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 2^nd 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.

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Pirelli has outfitted the new BMW iX3 with two unique tyre specifications, each targeting a different driving priority for the electric vehicle. One fitment focuses on sharp, responsive handling, while the other enhances the inherent strengths of an electric drivetrain. Both options fall under the brand’s high-performance P Zero family, which is defined by continuous material innovation.

Engineered for BMW’s inaugural Neue Klasse model, an all-new EV platform, both tyres feature Pirelli Elect technology. This system extends driving range, increases comfort and improves durability through low rolling resistance and bespoke design solutions. The technology directly addresses the specific mechanical demands of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The P Zero E variant has achieved a triple A rating on the European tyre label and contains over 55 percent sustainable and reclaimed materials. These attributes helped it win the ADI Compasso d’Oro International Award at Expo 2025 in Osaka, a first for any tyre in history. Beyond the award, its construction lowers rolling resistance for better energy use, while reduced cabin noise elevates the quiet ride expected from a zero-emission model.

Meanwhile, the specialised fifth-generation P Zero is built to manage the instant torque delivery of powerful electric motors, preserving stability and precision at higher speeds. An artificial intelligence-developed compound enables shorter braking distances and track-proven cornering grip. This model prioritises raw performance and safety, complementing the P Zero E’s focus on environmental life-cycle management and chassis responsiveness.

Pirelli supplies the P Zero in 20-inch uniform and 21-inch staggered sizes, with the P Zero E offered exclusively in a 22-inch staggered setup. Virtual simulation work at Pirelli’s German development centre and BMW’s Munich driving simulator cut physical prototyping by roughly one third and reduced development time by 30 percent. Both tyres carry BMW’s sidewall star marking, the result of close collaboration with the Munich automaker to maximise the iX3’s overall capability.

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Bridgestone has been named the exclusive tyre partner for Maserati’s new MCPURA, the successor to the MC20 and the Trident brand’s first super sports car. The vehicle is powered by a 3.0‑litre, 630 CV twin‑turbo V6 engine, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in under 2.9 seconds.

To harness this performance, Bridgestone developed tailor‑made Potenza Sport tyres, combining decades of motorsport expertise with advanced tread and compound technology. These bespoke tyres are engineered to enhance handling, control and driving dynamics, maximising the super sports car’s overall capability. An advanced asymmetric tread pattern provides precise steering feedback and high cornering stability, while the custom compound and carcass construction optimise contact patch distribution and thermal stability.

The development process relied on Bridgestone’s Virtual Tyre Development and predictive simulation tools, enabling early design optimisation and faster final specification alignment. Joint on‑track validation confirmed exceptional dynamic performance under high lateral loads and stable behaviour at elevated speeds, resulting in an ultra‑high‑performance tyre that balances precision, speed and stability.

The MCPURA project continues a longstanding collaboration between Bridgestone and Maserati, following custom tyres for the MC20, Grecale and Grecale Folgore. Manufactured in Europe, the fitment includes front 245/35 ZR20 95Y and rear 305/30 ZR20 103Y sizes, both featuring the distinctive MGT marking on the sidewall to denote exclusive Maserati development.

Adrien Thormann, Director – OE Sales Europe, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “Custom-engineered fitments like these are a brilliant example of our innovation and R&D capabilities. We’re happy to bring our extensive experience to Maserati drivers as well as to all our customers as the knowledge gained in developing this kind of bespoke ultra-high-performance tyre directly feeds into our award-winning replacement portfolio.”

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Giti Tire has added the Tesla Model 3 to its original equipment roster. The company’s GitiControl P10, tyre sized 235/45R18 98Y XL, is now approved for specific 18‑inch wheel configurations on the electric sedan. A Tesla‑specific T‑marking appears on the tyre’s sidewall, signifying that development and validation work aligned with the vehicle platform’s requirements.

Performance data for the GitiControl P10 comes from official EU tyre label ratings, including a B for energy efficiency, an A for wet grip and low external rolling noise measured at 69 dB, which falls into Class A. For electric vehicles, low rolling resistance helps preserve driving range, strong wet braking supports safety and reduced noise levels become more apparent given quieter EV operation. The tyre is designed to blend efficiency, handling stability and ride comfort.

This fitment demonstrates Giti Tire’s technical capabilities across product development, testing and production. It also shows that the manufacturer can meet the quality, consistency and supply standards required by the global automotive industry.

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Bridgestone has been selected as the exclusive tyre partner for the new Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster, a limited-production open-top supercar with only 15 units planned. As part of an ongoing technical partnership, the Japanese tyre manufacturer equipped the vehicle with two custom-engineered Bridgestone Potenza tyres designed to enhance both road and track performance. The Fenomeno Roadster is Lamborghini’s most powerful open-top model to date, featuring a 1080 CV V12 hybrid powertrain.

To manage the supercar’s extreme capabilities, Bridgestone developed a bespoke Potenza Sport ultra-high-performance tyre that balances high-speed stability with precise steering response. This fitment is joined by a new generation semi-slick Potenza tyre, engineered from Bridgestone’s motorsport expertise to deliver track-level grip while remaining fully homologated for public roads. The semi-slick option is available in 20- and 21-inch sizes.

The Potenza Sport comes in 265/30 ZRF21 front and 355/25 ZRF22 rear sizes, with an optional Run-Flat Technology that allows continued driving for 50 miles (approximately 80 km) at up to 50 mph after a puncture. Both tyre fitments feature a unique Lamborghini sidewall marking and were developed and manufactured in Italy using Bridgestone’s Virtual Tire Development technology, which improves efficiency and sustainability.

The Fenomeno Roadster was unveiled at Lamborghini Arena 2026 on the Imola Circuit, where Bridgestone served as the Official Arena Partner. This collaboration extends a six-year relationship between the two companies, beginning with the Huracan STO in 2021 and now covering the entire Lamborghini supercar range, including the Revuelto, Temerario and Fenomeno models.

Adrien Thormann, Director – OE Sales, Bridgestone EMEA, said “As Lamborghini’s Official Technical Partner, and exclusive tyre supplier for its complete supercar range, our role is to help Lamborghini drivers experience phenomenal performance. Leveraging Bridgestone’s decades-long motorsports legacy and the pedigree of our iconic Potenza family, these premium tyres deliver exactly that for the immense Fenomeno Roadster – both on the road and track.”

Christian Mastro, Director – Marketing, Lamborghini, said, “At Lamborghini, unlocking performance is never down to one component – it’s the result of precise engineering working in harmony, and tyres play a decisive role. Through deep collaboration, our partnership with Bridgestone delivers bespoke solutions that fully express each vehicle’s character and the Lamborghini DNA. The Fenomeno Roadster is the latest example of how we continue to push boundaries together.”

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