The Aluminium Association of India (AAI), the apex body representing aluminium producers in India, has submitted its pre-budget representation to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.

It emphasises aluminium’s crucial role in India’s continued growth, especially as the nation envisions becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. High aluminium usage is an established marker of advanced economies, given the metal’s extensive use in both present and futuristic applications. This has led several nations like USA, Malaysia and Indonesia to designate aluminium as a ‘strategic sector’.

As per industry estimates, India’s per capita consumption of aluminium is still around 3kg per annum, compared to the global average of 12kg. However, the sector is facing major challenges in attracting fresh investments, despite domestic demand for aluminium set to reach 10 MTPA by 2030. So far, the Indian aluminium industry has invested over USD 20 billion, to expand production capacity to 4.2 MTPA to meet the growing demand. However, a further investment of about USD 40 billion over the next 6 years will be needed to meet the expected demand of 10 MTPA, while also creating more jobs within India.

AAI states that given that aluminium is a strategic metal with extensive usage in defence, aerospace and sunrise sectors of renewables, electric vehicles, power transmission and sustainable infrastructure, it is paramount for India to be self-sufficient in aluminium production. Towards encouraging fresh investments, aluminium producers have requested the Central Government to safeguard the industry from surging imports.

The industry body states that over the past couple of years, imports of primary aluminium have doubled while there has also been a significant surge in low-quality scrap and downstream products, especially from China.

Industry members have highlighted that the influx of imports in the domestic market is a deterrent to making new investments in the sector, even when India has all the necessary ingredients to emerge as a global aluminium hub. According to them, the primary reason for the surge in imports is the low import duties on primary/downstream products and a prevalent duty difference between primary goods and scrap in aluminium. This is unlike other key non-ferrous metals, where the duty for scrap and primary is at par.

AAI states it is therefore requesting the Central Government to help ensure the nation’s self-sufficiency and attract new investments by increasing the import duty on primary/downstream products to 10 percent from the existing 7.5 percent. Additionally, to control cheap imports, the duty on aluminium scrap also needs to be set at 7.5 percent, at par with other aluminium products. This measure would encourage the recycling of domestic scrap and limit the influx of low-quality foreign scrap, helping strengthen the circular economy.

To ensure global competitiveness, it is essential that policies nurture a sustainable environment, fostering growth for the domestic industry while positioning India as a leader in the global market. This will provide some relief to the industry, already burdened by high tax and regulatory charges.

At present, the industry incurs around 17 percent of its cost of production in taxes, levies, and regulatory compliance charges. To ease this burden, the AAI has proposed an urgent rationalising of duties on crucial raw materials.

The domestic aluminium industry’s existing investments in capacity have led to the creation of over 800,000 direct and indirect jobs and spurred the development of more than 4,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in remote regions, particularly in the downstream sector. According to the AAI, the additional investment of USD 40 billion to meet domestic demand would align with the Prime Minister's vision for an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, while also creating 2 million livelihood opportunities across the country. With government support in the form of duty rationalisation and enhanced import restrictions, the domestic producers are confident of contributing to India's journey toward self-reliance.

