Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, and Presidency University (PU) in Bengaluru have joined forces to introduce a new M. Tech program in Automotive Information Technology.

The partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which aims to develop a new generation of engineers with the skills needed for the rapidly evolving automotive industry that is increasingly focused on software and IT solutions.

The four-semester program is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. An initial intake of 18 students will have the opportunity to participate in global internships with Toyota, gaining hands-on exposure to advanced technologies.

This collaboration will see both parties jointly develop the curriculum, with TKM providing insights into industry needs and emerging trends. The automaker will also facilitate the setup of specialised on-campus laboratories, while Presidency University will manage the facilities and day-to-day operations.

Leaders from both organizations emphasized the need to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands.

G Shankara, Executive Vice-President of Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The auto industry is undergoing a paradigm shift with the advent of software-defined vehicles, autonomous technologies and connected mobility solutions. At TKM, we recognise the urgent need to develop a new generation of engineers who are as adept in IT as they are in automotive systems. With Presidency University, we aim to meet our organizational talent requirements and contribute to India’s emergence as a global hub for automotive IT expertise.”

Dr. Nissar Ahamed, Chancellor of Presidency University, said, “This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs. By working closely with Toyota Kirloskar Motor, our students will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of mobility. We are confident that this initiative will empower our students to lead in a rapidly transforming industry landscape.”

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Uber for Business, the enterprise division of Uber, has appointed Rituraj Chaturmohta as the Senior Country Manager for India & South Asia.

In his new role, Chaturmohta will lead the division’s growth strategy, focusing on strengthening partnerships with organisations, enhancing enterprise mobility solutions and driving innovation in corporate travel and employee transportation.

Chaturmohta joins Uber with experience in marketplace and platform businesses. He previously served as Head of Sales and Business Development at Airbnb.

Eric Lee, Regional General Manager and Head of Uber for Business - APAC, said, “We are delighted to have Rituraj join our leadership team to drive Uber for Business’ growth and partnerships in India and South Asia. His experience in building and scaling platform businesses, combined with his understanding of the Indian market will be instrumental in strengthening our enterprise offering.”

Rituraj Chaturmohta, Senior Country Manager, Uber for Business, India and South Asia, said, “I am thrilled to join Uber for Business to lead India and South Asia, one of Uber’s most dynamic growth markets. Uber for Business is reimagining how businesses move - with scale, sustainability, and customer centricity at the core. My focus is to deepen Uber’s relationships with our business clients, build tailored mobility solutions that drive measurable ROI, and make Uber for Business a growth partner for every company operating in this region.”

Uber for Business manages travel, meals, and commute programmes for over 200,000 organisations worldwide. In India, the division currently assists over 8,000 organisations with solutions for business travel, daily commutesand employee shift transportation.

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The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has assessed the draft of the 2030 Charging Infrastructure Master Plan, calling for a coherent, cross-departmental 'Overall Charging Strategy' to accelerate the expansion of charging infrastructure.

Hildegard Muller, President, VDA, said, “In order to further accelerate the expansion of charging infrastructure for vehicles, increase user-friendliness and ensure charging prices, a cross-departmental 'Overall Charging Strategy' is necessary. Against this background, the VDA fundamentally assesses the draft of the 2030 Charging Infrastructure Master Plan as good.”

The VDA supports the draft's proposals to increase e-mobility through streamlined approval procedures, grid expansion, charging prices through transparency and a focus on charging infrastructure for trucks and buses on highways and at depots.

However, the association outlined areas requiring work:

• Multi-Unit Buildings: The VDA demands that the EU Building Directive requirements for charging infrastructure at parking spaces be implemented into law without delay. It stressed that the pooling of charging points across locations, as mentioned in the draft, would weaken EU requirements and must be rejected.
• Commercial Vehicles: While welcoming the commitment to expand the charging network for trucks, the VDA noted that the still inadequate availability of charging points represents an obstacle to the ramp-up of commercial vehicles and buses. It also stated that the draft fails to address the segment of light vehicles, demanding measures to support the development of charging infrastructure in urban areas.
• Power Grids and Taxation: The VDA highlighted that Germany's power grids are not equipped for the energy transition. It called for the expansion to be oriented towards demand and for a uniform, digital process for grid connection applications. Furthermore, the VDA demands that electricity tax, network charges and concession fees be eliminated when energy is fed back into the supply network (vehicle-to-grid) to establish bidirectional charging.
• Charging Prices: The VDA reiterated that charging prices are necessary for the market ramp-up of e-mobility. It called for the electricity tax for e-mobility to be reduced to make charging electricity less expensive, noting that the draft 'falls short of the coalition agreement' on this point.

