Maruti Suzuki India, in partnership with the Transport Department of Tamil Nadu, has announced the commissioning of seven Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) in the state. The facilities were inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin.

The tracks are located at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Coimbatore (Central), Tiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri, Madurai (North), Sivagangai, Dindigul, and Tiruchirappalli (West). These sites form part of a Memorandum of Agreement to automate ten tracks across the state, with the remaining three at Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and Marthandam scheduled for operation shortly.

The ADTTs are designed to evaluate applicants for two-wheeler and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) licences. The system removes human intervention from the evaluation process to ensure objective testing according to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR).

Key technical components include:

• Video Analytics: High-definition cameras to monitor vehicle movement and path adherence.
• Sensors: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Harnessing AutoMobiles for Safety (HAMS) technology.
• Identification: Face-recognition systems to verify candidate identity.
• Results: Integrated IT systems that generate test results automatically based on real-time data.

The carmaker has commissioned 56 ADTTs across eight states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Bihar. Following the completion of agreements with Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, the company’s footprint is expected to reach 81 tracks nationwide.

Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “As part of Maruti Suzuki’s road safety initiatives implemented across multiple states, we are partnering with the Government of Tamil Nadu to strengthen the driver licensing evaluation process through the deployment of 10 Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs). Equipped with high-definition cameras and advanced analytics, these ADTTs enable a comprehensive, efficient, and transparent assessment process. It eliminates any human bias and ensures that only skilled drivers are awarded a license.”

“According to data shared by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, India witnessed 1.77 lakh road accident deaths in 2024. Promoting disciplined driving practices and ensuring rigorous driver evaluation are vital to prevent road accidents and augment road safety across the country,” he said.

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Rosmerta Technologies has launched a comic book titled ‘The Curious Bunch’ at the 3rd Edition of the CII National Conclave on Road Safety. The publication is designed to introduce road safety awareness to children.

The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s ‘4E’ strategy for road safety, which focuses on Engineering, Education, Enforcement and Emergency Care. The comic book aims to address the 168,000 road fatalities reported in India in 2022 by fostering safe habits at a school level.

The comic book uses illustrations to present road scenarios, including pedestrian conduct, school bus safety, traffic signals & the use of helmets, seatbelts and child restraint systems. By educating children, the company intends to influence the behaviour of parents and the wider community.

Rosmerta, a provider of mobility solutions, currently operates technology systems for automated driving tests and AI-based monitoring. The launch of ‘The Curious Bunch’ marks an expansion of its activities into the education pillar of the national safety framework.

Dr Rajesh Mohan, DCP, Gurugram Traffic, said, “When we educate children and instil strong moral and ethical values, the impact travels far beyond the classroom. Children naturally share what they learn. They question, they explain, and they influence conversations at home. In many ways, they become powerful advocates, encouraging their parents to be more aware, more responsible, and more engaged. Over time, this awareness translates into action, because parents are also drivers, commuters, and decision-makers on the road.”

Ravi Krishnamoorthi, Group President, Rosmerta Technologies, said, “Every road accident statistic hides a parent’s anxiety. In 2022 alone, India reported over 168,000 road accident fatalities, according to government data. Road safety is not merely about compliance; it is about compassion and collective responsibility. When a child understands why a red light matters or why a helmet can save a life, they don’t just learn a rule - they become ambassadors of safety within their families and communities. Through ‘The Curious Bunch’, we aim to nurture this awareness early, because the habits we shape in children today will define the safety culture of our nation tomorrow.”

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BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles, will once again serve as the headline sponsor for the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) Annual Dinner in 2026. This marks the third consecutive year the company has supported the prestigious event, which is set to take place on 4 March 2026 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London. The dinner is widely recognised as the premier gathering for professionals across the rental, fleet management and leasing sectors.

