Stating that they are witnessing good demand as well as interest for Driver Status Monitoring (DSM) cameras, Vanesh Naidoo, Founder & CEO, Safe Cams Digital Eye Solutions Pvt Ltd (SCDES), mentioned, “The ability of these cameras to detect sleepy and distracted drivers and then alert them within three seconds is game-changing.” “They, as a safety solution, are highly conducive to reducing road accidents in India, where around 38 percent of all road accidents are attributed to drowsy driving,” he added. Claiming to be the first company in India to introduce DSM cameras, Naidoo stressed on fuel sensors that can connect to cameras and stream fuel information via 4G connectivity. “The driver reports that come out of this are helping companies save up to 20 percent of fuel costs,” he informed. “This,” he quipped, “is proving to be of much benefit to the fleets at a time when fuel costs have risen sharply.” Present in the aftermarket largely, SCDES is a young company. It was established in 2019 even though the groundwork began almost a year before. “The thought of entering this field was born from the high road fatalities in India,” averred Naidoo.
Cameras as road safety solutions
Pointing at the World Bank Report in 2020, which states that India accounts for 11 percent of global road accident victims while having only one percent of the world’s vehicular population, he said, “A majority of these deaths on roads are needless and can be avoided.” Of the opinion that speeding and drowsy driving account for close to 80 percent of road accidents, he explained, “The technologically advanced road safety solutions such as DSM and Advanced Driving Assistance system (ADAS) are instrumental in preventing accidents before they occur.” “The video footage available from the cameras onboard a vehicle helps analyse and hence understand its causes and find way to avoid them,” he remarked. Informing that his company specialises in two broad categories, consumer dash cams for individuals who own one or two vehicles and fleet solutions that cater to transport fleets and commercial operators, Naidoo explained, “Our Mobile Digital Video Recording (MDVR) systems can record on up to eight cameras per vehicle.”
Fleet safety solutions
The MDVR systems cannot just record on up to eight cameras per vehicle, they can store up to 4 TB of data for a longer period of reference and study. Naidoo explained, “Capable of incorporating features like GPS, Wi-Fi, 4G and various sensors (including temperature sensors in case of the carriage of perishable goods in a refrigerated container), tyre pressure sensors and fuel sensors), the MDVR systems allow live tracking and video streaming via 4G connectivity of any vehicle in the fleet.” Offering advanced technology DSM and ADAS compatible cameras that use Artificial Intelligence (AI), SCDES, said Naidoo, is in talks with bus transport companies for the DSM – with fuel transport vehicle fleets to install explosion-proof cameras and with commercial driving training institutes to help drivers understand the key dangers they face on the road and how to mitigate them. Assembling its consumer dash cameras at its facility at Pune, the company is working on localisation. Some electronic parts are not manufactured locally, according to Naidoo. The current R&D setup of SCDES tests various components of the camera and camera-based safety solutions like lenses, chipsets, low-light sensors etc. The setup also carries out tests in the area of successful configuration and suitability of usage under Indian conditions. “Our R&D setup has helped us to arrive at some unique solutions for local market requirements,” remarked Naidoo.
Traction in market segments
Finding good traction in various market segments including cold chain transportation where cameras and sensing solutions aid the maintenance of the right temperatures, SCDES has achieved good traction in various other market segments as well. “Hyundai India is using our 4G cameras in their test vehicles to ensure testing and reporting as per the guidelines. Our solutions are also being used by the armed forces and municipalities,” stated Naidoo. Revealing that India is expected to follow European Union where reports suggest DSM and ADAS cameras to be mandatory from 2026, Naidoo concluded, “So far, there are no legal requirements for cameras to be used in any vehicular segments as per the law in India. This may however change sooner than later.”
Interview: Vanesh Naidoo, Founder & CEO, Safe Cams Digital Eye Solutions Pvt Ltd.
1. Which automotive segments do the company’s products cater to?
Our camera systems can cater to nearly all major automotive segments from bus transportation, goods transportation, employee transportation, taxis, school transportation and so on. With the ability to connect temperature sensors to our devices, Safe Cams’ devices can also be used for cold chain transport companies to ensure their temperature ranges are maintained.
2. Are the company’s products found in the aftermarket or supplied to OEMs as well?
At the moment, our products are found in the aftermarket.
3. Any institutions that the products have found favour with?
Hyundai India is using our 4G cameras in their test vehicles to ensure testing and reporting is performed easily and per guidelines. The Indian Army has also purchased our dash cameras, and they are happy with the video quality of our devices. We also have supplied to international clients in Fiji and Kuwait. Safe cams also won the Dombivali-Kalyan Smart City contract to fit 4G dash cameras into the police vehicles; this is the first-time dash cameras have been fitted in police vehicles in Maharashtra.
