Over the last three decades, Vector has been supplying tools and services that give engineers the decisive advantage to make challenging and highly complex designs and develop automotive products as simple and manageable as possible. Today, the company is working on various fronts from e-mobility to connectivity, cyber security to ADAS and will continue to work on the new areas which will drive the future of mobility. “Vector is also working on identifying the challenges that a customer could face in the future in the context of these trends and is working as a partner with the customers to overcome these challenges,” said Chandra Nataraja, Managing Director, Vector Informatik India. Nataraja also emphasises the need of ‘real R&D development’ at the local level in India, instead of being followers and adapters.

Q) We are coming across the word “complexity” often in the automotive industry? How does Vector help in simplifying the process in engineering, design, testing, validation and calibration?

Chandra Nataraja: At Vector Informatik, more than 3,000 employees across 31 locations worldwide support manufacturers and suppliers of the automotive industry with a professional platform of tools and software components. Our solutions are used by engineers of automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers and other software organisations undertaking the development of automotive electronics.

There is increased complexity in the automotive space, especially with the software running in cars, for which development teams need to have an overview of their ideas being realised into technologies. There is a lot of toolchain and structure development, not to mention the standards that are being adopted. Vector is a part of several standardisation groups and offers solutions across the complete V cycle of automotive development process, including system engineering, design, testing, validation and calibration, which helps to simplify the processes for the customers.

To elaborate further, the ECU testing tools from Vector support in the implementation of simulation and test environments in an efficient way. Regardless of the task in the development process, the Vector testing tools provide a scalable and re-usable solution from pure SIL simulations to HIL testing with functional acceptance tests – for all types of vehicles including internal combustion engine, a hybrid or a purely electric vehicle. Similarly, for calibration, we provide software and hardware solutions which cover all requirements throughout the entire development process, right from function development through bypassing and rapid prototyping solutions to test bench applications and test drives during trials and in series production.

We also offer solutions to engineers in other application areas such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving, connected vehicles and electric vehicles. The company puts together solutions and provides customers with toolchain to develop, test, calibrate and validate software that is being developed for such applications.

Q) What are the current trends in the automotive industry for which the company is developing solutions?

Chandra Nataraja: Vector follows automotive trends closely, with the principle for the company being that it does not develop solutions in isolation, but rather works with customers as partners.

E-mobility is one of the major trends today and for electric mobility to enter mass market, smart charging is a key solution. The term smart charging is used for charging systems of electric or hybrid vehicles according to various standards like ISO 15118, DIN SPEC 70121 and SAE J2847/2. Vector supports developers of on-board charging ECUs in the vehicle, charging stations and induction charging systems with extensive test systems and bespoke ECU software. Using Vector test solution for smart charging, customers can test on-board charging ECUs without having to operate a real charging spot. Vector also offers solutions for testing of charging stations, E-Mobility Measurement and software stack for rapid development of charging ECUs, which supports all international standards including CCS, GB/T and CHAdeMO. This helps customers develop their software quickly and cost effectively.

Another area of focus is connected vehicles, where Vector is looking at extending the domain beyond the car, at the areas where it can offer standardisation. There is a large amount of data collected from the car when talking about connectivity, and the company is looking at cloud solutions in managing this data.

This also brings us to cyber security, where OEMs and applied partners are analysing if there is enough security of information inside the automobile. Vector has developed solutions related to remote updating of software, for which its understanding of the vehicle network is helping us to see how this can be connected with the IT world.

Autonomous Driving is another trend towards which Vector is carrying out development work, in partnership with BASELABS. BASELABS has algorithms related to ADAS for autonomous driving, and with Vector’s calibration product line aligned to it, we have an entire package which supports both the development and validation of ADAS.

Our tool set for testing and calibration has been developed to accommodate future vehicle technologies, and also extend it to multiple networks in the vehicle. Apart from developing innovations based on market trends, Vector is also working on identifying the challenges that a customer could face in the future in the context of these trends and is working as a partner with the customers to overcome these challenges.

Q) With the growing penetration of electronics in vehicles, how do you see the business opportunities for the company?

Chandra Nataraja: Since last 30 years, Vector has been a capable partner in the development of automotive electronics. Satisfied and successful customers are our motivation, and we work to ensure that our customers achieve an increase in value in their work that we can also be proud of. Driven by our passion for technology, we develop solutions which relieve engineers of their demanding tasks and our focus continues to be on providing products to customers for developing embedded systems so that they can develop solutions which will drive the future of mobility.

We see the business opportunities increasing with our existing customers as they look towards future challenges and opportunities. Also, the current trends have brought in new technology players in the automotive ecosystem, and we look forward to working with them as their reliable and technically competent partner.

Q) How do you see the collaborative approach, especially with high-tech companies?

