India’s Auto Sector Charts Multi-Fuel Roadmap As Safety, Electrification Dominate Industry Agenda
- By TT News
- September 18, 2025
India’s passenger vehicle industry must embrace a technology-neutral fuel strategy whilst accelerating safety standards and building resilient supply chains, senior executives and policymakers concluded at a major industry gathering in Pune 2nd September 2025, as the country grapples with balancing affordability against rapid technological transformation.
The third edition of the Passenger Vehicle Forum, held at Hyatt Regency in Viman Nagar, brought together more than 300 senior industry leaders, policymakers, original equipment manufacturers, technology innovators and supply chain experts for discussions spanning electrification, software-defined vehicles, artificial intelligence integration and evolving consumer behaviour in the world’s third-largest automotive market.
Fuel Transition Demands Flexibility
Industry leaders stressed that India’s path to cleaner mobility cannot rely solely on battery electric vehicles, calling instead for a diversified approach incorporating hybrids, compressed natural gas, biofuels and hydrogen technologies.
“India’s path to cleaner mobility must be technology-neutral—balancing EVs with hybrids, CNG, biofuels, and hydrogen—while fostering indigenous R&D, supportive policies, and collaborative efforts to ensure energy security and sustainability,” panellists from NIBE, the International Council on Clean Transportation, IIT Kanpur, Hydrovert Energy and the Automotive Research Association of India said during discussions on the future fuel mix.
The forum opened with a research presentation by Hemal N Thakkar, senior practice leader and director at Crisil, outlining the passenger vehicle industry's present scenario and future roadmap. Thakkar subsequently moderated a panel featuring Shashank Srivastava of Maruti Suzuki India, Amar Jatin Sheth from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, automotive industry veteran Arun Kumar Malhotra, Puneet Anand of Hyundai Motor India, and Prashant Shitoot from Auto Yoga Car Wellness Centre.
“Sustainability, safety, technology adoption and affordability were identified as the four pillars shaping India’s automotive future, with collaboration across OEMs, government, and stakeholders seen as critical for long-term growth,” the opening panel concluded, whilst highlighting the dramatic shift in consumer preferences from hatchbacks to sport utility vehicles in the post-COVID period.
Panellists emphasised persistent affordability challenges in entry-level car segments and called for regulatory clarity on goods and services tax structures, ethanol blending mandates and corporate average fuel economy norms. The strengthening of aftermarket services and upgrading of local service providers were identified as critical priorities, alongside exploring new revenue models through telematics and subscription services.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Expose Import Dependence
A panel featuring senior executives from Honda Cars India, Omega Seiki Mobility, Tata AutoComp, BMW and Nomura Research Institute examined critical vulnerabilities in India’s electric vehicle supply chain, with particular emphasis on the country’s heavy reliance on imported battery cells.
Abhishek Sahi of Honda Cars India, Preetesh Singh from Nomura Research Institute, Dr Ajit Kumar Jindal of Tata AutoComp and Dr Arvind Gupta from BMW underscored the country’s dependence on imports—especially battery cells—while emphasising the strategic imperatives for building a sustainable EV ecosystem.
The executives highlighted the importance of accelerated localisation, stronger supplier partnerships and robust risk management frameworks to navigate global disruptions and build a resilient domestic manufacturing base.
Experts from IIT Kanpur, Altigreen, ARAI, Henkel and Stellantis discussed the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles during a separate electrification panel, addressing lightweighting strategies, advanced materials and the critical role of startups and research centres. Panellists identified limited domestic battery production, raw material dependence and talent development as significant hurdles, whilst stressing the need for a collaborative ecosystem to meet global standards and enhance India’s competitiveness against markets such as China.
Safety Emerges As Consumer Priority
Vehicle safety is rapidly shifting from a regulatory compliance issue to a consumer-driven purchasing criterion, according to experts from ARAI, the Institute of Driving Training and Research, ZF and Bharat NCAP, who participated in a panel moderated by Neelam Pandey Pathak of the Women in Mobility Alliance and Rozgar Dhaba.
“Safety is shifting from a regulatory mandate to a consumer-driven priority, with evolving standards, ADAS integration, and stronger OEM-supplier collaboration set to align India with global benchmarks by 2027-28,” the panellists said, noting that India accounts for 11 percent of global road accidents.
The discussion highlighted advances in crash testing methodologies, driver training programmes, localised safety technologies and the growing influence of Bharat NCAP ratings on consumer purchasing decisions. Integration of advanced driver assistance systems and enhanced collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers was identified as an essential step towards meeting international safety benchmarks.
