all stakeholders should play their role. 'Highways should be constructed with EV charging stations every 25 km and the capex for that must be accommodated in the highway cost, which hardly makes any difference in the per-km cost of highways," said Reji Kumar Pillai, president of India Smart Grid Forum, an energy transition think tank. 'EV manufacturers' consortiums could also promote setting up of chargers nationwide. In Japan, a portion of the cost of EV is allocated to the fund for setting up chargers," Pillai added.