The VDA also urged the government to advocate for targets in the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) at the level, stating that the AFIR targets are not to the market ramp-up of e-mobility in Europe.

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HERE Technologies, a provider of location data and technology platforms, has announced its collaboration with the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) as the ‘Official Navigation on Autopilot and Localisation Partner’ for The ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) Show. The event is organised by Aayera in collaboration with ARAI and MarketsandMarkets.

This partnership is taking place at the newly opened ADAS Test City near Pune, Maharashtra, which is touted as India’s first testing ground for ADAS and autonomous vehicle technologies.

The collaboration supports HERE Technologies' aim to speed up India’s progress towards intelligent transport and connected mobility. By combining HERE’s expertise in high-precision mapping, real-time localisation and connected vehicle data platforms with ARAI’s research and standards work, the partnership aims to bring ADAS and autonomous technologies closer to deployment under Indian driving conditions.

“We’re honoured to partner with ARAI on this transformative initiative. The ADAS Test City is a cornerstone in India’s path toward intelligent mobility and HERE’s high-definition maps and localisation technologies are key enablers of safe, reliable and context-aware driving experiences. Together with ARAI, we aim to empower automakers, tier-1s and developers to localise, test and scale ADAS capabilities that truly reflect India’s diverse road ecosystem,” stated HERE Technologies in a statement.

At The ADAS Show, HERE Technologies will present its innovations, including live demonstrations of its real-time localisation and HD mapping systems during ADAS track demos at the Test City. Visitors can explore HERE’s capabilities, such as HERE HD Live Map and HERE ISA Map, C-V2X, and cloud-based localisation. HERE experts will also participate in discussions on navigation accuracy, vehicle localisation and connected mobility.

The ADAS Test City, developed by ARAI, is an integrated testing environment dedicated to the validation of ADAS and autonomous technologies. It replicates complex urban and highway conditions for testing safety features. The ADAS Show 2025, organised in collaboration with ARAI, is a platform for automotive leaders and innovators.

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Tata Motors, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has added another feather to its cap, bagging two Red Dot Design Awards for the Avinya X Concept and Sierra Concept models. Martin Uhlarik led the in-house design for both models.  

The Red Dot Design Award, which was established in 1955, assesses design quality across three categories: Product Design, Brands & Communication Design and Design Concept. The competition has operated for nearly 70 years under the current brand structure developed in the 1990s by Red Dot CEO Professor Dr Peter Zec.

The Avinya X Concept first showcased at Bharat Mobility 2025 was recognised for its innovation through its design, stance and proportions. The vehicle features technologies such as matrix LED lighting, aero enhancements and wheels, which boost efficiency and emphasise its elegance. Its silhouette and enclosed surfaces balance strength, power and off-road capability while offering cabin space.

The interior is designed to rejuvenate mind and body, blending craftsmanship with wellness. Cabin details include fabric-wrapped soundbars, aroma diffusers and lounge-style rear seating. The dashboard integrates technology, providing information while minimising distractions for a driving experience. The Samudra exterior colour, paired with protective accents and detailing, enhances the concept's presence. The rear interior, crafted from materials, offers a lounge-like experience.

On the other hand, the revived Sierra design captures the charm of the original while embracing sophistication, balancing nostalgia with elegance. The rear glass has been reimagined as a combination of a finisher along the roofline and a panoramic sunroof to recreate the illusion of glass. This design gives the concept a roof appearance while meeting safety standards.

The exterior features surfaces that convey confidence and elegance. Haunches and a shoulder line contribute to a stance, reflecting the vehicle’s character. The rear is designed to express width and stability, with a tailgate that reinforces the stance. This design enables taillights. A D-pillar enhances the roof effect, creating continuity and flow.

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