4. How are these products important in terms of safety, security and performance of a commercial vehicle or a fleet? What kind of cost savings could a fleet or trucker look at from the use of your product?
Our Advanced AI cameras can prevent accidents before they occur – thereby reducing accidents that would happen (and the less to high costs involved therein) mostly due to drowsy driving and speeding. Around 80 percent of accidents are caused because of these two factors in India.
Cameras act as a natural deterrent to prevent theft/stealing as people know they are being watched. In the 2019 BSI & TT Club report, India accounted for 64 percent of Asia’s cargo theft. Our fuel sensors and driving behaviour reports and rankings can help save up to 20 percent of a company’s fuel costs and lead to savings of several thousand for a truck or a fleet owner. Our products have an average ROI of 120 percent in year one after buying (with the average payback period being 10 months on the cost of our solution). These savings come from a reduction in accidents (both in insurance costs and with the vehicle being able to be utilised for longer), reduction in theft and fuel savings.
5. How is the market for your products picking up post the pandemic-led disruption?
We are experiencing an increase in enquiries about our cameras and how these can make road journeys safer. I think the pandemic has made more people risk adverse or at least risk aware, and hence safety products are seen as a priority now. Given that the number of road deaths in 2019 being even higher than the total number of Covid-19 deaths in 2020, this shows and is making people realise how poor road safety scenario is in India, and the urgent need to improve the same.
6. The pain the Covid-19 pandemic caused to the company?
The Covid-19 pandemic hit us hard. We had a few deals put on hold as companies were not willing to spend on capex due to the uncertain market situation. Our consumer range could not be sold much as people were working from home and vehicles were parked off due to lockdown restrictions. Once the first wave of lockdown ended, we saw a bit of an upswing, only to be replaced with another lockdown months later. We have had to look at working capital issues and have tried to keep smaller inventory to combat the uncertainty Covid brought.
7. What kind of growth do you anticipate? Will it be in any particular product offering or spread across?
I think once people become highly aware of the advanced nature of the product and the benefits it offers, we will see a sharp growth in the dash cam market. India is the fifth-largest automobile industry in the world, but less than one percent of people use a dash camera compared to other countries like Singapore, UK and Dubai where between 10-25 percent of drivers own a dash camera. Currently, there is a huge gap in the market, which we at Safe Cams want to fill.
8. What change in the automotive landscape do you anticipate, which will provide your company stronger growth traction?
In the future, road safety will become an extremely important factor for the government and stricter enforcement of traffic rules will lead to a high adoption of dash cameras being used. New technologies like DSM that can prevent accidents will become mandatory on commercial vehicles, following the EU and America. Further, video analytics will become more and more important and 5G networks will mean devices can communicate with each other faster – and this will mean we can reduce the human involvement or reduce the reaction times to avoid an accident.
Francois Provost Appointed CEO & Director Of Renault Group
- By MT Bureau
- July 31, 2025
French automotive major Renault Group has appointed Francois Provost as the new CEO of Renault S.A. and Chairman of Renault s.a.s., effective 31 July, for a term of four years. The move is part of the recommendation of the Renault Group Board of Directors, under the chairmanship of Jean-Dominique Senard.
Provost earlier held the position of Chief Procurement, Partnerships and Public Affairs Officer and comes with over two decades of experience within the Renault Group. The company stated he has strong international experience in both operational and strategic roles, an in-depth understanding of the sector’s challenges.
In his new role, he will be responsible to continue and accelerate the development of Renault Group, particularly internationally. Through partnerships, capitalise on its strategic agility and maintain high performance standards, in full respect of the company’s values.
Jean-Dominique Senard, said, "I am confident that François Provost will lead the Group with discernment and determination in an environment that demands both rigor in execution, strategic vision, and the ability to innovate. In this rapidly changing industry, his determination and sense of responsibility will be true assets to guide the teams and sustain our momentum. At Renault Group, there is no place for the status quo. Thanks to his expertise and knowledge of the company, we will be able to complete the implementation of our strategic plan, finalise the terms of the next one, and ensure its successful execution. I sincerely look forward to working with him. I would also like to warmly thank Duncan Minto for serving as interim during these past few days."
Francois Provost, said, “It is with pride and gratitude that I welcome my appointment. I would like to warmly thank my President, Jean-Dominique Senard, and the Board of Directors for the trust they have placed in me. I have a special thought for the teams across the Group who have supported me throughout these past 23 years. I will dedicate all my energy and passion to contributing – alongside our 100,000 employees, our dealers, suppliers and partners – to the development of our Group, one of the flagships of French industry for the past 127 years. Renault Group benefits from strong fundamentals, with committed teams, an outstanding range of products, strong brands, and an innovative organisational model. These will be invaluable assets as we accelerate our transformation in an increasingly demanding environment for our industry. You can count on my commitment and determination to write the next page of our history together.”