Through its ongoing sponsorship since 2024, BYD reaffirms its commitment to this vital segment of the UK automotive market. The company’s expanding presence was underscored in 2025 by the introduction of several new models, including the SEALION 7, DOLPHIN SURF, SEAL 6 Saloon and Touring and the ATTO 2. These launches contributed to significant sales figures, with 21,824 units delivered to fleet customers and 5,964 to the rental sector. The momentum has continued into 2026 with the debut of the SEALION 5 DM-i, while the ATTO 2 DM-i and ATTO 3 EVO are expected to arrive shortly. Supporting this growth is a dedicated UK fleet team of 11 specialists, offering tailored product and service expertise.

The BVRLA represents around 1,000 member organisations, ranging from SMEs to large public companies, all operating within or alongside the UK’s vehicle rental and leasing industries. By engaging with government and upholding professional standards, the association enables its members to provide safe, sustainable and accessible transport solutions. This year’s Annual Dinner will feature the presentation of the Industry Hero Awards and live entertainment from award-winning comedian Tom Ward, celebrating excellence across the sector.

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The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) convened the 7th SIAM CSR Conclave in New Delhi, themed ‘CSR Partnerships – From Shared Vision to Shared Value’. The event brought together industry leaders, CSR practitioners, policymakers, NGOs and development experts to explore collaborative models for driving inclusive growth and national development.

The inaugural session, titled ‘CSR as National Development Catalyst - Building the Nation, Responsibly’, featured key dignitaries who set the tone for discussions on sustainable nation-building. Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director of SIAM, welcomed attendees and highlighted the automobile industry's extensive national presence, emphasising its responsibility to engage communities sustainably. He linked industry efforts to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, noting that businesses must look beyond sectoral growth to include social development across the country. The session included a screening of SIAM CSR initiatives and the release of the SIAM CSR Compendium, showcasing member companies' key projects.

Guest of Honour Dr Bhaskar Chatterjee, IAS (Retd.), Director General & CEO of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, traced CSR's evolution from charity to statutory obligation, calling for CSR 2.0 with fresh thinking, technology adoption like AI for verifiable data, third-party evaluation and professionalisation. He urged the automobile sector to prioritise waste management, process re-engineering and carbon capture, insisting that CSR must move from the backroom to the boardroom with robust governance.

Puneet Anand, Chairman of the SIAM CSR & Community Services Group and Associate Vice President & Vertical Head at Hyundai Motor India Ltd., noted India's pioneering CSR legislation has mobilised nearly INR 2.2 trillion from about 800 organisations. He stressed the need to move beyond the statutory two percent threshold towards measurable outcomes, skill development, community resilience and replicable district-level models through collaboration.

Other contributors to the session included Prabhakant Jain, CSR Head of D S Group; Yashpal Sachar, Vice President (Corporate Affairs) at Ashok Leyland Ltd.; Tarun Agarwal, Sr Vice President & Head-CSR at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. and Sulekha Kaul, Partner at Vaish & Associates Advocates, who shared insights on impactful CSR models.

Rajeev Taneja, Co-Chair of the SIAM CSR & Community Services Group and Vertical Head – CSR Operation at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Ltd., delivered closing remarks, emphasising CSR's centrality to inclusive growth. He called for evolution from compliance to conviction, with intentional, measurable collaboration focused on empathy, dignity and tangible change, supported by transparency and alignment with national priorities.

A thematic session on ‘Educational and Corporate Outreach towards CSR Pillars’ was moderated by Anuj Guglani, Founder & CEO of WAF Group, addressing environmental rejuvenation, road safety, education, health, sanitation and skills development. Session Chairman Rajendra Raut, Co-Chair of the SIAM CSR & Community Services Group and Director (Corporate & Govt. Affairs) at JSW MG Motor India, identified education as the enabling force strengthening all CSR pillars, advocating for partnership and co-creation over donor-recipient approaches. Presentations followed from Sanchita Vaish, Lead Specialist-Global Entity Governance & CSR Lead (India) at Baker Hughes; Praveen Karn, Group Head Sustainability & CSR at Minda Group; Dr Veenu Shankar, Assistant Professor at Delhi Technological University; Anjali Makhija, CEO of S. M. Sehgal Foundation and Dr Chitra, CEO of Indian Head Injury Foundation.

