India’s automotive testing sector is dramatically transforming as it races to bridge the gap with global standards while confronting distinctive local challenges. In an extensive interview with Tyre Trends, two industry leaders discuss how India is navigating this critical transition period in its automotive evolution.

Dominic Cundy, Managing Director of Automotive Testing Expos at UKi Media & Events, and Sagar Bendre, Head of Crash Barrier Testing at NATRAX (National Automotive Test Tracks), provide detailed insights into the current state and future trajectory of India’s automotive testing landscape.

UNIQUE CHALLENGES

India’s diverse and extreme climate creates unique testing requirements that set it apart from other major automotive markets. “India’s extreme weather variations, including high temperatures, monsoons and dust-heavy environments, and a wide range of road quality require testing protocols tailored to these unique challenges. OEMs do develop a vehicle considering all these conditions,” Bendre explains.

The pressure to maintain affordability while meeting increasingly stringent standards presents another layer of complexity. “The Indian market’s focus on affordable vehicles puts pressure on manufacturers to minimise testing costs while maintaining compliance with stringent safety and emission standards,” says Bendre.

This balancing act between cost and compliance has become increasingly challenging as India adopts stricter safety and emissions standards.

The gap between India’s testing capabilities and those of other major automotive nations stems from multiple factors. Bendre notes that specialised facilities for advanced testing remain limited compared to developed markets. “India lacks sufficient facilities for advanced crash testing, real driving emissions (RDE), EV battery safety and autonomous vehicle testing, which are more established in developed countries,” reveals Bendre.

This infrastructure gap has historical roots. “India’s focus on automotive testing infrastructure began relatively recently compared to countries like Germany, US and Japan, which have decades of advanced R&D and testing experience,” Bendre explains. The rapid pace of regulatory changes has further complicated the situation as testing facilities struggle to meet new requirements.

MARKET EVOLUTION AND INDUSTRY RESPONSE

The growth of India’s automotive testing sector is reflected in the expanding scope of industry events such as the Automotive Testing Expo India. Cundy provides perspective on this evolution: “When the show (Automotive Testing Expo India) was first launched in 2010, it attracted 72 exhibitors and 2,173 visitors. This contrasts with the 2023 figures, with 153 exhibitors and 5,138 visitors.”

This growth reflects not just increased market size but also growing technological sophistication. To maintain relevance, industry events have had to evolve rapidly. “We maintain constant communication with suppliers to learn about their latest offerings and innovations and encourage exhibitors to prioritise showcasing their newest products during the event. We also partner with industry leaders, influencers and innovators in the region,” Cundy explains.

The Automotive Testing Expo India organiser partners with startups and emerging brands, which are typically at the cutting edge of innovation and offer the latest products. In addition, their knowledge partner, ARAI, offers valuable insights into the current market demands and challenges.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE IMPACT

The transition to electric vehicles is driving significant changes in testing requirements. Bendre outlines how testing facilities are adapting to this shift, noting increased emphasis on battery safety, thermal management and charging infrastructure compatibility.

Major manufacturers are making significant moves in this space. Cundy highlights recent developments: “Mahindra’s EV initiative includes launching five new EVs on a new platform called INGLO. They are partnering with VW, which is supplying components. Skoda is currently undertaking a big initiative in India, which includes the development of new vehicles in the country.”

SAFETY STANDARDS AND TESTING EVOLUTION

Road safety remains a critical concern driving testing requirements. “There is a big push in India to improve road safety, with Bharat NCAP 2023 launching, because there are still high numbers of road deaths despite advances in technology,” Cundy notes. The limited availability of crash testing facilities has historically forced manufacturers to send vehicles abroad for testing, adding time and expense to the development process.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Government support is crucial in advancing testing capabilities. “Government initiatives like the NATRAX project and private investments will enhance the availability of state-of-the-art testing facilities across the country. NATRAX is developing all future testing, such as ADAS, EV performance, road safety furniture, crash barriers, crash cushions etc.,” Bendre explains.

The implementation of new regulations is driving further development. Bendre points to the implementation of Bharat Stage VI (BS6) and upcoming updates like BS6.2 as key factors increasing demand for sophisticated emissions testing capabilities.

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

The industry is increasingly embracing digital solutions to enhance testing efficiency. “The use of digital twins, simulation tools and AI-driven predictive testing is reducing time and costs for physical prototypes,” Bendre notes. This technological integration is helping bridge the gap between testing requirements and available physical infrastructure.

A critical challenge facing the sector is the shortage of skilled professionals. “A shortage of skilled professionals trained in advanced testing methodologies, particularly for EVs and connected vehicles, hinders the growth of India’s testing ecosystem,” Bendre acknowledges. However, he sees this changing through partnerships with global testing agencies and investments in workforce training, which will help bridge expertise gaps and elevate India’s standing as a global automotive testing hub.