US Imposes 25% Tariff On India, Penalty On Goods Export Starting August 1
- By MT Bureau
- July 30, 2025
In what may come as no surprise, United States President Donald Trump has announced 25 percent tariff and additional penalty for goods imported from India starting 1 August 2025.
The announcement was made by Trump on social media platform ‘Truth Social’, wherein he stated that ‘While India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country. Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!’
Over the last few months, India has been trying to work with the United States government to reach a trade deal, but no concrete deal has been finalised as of yet.
Reacting to the announcement, the Indian government stated, ‘The government has taken note of a statement by the US President on bilateral trade. The government is studying its implications. India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months. We remain committed to that objective. The government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs. The government will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest, as has been the case with other trade agreements including the latest Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK.’
At present, India’s top five exports to the United States include precious stones, metals & pearls (14.3%), electrical machinery & electronics (14%), pharmaceutical products (12.6%), machinery, mechanical appliances & parts (7.7%), mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation (6.1%).
While nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery parts; mineral fuel, oil; optic, photo, medical, surgical instruments; electric machinery; and pharamecutical products were the key imports for India from the USA.
IAC Advocates Auto LPG Retrofitment To Tackle Delhi Fuel Ban For Old Vehicles
- By MT Bureau
- July 24, 2025
Delhi has prohibited fuel sales to petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles exceeding 10 years. The ban, enforced through automated Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at fuel stations and strict penalties, impacts over 6.2 million vehicles. With transport contributing 51 percent of Delhi’s pollution (as per CSE), the policy aims to reduce emissions but raises concerns over vehicle owners’ livelihoods.
The Indian Auto LPG Coalition (IAC), the nodal body for the promotion of Auto LPG in India, emphasises retrofitting older vehicles with cleaner fuels as an immediate, cost-effective solution. Auto LPG significantly cuts emissions without requiring premature scrapping of vehicles. The IAC urges the government to simplify and incentivise retrofitting, ensuring a smoother transition for affected citizens.
As Delhi balances environmental and economic priorities, promoting Auto LPG retrofitting could offer a sustainable path forward – reducing pollution while preserving mobility and livelihoods. This approach may also serve as a model for other Indian cities battling similar air quality challenges.
Suyash Gupta, Director General of Indian Auto LPG Coalition, said, “Delhi stands at a fundamental crossroad in its battle against the rising air pollution. The current ban, while bold, will disrupt the lives of millions unless we provide a viable alternative. By promoting retrofitment to Auto LPG, we can offer immediate relief to vehicle owners and the environment alike. Auto LPG retrofitment is a proven, affordable and scalable solution that can help Delhi achieve its clean air goals without forcing citizens to scrap their assets prematurely. The government’s support in incentivising and simplifying the retrofitment process will be crucial in making this transition both practical and impactful.”
- India
- UK
- Free Trade Agreement
- Dr Anish Shah
- Mahindra & Mahindra
- Sudharshan Venu
- TVS Motor Co
- Norton Motorcycles
UK-India Trade Deal Unlocks GBP 6 Billion In Automotive And Advanced Manufacturing Investment
- By MT Bureau
- July 24, 2025
The United Kingdom has announced nearly GBP 6 billion in new investments and export wins tied to the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with significant implications for the automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. The deal, signed during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to create over 2,200 jobs in the UK.
Under the FTA, India’s average tariff on UK products will drop from 15 percent to 3 percent, with specific cuts for key sectors. Automotive tariffs of up to 110 percent will be reduced to 10 percent under a quota system, while aerospace tariffs (previously as high as 11 percent) will be eliminated. Tariffs on electrical machinery will also fall, potentially halved or brought to zero, depending on product classification.
The UK government estimates the trade deal will increase UK exports to India by nearly 60 percent and raise bilateral trade by 39 percent by 2040, compared to current projections without the agreement.
British automotive, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing players are among the biggest beneficiaries:
Rolls-Royce and Airbus will begin delivery of aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce engines to Indian airlines as part of contracts worth around GBP 5 billion. The orders are expected to support jobs in Filton, Broughton, and Derby.
International Aerospace Manufacturing (IAMPL) — a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Hindustan Aeronautics — is investing GBP 30 million to expand its facility in Hosur, India.
Johnson Matthey will invest GBP 4 million in new plants at Taloja and Panki, supporting up to 20,000 jobs in India during construction, alongside over GBP 20 million in secured contracts for engineering and catalyst supply.
Wilson Power Solutions will invest GBP 21 million in Chennai to expand transformer manufacturing capacity.
Helical Tech is committing GBP 5.72 million in overseas direct investment (ODI) to expand its Pune facility as a global supply hub.