Representational image courses: Victor Kovshevny/Flickr

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India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd has achieved a significant milestone in its manufacturing journey with the completion of 10 years of operations at its Chennai Factory. Reinforcing its role as a critical production base for both domestic and global markets, the company also celebrated the roll-out of its five millionth two-wheeler from this state-of-the-art facility—an Aerox 155 Version S that marked the milestone.
 Over the past decade, the Chennai plant has become a cornerstone of Yamaha’s global operations to serve both Indian customers and export markets. It currently manufactures Yamaha’s hybrid scooter range including the RayZR 125 Fi and Fascino 125 Fi, along with the performance-oriented Aerox 155 Version S. From an export standpoint, the facility also produces the FZ series, the Saluto range, and the Alpha scooter—reinforcing the factory’s role in delivering Yamaha's trusted quality to diverse global markets. More than 30% of the factory’s total output is exported, reflecting its manufacturing strength and global relevance.
Speaking on the occasion, Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “The Chennai factory holds strategic importance in Yamaha’s global manufacturing network. It exemplifies our unwavering focus on people, processes, and products—driven by skilled employees, synchronized operations, and a strong commitment to global quality standards. As one of Yamaha’s most modern manufacturing facilities worldwide, it has supported India’s mobility aspirations while reinforcing its role as a trusted exporter to global markets. As we celebrate the roll-out of the 5 millionth two-wheeler, I extend my deepest appreciation to our dedicated employees, vendor partners and passionate customers who have made this journey possible. We will continue to progress, and Chennai factory will keep playing a major role in addressing the evolving customer demands in Indian and overseas markets.”
Spread across 177 acres, the Chennai factory operates with a unique integrated model—109 acres dedicated to IYM and 68 acres to co-located vendor partners—enabling seamless synchronization under a unified ‘One Factory’ concept. This approach has enhanced manufacturing efficiency, speed, and supply chain integration, making the facility one of Yamaha’s most advanced in the world.
Over the last decade, the Chennai manufacturing facility has been consistently upgraded to support Yamaha's evolving premium product strategy—producing high value-added motorcycles and scooters with small to midrange engine displacements. With India’s stringent emission regulations, Yamaha Motor Company Ltd. identified an opportunity to position this plant as a global export hub, delivering products that meet the highest standards of performance and compliance. Today, the factory supports Yamaha’s portfolio across segments—ranging from premium models for Indian customers to those tailored for markets in Europe, Latin America, ASEAN, and beyond. With its focus on quality, digital systems, and sustainable technologies, the facility is well-prepared for the future of smart and eco-friendly manufacturing.
Demonstrating Yamaha’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, the plant houses an installed solar power capacity of 4450 kW, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and supporting green manufacturing practices. The facility incorporates state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technologies for zero-water discharge and recycle/reuse of wastewater. It is also designed for maximum use of sunlight, and the buildings are compatible with solar power system installation. All common utilities are centrally located to minimize distribution loss and ensure centralized management, making it a model of sustainable industrial planning.
As Yamaha celebrates this dual milestone, the Chennai plant stands as a testament to the brand’s long-term commitment to make-in-India as a strong manufacturing and development hub of world-class two-wheelers. This achievement marks a significant step forward in strengthening Yamaha’s motorcycle business in Indian market with the unwavering support and loyal partnership of our enthusiastic customers who continue to inspire us at every step to push the limits of innovation and performance offering unique and enriching experiences worldwide.

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German automotive brand Audi Sport is partnering with Fraunhofer Institutes IAO and IPA to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics can improve automotive production processes at its Bollinger Hofe site, a key pilot facility for the carmaker’s 360factory strategy.

The collaboration focuses on optimising the manual picking process – where vehicle components are retrieved from logistics containers to supply the assembly line –through a real-world laboratory set up at the facility. The trials aim to reduce errors, ease physical strain and improve supply efficiency by integrating advanced technologies into everyday operations.

The project began with a comprehensive needs analysis, during which employees wore eye-tracking smart glasses to identify cognitively demanding tasks. This data will guide the deployment of tailored AI and robotics solutions in production.

Alexander Muller, Head of Logistics at Audi Sport, said, “Low-volume production at Bollinger Hofe, such as the Audi e-tron GT family, is ideal for testing. The high degree of vehicle customisation makes the picking process especially complex.”

Researchers are testing computer vision systems and mobile robots equipped with 3D sensors and various grippers. Real customer orders serve as test scenarios, allowing the team to assess technology performance in realistic conditions.

“We are bringing research directly into the plant, and workers are actively involved in evaluating the technologies,” Muller added.

Bernd Bienzeisler, Head of the Cognitive Service Systems Research and Innovation Center KODIS at Fraunhofer IAO, noted, “This is a new chapter in industry-science collaboration. The direct feedback from employees working in real environments makes the insights particularly valuable.”