Software, AI Reshape Automotive Landscape
The forum dedicated substantial attention to the transformation of vehicles into software-defined platforms, with experts from EY-Parthenon, Elektrobit, ARAI, Vayve Mobility and HackersEra exploring the shift from hardware-centric to software-driven architectures.
Nandakumar Kollu of Elektrobit India, Nilesh Bajaj from Vayve Mobility and Vikash Chaudhary of HackersEra Automotive Cybersecurity discussed the critical importance of cybersecurity, over-the-air update capabilities, evolving regulatory frameworks and new monetisation models for software features.
Panellists highlighted India’s opportunity to lead in SDV development by leveraging its strong IT talent, growing EV ecosystem, and increased R&D investments, while stressing the need for collaboration across OEMs, suppliers, regulators, and academia.
A separate panel examined artificial intelligence applications across automotive design, customer engagement, supply chain management and aftersales service. Experts from Xane AI, Skoda Auto Volkswagen, Kinetic Green and DaveAI addressed challenges around affordability, data privacy and scalability in emerging markets.
Panellists emphasised the need for responsible, empathetic AI solutions, stronger regulatory frameworks, and industry-academia collaboration to build talent and ensure localised, consumer-centric innovation.
Consumer Insights Reveal Market Evolution
A panel led by K Srikumar of ICRA, featuring executives from Mahindra & Mahindra, MG Motor, Chitra Cars, Honda and Trak N Tell, examined the evolving Indian passenger car market, identifying significant shifts in consumer mindset, dealership dynamics and financing trends.
Ravinder Singh Rawal from Mahindra & Mahindra Automotive, Saurabh Tripathi of Morris Garages India and industry veteran Minesh Jha discussed rising demand for safety and comfort features, the growing importance of digital research channels alongside the continued relevance of physical dealerships, and the rapid expansion of the used car market.
Panellists agreed that the future will be driven by safety, cost efficiency, electrification, and personalised customer experiences, whilst noting persistent challenges in electric vehicle adoption related to financing availability and charging infrastructure gaps.
A panel moderated by Kaushik Madhavan explored future in-vehicle infotainment and telematics systems, featuring insights from Pranshu Gupta, founder and chief executive of Trak N Tell, alongside experts from Stellantis India and the National Institute of Design. Priyanka Shukla of Stellantis and Pratheek P Ashok from the National Institute of Design joined discussions on how startups can build credibility whilst manufacturers drive differentiation through user experience and connected features.
Panellists also highlighted challenges around affordability, ADAS adoption, and consumer awareness, stressing the need for innovation, data-driven solutions, and industry-academia collaboration to shape India’s next phase of mobility.
Technical presentations during the forum included an introduction to telematics solutions by Gupta and a spotlight on noise, vibration and harshness challenges in electric mobility repair by Rohit Ekhe and Alistair Saldanha from Henkel’s ACM India division.
Other notable speakers included Anil Srivastava from IIT Kanpur, Avik Chatterjee from ARAI, and Achyut Deshmukh from Stellantis. They contributed diverse expertise across the forum’s two parallel tracks, which focused on strategy, growth, and market dynamics, as well as technology, innovation, and future trends.
The forum’s organisers said the event reinforced its position as India’s premier platform dedicated to shaping the future of the passenger vehicle ecosystem, with the next edition scheduled for 2026.
Toyota bZ BEV Rolls Out On Yokohama GEOLANDAR X-CV Tyres In North America
- By TT News
- January 16, 2026
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has initiated supply of its GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres for Toyota Motor Corporation’s bZ, the 2026 model year North American version of Toyota’s bZ4X battery electric SUV, which launched in October 2025. The specified tyre size for this application is 235/50R20 100V. Concurrently, for the updated bZ4X model in Japan, the company remains the supplier, providing its ADVAN V61 tyre in size 235/60R18 103H as it did for the prior version.
The GEOLANDAR X-CV is engineered as a modern highway terrain tyre with M+S certification, prioritising responsive drivability and high-speed capability. Its design seeks an integrated balance of safety, comfort, durability and fuel efficiency. Tailored for electrified vehicles, these tyres bear Yokohama’s proprietary ‘E+’ sidewall engraving, signifying enhanced attributes in durability, quietness and energy conservation. This development was facilitated by the company’s HAICoLab framework, an AI-driven platform that combines human creativity with advanced data processing to accelerate digital innovation.