A panel discussion on ‘NGO & Corporate Perspective on Successful Collaboration Models towards CSR Execution’ was moderated by Mugdha Mishra, Editor of Auto Media Strategy at Autocar India. Panellists included Arindam Lahiri, CEO of ASDC; Rahul Bansal, Head of Private & Public Sector Partnerships at UNICEF; Shailendra Singh, Director of Dhartie Warriors Foundation; Pritika Chand, Corporate Head at Jindal Stainless; Prabhu Nagaraj, Head – Corporate Affairs at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. and Co-Chairman of the SIAM Skilling Group; Ajay Bhatt, Head-Comm., Ex. Affairs, Sustainability & CSR at Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd.; Saurabh Sharma, Head CSR & ESG at Hyundai Motor India Ltd. and Runa Ahlawat, General Manager at JSW MG Motor India. They emphasised collaboration's importance in CSR execution.

The day's highlight was a Fireside Chat on ‘CSR Partnerships – From Shared Vision to Shared Value’, moderated by Mugdha Mishra, where Guest of Honour Dr Bhaskar Chatterjee reiterated the need for sustainability practices like waste management, process re-engineering and carbon capture in the automobile industry.

The conclave concluded with an Award Ceremony recognising outstanding CSR contributions. Puneet Anand delivered opening remarks. SIAM CSR awards were distributed by dignitaries including Dr Bhaskar Chatterjee; Alok Jaitley, President – SAFE & EVP at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.; Puneet Anand; Rajeev Taneja; Rajendra Raut; Rajesh Menon, Director General of SIAM and Prashant K Banerjee. Awards under Skill Enhancement and Education went to Kedman Skilled India Foundation (Honda) and Centum Foundation (Mahindra & Mahindra). Healthcare & Sanitation awards were presented to Karma Healthcare Trust (Hyundai) and Sparsha Trust (Toyota). Road Safety awards recognised Learning Links Foundation (Ashok Leyland) and The TSL Foundation (Mahindra & Mahindra). Environmental Rejuvenation awards honoured Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (Škoda Auto Volkswagen) and NAAM Foundation (TATA Motors).

The conclave reaffirmed SIAM's commitment to collaborating with governments, industry leaders and stakeholders to advance sustainable mobility and contribute to India's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, aligned with its mission of building the nation responsibly.

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Antolin, a supplier of automotive interior technology, has announced the appointment of Emma Antolín Granet as its Executive Chair. The Board of Directors also appointed Ernesto Antolin Calzada as Vice-Chairman.

Ernesto Antolín Arribas steps down as chairman after 10 years to focus on the company's institutional affairs and representation. The leadership transition coincides with the development of a strategic plan focused on the company's financial position, margin improvement and cash generation.

The board indicated that the new strategy will build upon the current Transformation Plan. The primary objectives involve reinforcing the balance sheet and accelerating value creation through its three business units: Headliners, Cockpit & Door Systems, and Technology Solutions.

Antolin operates 111 factories in 23 countries and employs 20,000 people. The company reported revenue of EUR 4.19 billion in 2024.

Granet previously served as Vice-Chair and a Member of the Audit and Nominations committees. She holds an MBA and a Master’s in Financial Management from IE University, with further studies from Cambridge and Harvard Business School.

Ernesto Antolín Calzada joins the board after holding roles in project management and industrial operations at Antolin. His background includes experience in the financial department of Telefónica and in mergers and acquisitions at a law firm in London.

Emma Antolin, stated, "I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by the Board of Directors and I take on these new responsibilities with great determination. Over the past several years I have witnessed firsthand the strength of this Company and the talent of our people. My priority is to continue consolidating our market leadership position and delivering sustainable, long-term growth. I would also like to thank Ernesto Antolín for his work, strong commitment and dedication during the past years at the helm of the Company."

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