Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) announced on its LinkedIn page on Wednesday that it has recently signed an agreement with Maruti Suzuki Toyotsu India (MSTI). MSTI is a government-approved ELV scrapping and recycling company that is setting up modern ELV scrap and recycling centres in the country. Its agreement with Honda Cars India offers an end-to-end solution for scrapping end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). Honda Cars India claims that this collaboration enables HCIL dealerships to assist their customers in getting the best value from their ELVs, while also facilitating hassle-free deregistration and issue of Certificate of Deposit/Destruction through its dealer partners. Customers can get their older vehicles scrapped in a scientific and environment-friendly manner.

According to HCIL, the service alliance will begin in Delhi NCR, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The coverage area will expand with addition of new scrappage centres by MSTI in the future.

Speaking on the new customer initiative, Takuya Tsumura, President and CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd, said, “The vehicle scrappage policy by the Government of India stipulates the scrappage and deregistration of old vehicles to promote phasing out of unfit vehicles from the roads, improve safety and lower the carbon footprint in India. We are pleased to offer a one-stop solution to our customers through our dealers, to scrap their old cars in a systematic and environmental-friendly manner. With this association, Honda Cars India intends to go beyond while serving and delighting our customers.”

Further, Masaru Akaishi, Managing Director, MSTI, said, “Today, we are pleased to announce our collaboration with Honda Cars India Limited. MSTI will continue to contribute to the improvement of India’s environment by providing environment-friendly ELV dismantling services.”

HCIL states that as part of the tie-up, the HCIL dealership with MSTI will offer customers the following –

1. Vehicle evaluation

2. Arrange quote for scrappage value of the vehicle

3. Provide end-to-end services, including vehicle pick-up, transportation and dismantling at MSTI scrap and recycling centre

4. Issue of Certificate of Deposit/Destruction from MSTI

The Certificate of Deposit/ Destruction will enable customers claim eligible benefits under the vehicle scrappage policy notified by the Government of India and adopted by various state governments. As per HCIL, the customer will also have additional peace of mind and assurance that their old vehicle cannot be misused and therefore, there will be no legal liability or hassle afterwards.

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a leading manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers has signed an agreement with CSC Grameen eStore for its commercial vehicle range (three-wheelers). 

The partnership will enable CSC Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) to serve as a touchpoint for TVS Motor’s commercial vehicles. They (VLEs) will facilitate the process of enquiry, purchase, test drives and/or delivery of vehicles, through the TVS three-wheeler dealer network. 

At present, the TVS commercial vehicle range comprises of TVS King Deluxe, TVS King Duramax, TVS King Duramax Plus and TVS King Kargo, which will get listed on the CSC e-store.

The CSC Grameen eStore was started by CSC eGov, the apex enterprise set up with the support of the government of India to digitally empower citizens of India.

Rajat Gupta, Business Head of Commercial Mobility, TVS Motor Company said, "We are excited to be on the CSC Grameen eStore. This partnership will help us expand our reach to areas so far untapped. VLEs being integrated in their respective ecosystems, will ensure that as our first touchpoints, they are able to explain the product proposition in a language and environment that customers are familiar with. It will not just facilitate sales but also bring about a deeper customer connect.”

Avani Kapoor, Senior Vice-President, Business Head, CSC Grameen eStore said, “We welcome the TVS Motor Company on the CSC network. With a mission of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, our aim is to bring world class products to rural areas. Commercial mobility is a key requirement for the country and its social and economic well-being. With TVS on the platform, VLEs get a wonderful portfolio of three-wheelers to sell and customers get a great proposition to buy. We couldn’t have been more pleased.”

Pavna Industries, one of India’s leading automotive parts manufacturers has acquired a land parcel of 4,335 square meters at the Integrated Industrial State, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand for its upcoming greenfield plant that will primarily cater to the demand of die cast components.
The company plans to utilise the logistical and cost benefits of the region to strengthen its presence in the domestic automotive sector and streamline its operations in serving Bajaj Auto, a key client. 

The acquisition involves leveraging supply chain synergies and minimising overhead expenses. Pantnagar has gradually become a notable hub for the automotive industry, with prominent companies such as Bajaj Auto and Ashok Leyland establishing a presence in the area. As part of its ongoing and future expansion plans Pavna Industries is setting up the new plant, with an aim to attract business from various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in and around Pantnagar. This strategic move is particularly significant as the auto sector is one of the priority sectors in Uttarakhand. Expanding operational capacity not only positions the company to better serve and attract a broader range of OEMSs in the region but also enhances its market presence. 

Earlier this year the company bagged an order from Ola Electric for supply of ignition switches and latches and launched its products in Bangladesh. 

Swapnil Jain, Managing Director, Pavna Industries said, “This acquisition signifies our move to our own premises in Uttarakhand, transitioning from our current rented facility. The plant which will be nestled within Pantnagar thriving industrial ecosystem, will enable us to provide superior service, particularly to Bajaj Auto and aligns with our long-term goal of offering better prices to our customers. Pantnagar's supportive government policies and growing industrial cluster attract major players, creating a collaborative business environment.”

“We are optimistic about the automotive industry future and committed to supporting the 'Aatmnirbhar Bharat'; initiative by manufacturing high- quality indigenous components in our technologically advanced plants.”

At present, Pavna Industries has 9 facilities at three locations- Aligarh, Aurangabad and Pantnagar along with strategically located distribution network in 17 states.

Joonsu Cho has been elevated to the position of Chief Sales Officer by Kia India from the position of Regional Manager (Eastern Region) which he assumed in 2023. The assignment of Regional Manager (Eastern Region) as his first assignment in India after serving in various leadership positions in other countries across the globe.  

Bringing with him 32 years of experience in the automotive industry, Cho will be responsible for driving the company's sales initiatives, enhancing operational efficiencies and steering its long-term growth plans in his new role. 

Having served in leadership positions globally, including Kia Australia (he was the CEO there), Kia UK and Kia Europe, Cho has played a pivotal role in the growth thrust of the automaker in India particularly. 

In his new role. He will be instrumental in Kia forwarding its commitment to deliver innovative products and to foster sustainable growth through product portfolio expansion, sales strategy and further strengthening of dealer network.