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Tana Oy has appointed Panu Ärölä as its new Territory Business Manager, a role he will assume on 2 November. In this capacity, he will focus on strengthening customer and distributor relationships across designated markets while contributing to the company’s ongoing expansion within the waste management and recycling sector.

Ärölä returns to Tana after previously serving as Sales Manager, where he developed expertise in distributor network growth. His background includes extensive international experience in sales, marketing, business development and strategic leadership. Most recently, he held the position of Head of Sales and Marketing at Jet-Tekno Oy, overseeing customer relationship development and business growth initiatives.

Gerd Schreier, VP – Sales, Marketing & Channel Development, said, “We are delighted to welcome Panu back to Tana. His industry knowledge, customer focus and experience in international sales make him a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our business and create value for our customers and partners.”

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Stephan Sielaff took over as chief executive of the Schill+Seilacher Group on 1^st October , as the chemicals group seeks to strengthen links between its businesses and focus more closely on customer needs.

Sielaff brings about 30 years of experience in developing international businesses and organisations. His previous roles include positions at Unilever, Symrise, Archroma, Lenzing AG and SSI SCHÄFER Plastics.

His priorities at Schill+Seilacher include getting closer to customers, encouraging greater knowledge-sharing across the group and making better use of capabilities across its businesses and locations.

“A good product alone is no longer enough. What matters is the value we create for our customers,” says Stephan Sielaff.

The group said it would seek to share knowledge, pursue opportunities jointly and strengthen connections between its locations and business areas.

Sielaff's appointment is intended to support a more integrated approach across the group as it develops its businesses in the years ahead.

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Toyo Tire Corporation of Japan (Toyo Tire) has announced executive appointments at Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (TTHA) and Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. (NTU), effective 1 October 2026. Keiko Brockel has become President and Chief Executive Officer at TTHA, while Angelo Naval has beeen promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer at NTU.

Brockel, the first woman and first American to hold the TTHA role, will oversee daily North American business operations. She joined NTU in 2008 and previously served as its President and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operations Officer. Over 18 years at NTU, she has held various executive leadership positions, providing strategic oversight in sales, finance, supply chain and operations, contributing significantly to the company's growth and evolution.

Angelo Naval

Naval, formerly Vice President of Sales and Business Strategy at NTU, will now oversee its business operations. He joined NTU in 2000 and also served as Vice President of Product and Business Strategy. During his 24 years with the company, he has been instrumental in shaping the business, gaining deep understanding and a unique perspective on the Nitto brand, its customers and the markets it serves.

Takashi Shimizu, President & CEO, Toyo Tire Corporation, said, “On behalf of Toyo Tire, I would like to congratulate both Keiko Brockel and Angelo Naval on their well-earned new appointments and thank them for their invaluable contributions to the growth and success of Nitto Tire in the American market.”

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ContiTech, the group sector of Continental, has named Amanda Lacerda as its new Head of Communications, with effect from 15 September 2026. In this capacity, she will report directly to Diana Hoppe, who serves as Head of Human Relations and Communications at ContiTech. The appointment places Lacerda at the helm of the organisation’s global communications operations.

In her new position, Lacerda will act as a strategic partner focused on advancing business performance, transformation and brand value. Her responsibilities encompass corporate, executive and brand communications, alongside media and public relations, public affairs, employee communications and reputation management. She is tasked with maintaining a consistent narrative that bolsters ContiTech’s global reputation and aligns with its business priorities and strategic ambitions. Lacerda takes over from Claudia Lademann-Fleger, who has chosen to depart the company for external opportunities.

Lacerda arrives with over two decades of experience in communications, marketing, and public affairs. Her global leadership background includes roles across Brazil, Middle East, Sweden and Germany. Over her career, she has engaged with diverse international markets and industries, assisting organisations in strengthening their brands, managing change and cultivating meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.

Diana Hoppe, Head of Human Relations and Communications, ContiTech, said, “Effective communication plays a key role as ContiTech continues its transformation and prepares for its future as a standalone company. Amanda brings extensive international experience, strategic insight and domain expertise in communications that will help strengthen our brand, enhance our reputation and deepen engagement with employees, customers, partners and communities around the world. As we continue to build a strong and distinctive brand, her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our strategic ambitions and long-term success. I also want to thank Claudia for her many years of dedicated leadership and service to ContiTech, and I wish her every success in the future.”

Lacerda said, “I am excited to join ContiTech at such an important moment in its journey. ContiTech has a strong heritage, talented people and a clear vision for the future. I look forward to working with colleagues around the world to tell our story, support the company’s transformation and help create value through clear, authentic and engaging communications.”

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