The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) held the 20th Styling & Design Conclave and the 18th Automotive Design Challenge (ADC) in Goa on the theme of ‘Collaborative Creativity: Building India’s Mobility Design Ecosystem’.

The event gathered designers, industry experts and academics to discuss vehicle aesthetics, form and consumer expectations. During the event, SIAM launched a white paper titled ‘Evolution of Automotive Design in India.’

The conclave focused on the necessity of building design capabilities through partnerships between the automotive industry and academic institutions.

The 18th edition of the ADC featured 53 students from various design colleges. Participants presented concepts focused on future mobility needs, providing a platform for entry-level designers to showcase innovation in vehicle styling.

Speakers across two sessions addressed the integration of aesthetics with functionality, material innovation and sustainability. Discussions highlighted the shift toward design-led differentiation in the Indian market.

Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “Meaningful mobility solutions emerge from the confluence of sustainability, desirability, and affordability. These three essential pillars that must work together to address local needs while aligning with evolving environmental priorities.”

G Sathiyaseelan, Chairman, SIAM Styling & Design Group and Design Director, Ashok Leyland, said, “Understanding user experience must go beyond acknowledging problem areas and be rooted in empathy and a solution-driven mindset, with a clear focus on enabling gender-sensitive transportation and strengthening last-mile connectivity to create truly inclusive mobility solutions.”

Andreas Kurbos, Founder & CEO, StudioKurbos, added, “As design continues to evolve globally, India’s story can achieve stronger resonance by drawing from its rich culture and legacy. With design tools becoming increasingly democratised, identity becomes a powerful differentiator, making it essential to deeply understand audiences and co-create distinctive user experiences, while strengthening design education to shape the future of design.”

Saurabh Singh, Co-Chairman, SIAM Styling & Design Group and Senior VP, Maruti Suzuki India, added, “Shaping India through thought-provoking and emotionally engaging dialogue is essential to spark deeper conversations and meaningful action, and the country must set its sights on a bolder, more ambitious vision for its automotive future.”

The sessions included contributions from design leads at Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Stellantis, Royal Enfield, Greaves Electric Mobility and Kiska. Topics included the use of bio-sourced polymers, digital modelling and the development of next-generation styling for electric vehicles.

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Recreatives Industries, the manufacturer behind the legendary MAX 6×6 Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicles, is broadening its sales network by welcoming two new authorised dealers. The company has added Cart Guys Inc., based in Gastonia, North Carolina, alongside Globalsoft Equipment in Rochester, New York, which operates as Global MAX ATV. With Cart Guys Inc. coming on board as the second new dealer added in 2026, the United States dealer network now encompasses nine locations.

This expansion marks a strategic step in rebuilding what was once a robust North American dealer network that historically included over 200 active sites. Management views this legacy as proof of the platform’s long-term scalability as efforts continue to reestablish and grow the company’s retail presence. The focus remains on cultivating a high-quality, geographically diverse network capable of supporting rising demand across recreational, hunting and commercial sectors.

Commercial adoption of MAX ATVs is already evident, with vehicles being utilised by aqua management firms and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, alongside a loyal customer base in hunting and recreation. Upcoming models, including the MAX 4 and Buffalo, are expected to further extend the brand’s footprint into utility, industrial and commercial markets. Production of the MAX 2 is currently active and additional models are scheduled to launch in the summer of 2026, with the dealer network being aligned to support both current sales and these new introductions.

Recent operational developments include a truckload delivery of vehicle bodies to sustain ongoing MAX 2 production following the completion of the initial manufacturing run. Concurrently, the company is converting the existing MAX 4 and Buffalo moulds into its 3D CAD system, preparing for the initial production of next-generation vehicle bodies. This overall momentum reflects Recreatives Industries’ broader strategy to strengthen market presence, enhance customer access and build a scalable distribution network positioned for future growth.

Andrew Lapp, CEO, Recreatives Industries said, “Expanding our dealer network is a core priority as we continue building momentum behind the MAX brand. Adding Cart Guys in North Carolina, along with Globalsoft Equipment in New York, strengthens our regional coverage and positions us to better serve customers across key markets.”

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Vedanta Aluminium has deployed its first cohort of 30 women crane pilots at the Bharat Aluminium Company  (BALCO) unit in Korba, Chhattisgarh. The group includes 20 Pot Tending Machine (PTM) pilots and 10 beam-raising operators, marking a shift toward women-led operations as the facility enters the ‘million tonne club’.

The pilots operate in a smelting environment, executing tasks for stable metal production. These responsibilities include: anode changing & covering, tapping of molten aluminium and beam raising activities across all potlines.