This selection by Toyota extends a growing partnership, as the GEOLANDAR X-CV has recently been fitted as original equipment on several other Toyota models, including the Land Cruiser 250, Grand Highlander and Tundra. This alignment supports Yokohama Rubber’s strategic goals under its medium-term management plan, Yokohama Transformation 2026. A central pillar of this plan is elevating the sales proportion of high-value-added tyres by aggressively promoting original equipment fitments for its premier ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brands globally, particularly for SUVs and pickup trucks.
Volkswagen Tiguan Equipped With Falken All-Season Tyres
- By TT News
- January 16, 2026
The new Volkswagen Tiguan will be outfitted with advanced Falken all-season and winter tyres. These models include the Falken EUROALL SEASON AS220 in size 215/65R17, as well as the EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO and the winter-specific EUROWINTER HS02 PRO, both in size 235/55R18. Designed to meet rigorous dynamic standards, tyres bearing the ‘PRO’ designation are engineered for performance, with approval for speeds reaching 270 kmph. The winter PRO variant is offered in 87 configurations, while the all-season PRO version comes in 45 different sizes, accommodating a wide range of rim diameters and series profiles.
A key innovation across these tyres is the application of 4D NANO Design technology. This contributes to enhanced safety through better wet grip, improved fuel economy and increased tread longevity. Furthermore, an aerodynamically optimised sidewall with a nano-black finish provides a contemporary aesthetic.
The specific tread designs are tailored to performance categories. The standard EUROALL SEASON AS220 utilises a directional, symmetrical pattern suited for high-performance use. Its PRO counterpart features an optimised asymmetrical pattern, targeting balanced, ultra-high-performance capability in diverse conditions. This focus on versatile all-weather tyres reflects growing consumer demand, as they merge the benefits of summer and winter compounds. They deliver consistent traction on dry pavement, in rain and in light wintry conditions, presenting a practical solution for urban drivers or those in areas with moderate winters.
Yokohama Rubber Supplies BluEarth Tyres For Suzuki Wagon R In Japan
- By TT News
- January 09, 2026
Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. said it has begun supplying its BluEarth-Es ES32 tyres as original equipment to Suzuki Motor Corporation for the Wagon R mini-vehicle, following the model’s launch in Japan in December 2025 after a minor update.
The Wagon R is fitted with 165/55R15 75V tyres.
BluEarth-Es ES32 is a standard tyre under the BluEarth YOKOHAMA global tyre brand, developed around the concept of being “environmentally, human, and socially friendly”. The tyre combines fuel efficiency with extended service life by reducing uneven wear. For the Wagon R, Yokohama Rubber said the tyres use tread patterns and compounds designed to deliver both lower rolling resistance and improved wear resistance.
Suzuki’s updated Wagon R incorporates additional safety features, including the Dual Sensor Brake Support II collision-mitigation braking system. The vehicle is also designed to offer a quiet and comfortable ride, stable steering and a refined exterior.
Yokohama Rubber said it continues to develop tyres using its BluEarth technology, with a growing number of these products being factory-fitted on petrol-powered vehicles, hybrid models and electric vehicles across a range of segments.
Yokohama Rubber Supplies Run-Flat Tyres For Toyota GR Yaris In Middle East
- By TT News
- January 09, 2026
Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. said it has begun supplying its ADVAN Sport ZPS tyres as original equipment to Toyota Motor Corporation for the new GR Yaris, following the model’s launch in the Middle East in December 2025.
The tyre supplied is sized 225/40RF18 88Y.
ADVAN Sport ZPS is derived from the ADVAN Sport, the high-performance tyre in Yokohama Rubber’s global flagship ADVAN brand. It is a run-flat tyre with reinforced sidewalls designed to support the vehicle even in a zero-pressure condition, such as after a puncture. The company said the tyre balances ultra-high-speed handling with wet performance, quietness and comfort.
Yokohama Rubber tyres are already fitted to several models in Toyota’s GR sports car range. In recent years, the company has supplied ADVAN APEX V601 tyres for the GR Corolla and ADVAN FLEVA V701 tyres for the Corolla Cross GR Sport.
The supply forms part of Yokohama Rubber’s three-year medium-term management plan, Yokohama Transformation 2026, covering 2024 to 2026. Under the plan, the consumer tyre business is seeking to increase the proportion of high value-added products, with a focus on expanding original equipment supply of ADVAN tyres and GEOLANDAR tyres for SUVs and pick-up trucks.
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