The agreement also unlocks procurement opportunities in India’s clean energy market and improves market access for UK manufacturers across sectors such as components, electrical machinery, and mobility technologies.
On the export front, UK companies such as Carbon Clean, Occuity, Aurionpro, DCube AI, and Kyzer Software are tapping into Indian demand for carbon capture, healthcare tech, AI, and fintech. Combined, their deals are set to contribute hundreds of millions in export value over the next five years.
Jonathan Reynolds, Business and Trade Secretary, UK, said, “The almost GBP 6 billion in new investment and export wins announced today will deliver thousands of jobs and shows the strength of our partnership with India.”
The FTA also paves the way for long-term collaboration in defence manufacturing, semiconductors, AI, quantum computing and other critical technologies.
The UK currently imports GBP 11 billion in goods from India annually. With liberalised tariffs, the government expects significant cost savings for UK firms importing automotive and advanced manufacturing components, aiding domestic production and supporting supply chain resilience.
Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM and Managing Director, Tata Passenger Vehicles & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “The Indian automobile industry congratulates the Government of India for its tireless efforts in bringing the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to fruition. This landmark development marks a significant step forward in strengthening India’s global economic engagement, particularly with developed economies. As two major economies enter a new phase of partnership, SIAM appreciates the Government’s extensive stakeholder consultations throughout the negotiation process. Concluding this transformative agreement amid global trade uncertainties reflects India’s growing leadership in shaping modern trade and investment frameworks.”
The commitments made by the Government of India on automobile sector tariffs strike a thoughtful balance—addressing consumer interests while supporting the broader goals of Indian industry. We view this agreement as part of a wider strategic engagement and believe it opens new avenues for collaboration and opportunity with a key global partner. SIAM remains committed to working closely with the Government of India to ensure the benefits of the agreement translate into greater growth, global competitiveness, and technological progress for the Indian automotive industry,” added Chandra.
Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA, said, “The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) welcomes the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Trade Agreement as a landmark development in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. This agreement is poised to usher in a new era of economic cooperation, fostering greater market access, technology partnerships and value chain integration between the Indian and British automotive industries. The CETA is expected to benefit the Indian auto component sector through enhanced opportunities for exports, streamlined regulatory processes, particularly in key areas such as electric mobility, precision engineering and lightweight materials. Indian MSMEs, which form the backbone of our industry, stand to gain from the liberalised terms of trade and improved access to UK markets. We are hopeful that the agreement will also promote collaboration in R&D, skilling and innovation, especially in green and digital technologies – areas that are crucial for our sector’s long-term competitiveness and sustainability. ACMA congratulates the government of India and the United Kingdom for their vision and commitment in bringing this agreement to fruition. We look forward to working with our counterparts in the UK to realise the full potential of this partnership, and to strengthen our collective contribution to global automotive value chains.”
Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD, Mahindra Group, said, “The landmark trade agreement between India and the UK marks a transformative moment in the global economic landscape. It’s not just a win for trade, but a blueprint for a modern, values-led partnership that puts innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth at the heart of global collaboration. At Mahindra, we believe deeply in the power of such cross-border partnerships to unlock economic potential, create high-quality jobs, and accelerate progress in future-facing sectors from green mobility and clean energy to digital technologies and advanced manufacturing. The UK-India Vision 2035 aligns closely with our own strategic priorities building resilient supply chains, investing in frontier technologies, and fostering a just transition to a low-carbon economy. As Indian industry becomes increasingly global in its footprint and ambition, we look forward to contributing meaningfully to this next chapter of UK-India cooperation.”
Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are deeply inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and his unwavering commitment to making India a global manufacturing and design powerhouse. The signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is a pivotal moment—it opens new frontiers for Indian companies to take ‘Make in India’ to the world. We are particularly excited given the launch of new Norton vehicles this year, which will benefit from the strengthening of trade links between India and the UK. It energises our global ambitions and strengthens our resolve to build world-class products and brands.”
A spokesperson for JLR said: “We welcome this free trade agreement between the UK and India, which over time will deliver reduced tariff access to the Indian car market for JLR's luxury vehicles. India is an important market for our British built products and represents significant future growth opportunities.”
Amit Kalyani, Vice-Chairman & Joint MD, Bharat Forge, said, “Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the historic India–UK deal signed yesterday! #IndiaUKFTA marks a breakthrough for India’s engineering and manufacturing industries, with zero-duty access on about 99% of tariff lines covering almost 100% of trade value. Indian manufacturers can now tap into the UK market with greater competitiveness, improving their global footprint. I’d like to extend my appreciation to Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal ji for his pivotal roles in facilitating this partnership. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this agreement on trade, investment, and economic growth in both the countries.”
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