Chandra Nataraja: Presently, we are already collaborating with multiple high-tech companies in Europe and USA. We do see the potential to collaborate with Indian Tier-1s, Tier-2s and service organisations, especially in the EV space. India is poised to develop a unique ecosystem within the electric vehicle segment where all these companies will play a key role, and we look forward to working as partners with everyone who will develop the future of mobility.

We continue to explore synergies with agile companies and our technology, which can be seen in our efforts to foray into areas other than automotive where we can add value as partner to customers and collaborate to develop technology solutions.

Q) What is the role of the Indian entity in Vector’s global business?

Chandra Nataraja: Vector Informatik India Private Limited is a 100 percent subsidiary of Vector Informatik GmbH and is headquartered at Pune with offices in Bengaluru, where more than 100 technical experts and subject matter specialists support the customers in automotive ecosystem with their challenges and provide customised solutions as per their development and testing needs.

We work closely with all global and local customers based in India, those who have technical teams and presence in India – to understand their development needs and provide solutions across application areas. Dedicated support team in India is available to the customers for all technical queries’ resolution, while we also facilitate the training needs of the customer locally. We also have a test services team which supports the customers with their customised project requirements related to test systems.

Q) What significance does AUTOSAR have for Vector?

Chandra Nataraja: We see that AUTOSAR is a standard that is widely adopted across the globe and the automotive market in India has also seen good adaptation towards AUTOSAR.

Vector has many years of experience in AUTOSAR and provides a comprehensive AUTOSAR Classic solution called as MICROSAR. It consists of the MICROSAR RTE (runtime environment) and MICROSAR basic software modules (BSW), which cover all aspects of the AUTOSAR standard and include many useful extensions. MICROSAR is widely used by several OEMs globally, and in India, many customers have MICROSAR stack running in their cars as the Tier-1s have used Vector AUTOSAR solutions.

Exida, the internationally recognised specialist for functional safety, has verified and independently certifies that the AUTOSAR 4 basic software from Vector fulfills the requirements of ISO 26262 up to the ASIL D level – it is called as MICROSAR Safe. MICROSAR Safe is the result of many years of experience in the field of functional safety and it helps customers integrate safety related functions into their ECU and develop AUTOSAR-based applications as per the functional safety standard, ISO 26262.

In 2017, the AUTOSAR development partnership added a new standard to its line-up that is based on POSIX operating systems: the “AUTOSAR Adaptive Platform”. Adaptive MICROSAR is the Vector solution for vehicles with an E/E architecture based on the AUTOSAR Adaptive Platform. It complements the proven MICROSAR with basic software for the AUTOSAR Adaptive Platform, which is optimised for highly automated driving, multimedia applications and networking services.

Thus, we at Vector provide field-proven AUTOSAR solutions which are tuned to the customer needs – offering a comprehensive range of design and development tools, ECU software and services around AUTOSAR. We are committed to support customers going ahead for all requirements around AUTOSAR.

Q) What are the new areas that Vector is now focusing on?

Chandra Nataraja: We continue to work closely as partners with customers to identify the new areas which will drive the future of mobility. We spoke about the current trends earlier and Vector continues its focus around those, including e-mobility, connectivity, cyber security and ADAS.

There is good amount of work going on towards the development of new connectivity-related technologies, as well as in cloud solutions. A lot of research is being undertaken on identifying the appropriate connectivity technologies for vehicle networks.

There are many new start-ups and technology players who are coming up as new trends emerge, across India and globe. Through our subsidiary VVC Vector Venture Capital GmbH, we continue to accompany young companies in their first steps by providing required support in different ways to these new entrants.

Vector Consulting Services is another such effort from our end to add value based on benchmarks, methodology and Vector experience in different toolchains. Through Vector Consulting, we aim to support customers for optimising the engineering and product development.

Q) What are the challenges in the industry?

Chandra Nataraja: Automotive electronics has come a long way and continues to evolve with trends and technologies like connected vehicles and autonomous driving, which we discussed earlier. Thus, one of the main challenges to the automotive ecosystem is to develop vehicles which are as secured as they are connected. The idea is to think more about the abuse cases than the use cases during development, which will ensure that the vehicles on the road continue to be reliable and secured.

On the development side, standardisation at the E/E Architecture level is the need of the hour which will allow for effective implementation of use cases like customisations amongst others.

We must understand that it takes considerable time and thought to bring new technologies to fruition and the process is at times slow. We thus need real R&D development at the local level in India, instead of being followers and adapters – this will allow for faster turnaround times and quicker technology adoption within the Indian automotive industry. (MT)

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Mumbai-headquartered engineering major Greaves Cotton has incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Greaves International Trading FZE (GITFZE), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The subsidiary will function as a hub for trading and distribution, aiming to increase the company’s presence in the Middle East and Africa.

The subsidiary will manage business development, customer engagement, technical support, channel partnerships, aftermarket services and supply chain coordination. Its portfolio will include diesel engines, gensets and powertrain solutions.