The project forms part of the broader AI25 initiative, a collaboration launched by Audi, Fraunhofer and other partners to accelerate the digital transformation of automotive production. Bollinger Hofe plays a central role within this ecosystem, which is anchored in the Heilbronn region’s Innovation Park for Artificial Intelligence (IPAI).

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Kinetic Watts and Volts, the e-mobility arm of Kinetic Group, has inaugurated its new 87,000 sqft plant at Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra.

The new facility the company shared is designed to be future-ready and will integrate advanced automation, precision assembly lines and sustainability practices. The plant will also leverage digitalisation and automation across operations.

Incorporated on 27 September 2022, Kinetic Watts and Volts is focussing on the electric vehicle segment. The subsidiary has non-exclusive rights to the Kinetic brand for a period three-years starting 2025. Till date, Kinetic Engineering and other promoters have invested INR 428 million in the subsidiary with an additional INR 290 million to be infused soon, which takes the total investment to INR 718 million.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice-Chairman, Kinetic Group, said, “This facility represents our commitment to shaping the future of mobility with world-class manufacturing excellence. It’s a proud moment for Kinetic Watts and Volts and for the entire Kinetic Group as we set the stage for a new era of innovation, sustainability, and electric mobility from India.”

The company aims to not only introduce products for the Indian market but also explore export opportunities.

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Schaeffler India, a leading motion technology company, has officially opened its fifth manufacturing facility in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in the company's growth strategy, with the new plant dedicated to producing advanced powertrain and chassis components, alongside futuristic technologies.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Georg F W Schaeffler, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Family Shareholder, Schaeffler, Eranti Sumithasri, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Schaeffler India, Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis, Schaeffler and Dharmesh Arora, Regional CEO Asia Pacific, Schaeffler.

The 16,500 sqmt facility, part of a larger 108,000 sqmt land plot, is envisioned as a central hub for the production and expansion of conventional and electrified powertrain technologies. This includes planetary gear systems, hybrid transmission components and emerging innovations primarily for the Indian market. Phase 1 of the facility is expected to be fully operational by the Q4 CY2025.

The new manufacturing site is set to significantly increase Schaeffler India's transmission component capacity. It will also play a crucial role in the company’s expansion strategy for new products and advanced technologies, contributing to its long-term global growth objectives.

Matthias Zink, said, “India is a key market for Schaeffler. The new facility is a significant step in our efforts to expand our global manufacturing footprint and further localisation in the region. It supports our long-term growth vision and positions us to better cater to the rising market demands and grow with the Indian market.”

Harsha Kadam, Managing Director and CEO, Schaeffler India, added, “The inauguration at Shoolagiri exemplifies our commitment to expanding our capacities and competencies in India, enabling us to better meet the evolving needs of our customers. With the expansion of our production facilities, we are well-positioned to cater not only to the present local markets but also future needs as we transition towards e-mobility. We remain committed to the country’s ‘Make In India’ initiative, while embracing sustainable practices. It also underscores the Schaeffler Group’s focus towards India as a strategic growth driver.”

This new facility complements Schaeffler India’s four existing manufacturing plants and three R&D centres across the country. The company has demonstrated strong commitment to its Indian operations, investing INR 17 billion over the past three years (2022-2024), exceeding its initial commitment of INR 15 billion. These investments have fuelled the expansion of new product lines for powertrain solutions, e-mobility solutions and large and medium-sized bearings for industrial applications.

In 2023, Schaeffler India further strengthened its presence in the digital automotive aftermarket with the acquisition of KRSV Innovative Auto Solutions (Koovers), a B2B e-commerce platform.

“As the industry continues to evolve against an increasingly complex environment, we remain committed to strengthening capabilities in India with our ever-evolving motion technology portfolio to seize emerging opportunities and retain our competitive edge,” concluded Kadam.

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