The deployment followed a training programme involving classroom instruction, simulator sessions and on-the-job exposure. Currently, beam-raising activities at the plant are led by women designated as Beam Raising In-Charge in each room.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to automate core manufacturing roles and make them gender-agnostic. Vedanta Aluminium has previously implemented:

• Jharsuguda: India’s first fully women-operated potline.
• Lanjigarh: An all-women team managing the digital command centre at the alumina refinery.
• Logistics: An all-women locomotive crew for in-plant rail operations.

BALCO also integrates transgender professionals into functions such as forklift operations and security, supported by policies including financial assistance and paid leave for gender reaffirmation.

Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Automation and advanced technologies are reshaping how modern aluminium operations function across all our units. This transformation is creating space for a new generation of highly skilled professionals to lead critical, technology-enabled roles. At Vedanta Aluminium, we are proud to see women stepping confidently into these specialised positions across our operations. This milestone at BALCO reflects our commitment to building a future-ready workforce while fostering greater participation of women in core manufacturing.”

Naaz Fatima, a PTM pilot, commented, “Working as a PTM pilot is both challenging and deeply rewarding. What I value most is that the company trusts us with these critical operations and invests in our growth. It feels empowering to know that our work directly contributes to BALCO’s progress and that we are shaping a new future for women in industrial roles.”

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KKR, Allfleet India and PMI Electro Mobility Solutions have announced definitive agreements for a strategic partnership. KKR-managed funds will commit up to USD 310 million to scale Allfleet’s electric bus platform and enhance PMI Electro’s manufacturing capabilities.

As part of the transaction, KKR will acquire a majority stake in Allfleet and a minority stake in PMI Electro. This represents the eighth investment globally under KKR’s Global Climate Transition strategy and its first in India.

Established in 2022, Allfleet serves as the e-bus platform for PMI Electro, focusing on the ownership and operation of public transport fleets. The company is currently deploying over 5,000 electric buses under long-term service agreements with various state transport authorities across India.

The partnership will see an integrated model covering manufacturing led by PMI Electro, ownership and operations by managed by Allfleet and lifecycle support by technical maintenance and infrastructure management.

KKR’s investment is drawn from its Global Climate Transition strategy, which has committed over USD 44 billion to sustainability initiatives since 2010. The firm’s global portfolio in this sector includes transport electrification specialist Zenobe in the UK and solar developer Avantus in the US.

The capital will be used to expand Allfleet’s presence in Indian cities and support the national transition toward decarbonised urban mobility.

Neil Arora, Partner and Head, of KKR’s Climate Transition strategy for Asia-Pacific, said, “Transport electrification is a critical pillar of the energy transition, and India – with its scale, urbanisation trends and decarbonisation ambitions – represents one of the most significant opportunities for the sector globally. The differentiated combination of Allfleet’s proven, scalable platform and PMI’s manufacturing and service expertise stands out as a full-service solution in this market. We look forward to supporting Allfleet’s next phase of growth by working together with PMI and leveraging KKR’s global operational expertise and experience investing across climate transition.”

Aanchal Jain, CEO, PMI Electro and Director, Allfleet, said, “This investment by KKR marks a defining milestone in our journey and is a powerful endorsement of the integrated electric mobility platform we have built at Allfleet. PMI Electro’s vision is to create a scalable, reliable, and future-ready ecosystem that can transform public transport in India. As our cities grow and mobility needs evolve, clean, efficient, and accessible public transport will play a central role in shaping a more sustainable future.”

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Navi General Insurance has launched its motor insurance product, expanding its portfolio into the automotive sector. The offering provides a digital, app-led process for car and two-wheeler insurance with instant policy issuance and a zero-commission structure.

The company’s business model removes intermediary commissions traditionally associated with agent and dealer-led distribution. This direct-to-customer approach is intended to pass cost efficiencies to the policyholder.

Motor insurance currently accounts for approximately 30-35 percent of total premiums in the Indian general insurance market. The sector is supported by mandatory third-party cover requirements and increasing vehicle ownership.

The company’s service includes digital integration, comprehensive coverage options, electric vehicle-specific plans, add-on covers and underwriting & claims.

Vaibhav Goyal, Managing Director & CEO, Navi General Insurance, stated, “Motor insurance is one of the most widely held financial products in India, yet the buying and claims experience remains complicated. We see a tremendous opportunity to change that. As a digital-first, direct-to-customer insurer, we are cutting out commissions entirely, thus passing those savings directly to customers through competitive pricing. Simplifying finance for every Indian is at the heart of what we do at Navi, and with motor insurance, we're extending that promise to a product that touches millions of vehicle owners every year.”

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