Greaves International Trading FZE  will initially target GCC markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, with subsequent expansion planned for the Levant and Africa.

Parag Satpute, MD & Group CEO, Greaves Cotton, said, “International Business is a key growth driver for Greaves and a core pillar of our GREAVES.NEXT strategy. In line with our strategic roadmap, its contribution increased from 9 percent to 13 percent in FY2026. The establishment of Greaves International Trading FZE marks a significant step in strengthening our presence across the Middle East and Africa. It enhances our ability to respond with agility to market needs, deepen customer engagement and deliver reliable, future-ready solutions. This is a focused move towards expanding our global footprint and driving sustained, long-term growth.”

The establishment of GITFZE is part of the company's strategy to scale its footprint and export capabilities.

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Stellantis, one of the leading automotive groups, has announced appointments within its Enlarged Europe organisation, effective 1 July 2026.

The company has announced that Santo Ficili has been appointed the CEO of the Maserati brand, while continuing his role as CEO of Alfa Romeo. In addition, Luca Napolitano has been appointed Head of Stellantis &You Sales and Services.

These appointments follow the departure of Jean-Philippe Imparato, who is leaving the company after 36 years.

Emanuele Cappellano, COO, Enlarged Europe & European Brands and Head of Stellantis Pro One, said, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Jean-Philippe for his unparalleled contribution to our Company, in which he spent his entire professional life. Jean-Philippe has been a true example of how to combine passion with business, inspiring people with his daily commitment and deep knowledge of the automotive industry. I congratulate on their appointments Santo and Luca, who are already fully operational within Maserati and Stellantis &You organisations and will ensure continuity in these key areas. Their experience and leadership will be crucial in this new stage of growth.”

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Tata Motors has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Castrol India to launch a pilot programme focused on establishing a circular economy for used engine oil. The initiative directly supports India’s Extended Producer Responsibility regulations while addressing the environmental challenges posed by lubricant waste.

The collaboration will create a structured and traceable system for the collection, storage and channelling of used oil originating from Tata Motors’ authorised service network. Operations for this pilot are specifically centred in Karnataka, targeting a longstanding gap in the responsible handling of this hazardous material.

Under the programme, Tata Motors’ service touchpoints in the state will function as designated collection hubs. Castrol India will leverage its technical expertise to oversee the delivery of the recovered oil to registered recyclers, ensuring rigorous quality control and traceability throughout the recycling chain.

This partnership extends the companies’ established relationship and reinforces their mutual dedication to sustainability. The pilot complements Tata Motors’ wider strategy of promoting alternative-energy vehicles while supporting Castrol India’s objective of integrating recycled content into its premium lubricant offerings.

Vikram Agrawal, Head – Spares and Non-Vehicle Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “Responsible used-oil management is central to building a truly circular automotive ecosystem in India. The volume of used engine oil generated across India’s roads each year makes responsible collection and recycling a matter of significant environmental consequence. By partnering with Castrol India, we are creating a credible, scalable model that links responsible collection at our service touchpoints to high-quality re-refined output. This is a meaningful step in Tata Motors’ broader sustainability journey.”

Anoop Jindal, Vice President – B2B (OEM) Sales, Castrol India Limited, said, “Creating a circular economy for lubricants requires collaboration across the entire value chain. This association with Tata Motors marks our first OEM collaboration focused on building a structured ecosystem for responsible used-oil management in India. We are working to strengthen every link in the circularity chain, from collection and channelisation to recycling and reuse. Insights from our used-oil collection pilots in southern India have deepened our understanding of both the opportunities and challenges involved in scaling circularity. Together with Tata Motors’ extensive service network, this initiative can help create a more organised, traceable and scalable model for used-oil circularity in India.”

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French automotive major Renault Group has appointed Quitterie de Pelleport as General Secretary, effective from 1 July 2026. The new division will oversee Legal, Audit, Risk, Ethics & Compliance, Prevention and Protection, Sustainability, Strategic Partnerships, Defence activities and the Circular Economy unit ‘The Future Is Neutral’.

The company also announced the appointment of Sandra Gomez as Chief Product & Program Officer and Francois Lavernos as Chief Information & Digital Officer. Both will report to CEO Francois Provost, who will oversee strategy and the futuREady product plan.

Francois Provost, said, “Four months after the launch of our futuREady plan, we are continuing the transformation of Renault Group with a clear focus on simplification and speed of execution. The creation of the General Secretariat is a key lever to strengthen our governance and our capacity to deliver on our ambitions. This role will also contribute to the development of certain high-potential activities. I have every confidence in Quitterie to lead this strategic function. At the same time, we are simplifying the scope of product, programs and strategy to accelerate the strengthening of our vehicle range and technologies.”

Pelleport joined Renault Group in 2021 as Chief Legal Officer. Her career includes roles at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, DLA Piper, Rhodia and Solvay.

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