Founded in 1990, the company dedicates itself to innovation, rapid design and development and lean production with automated quality control. It offers solutions for the rapidly changing emission control requirements and OEMs’ futuristic demands to enhance efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Spearheading innovation in its journey towards smarter automobiles, contributing its mite in making the planet green, the company recently developed ClearBlade Wiper. Speaking to this publication, Prakash Bhalekar, President and CEO, Padmini VNA Mechatronics India, said, the company always focuses on innovation and advance products. Clear blade wiper is the product which is innovative and contains special mechanism and uniqueness compared to other market available wipers. This reduces the visibility risk during the cleaning of the windshield for a safer driving experience.

This is an innovative product with a patent which is registered in WIPO. According to him, this can be used in any vehicle - diesel, gasoline, hybrid, electric etc. The company is associated with all OEMs worldwide and focuses on innovation. ClearBlade wiper has similar features for the beneficial of the end-user, he added.

On the key driver to develop such an innovative product, Bhalekar said, “Mostly all OEMs use conventional wiper having old technology whether it is a budget, premium or heavy vehicle. Also, the conventional wiper leads to visibility risk not limited to one’s own vehicle but other vehicle passing by, during high speeds. Along with our partners, we thought to develop this wiper as Padmini VNA focuses on new technology and always eager to invest in R&D, which leads to the safety of the end-user.”

Padmini VNA’s vision is to incorporate new technological developments with ecological strategies. The newly developed product is achieving this objective. He said the ClearBlade Wiper reduces the visibility risk, low water consumption, safer driving experience and much stronger cleaning capability against mud, ice and bugs off the windshield. “This product definitely meets Padmini VNA objective,” he said. These could even be part of the compelling reasons for the OEMs to accept this product,

Bhalekar said and added, “The important thing is the end-user safety which is always Padmini VNA’s focus and OEM’s prime goal too. ClearBlade wiper also focuses on safety by reducing visibility risk along with long life due to its uniqueness. Padmini VNA is associated with all OEMs worldwide and committed to providing them with highest quality of products. We are sure we can bring this to OEMs’ attention as we are already in discussion with many of them.”

The wiper fluid flows through a row of outlets between two rubber blades on the wiper assembly. In the normal case, it would increase the blade’s thickness; else it would be fragile as there is a water channel in the blade. However, the solution that is developed by Padmini VNA is neither thick nor fragile, since it has a special wiper cover. The cover that carries the water is made of PVC, which is flexible and UV resistant. The tiny orifice is made in the PVC cover. The cover and the wiper blades are supported by the central carrier which is made up of spring steel. This gives rigidity to the entire wiper blade, Bhalekar asserted.

This may, no doubt, result in conserving wiper fluid, but how does it optimise cleaning aspect? He said, in the clear blade wiper, there are two rubber blades as compared to the conventional wiper which has only one blade. ClearBlade provides uniform fluid distribution across windshield even when used at high speed, avoids wastage of excess fluid that spills on the windshield surfaces or to other vehicles and is ideal for all conditions.

While the blade is transparent, the arm is not. The primary objective of the clear blade wiper’s function is to avoid water spillage into the windshield, which causes poor visibility while driving. In case of ClearBlade wiper, it keeps the water in between the two wiping elements (rubber blades), and the fluid exits from the bottom of the wiper minimising haze. Also, in the conventional wiper there is an arm which carries the blades, he explained.

According to the company the ClearBlade will be supplied to OEMs and aftermarket. While the OE fitment is based on the entirely new design of the vehicle maker’s system, it will not be the same for the aftermarket. To facilitate retro fitment, the company has provided a connection in the system with a universal joint which can accommodate three types of wiper holding system. In India, mostly U-hook type joint is available. The ClearBlade has provision for connecting U-hook, small pin and large pin-type connection. On the other hand, the wiper system also contains the extended rubber pipe along with T-connector which is easy to connect to the water supply pipe, he said.

“Our product is already validated as per the global standard. We are ready with the prototypes and can offer to the customers for testing in the vehicle as per their requirement and can bring it into production in a nominal time frame,” he added.

The very DNA of Padmini VNA is innovation, and this is reflected in the Design & Development Department, which has over 50 percent of its total employee strength, and investment of over 10 percent of sales. With 45 patents to its credit, the company has been developing innovative solutions for the present and future problems. Some of the patented products include Vacuum Pump, which is lowest in the world in power consumption; first of its kind Dual Purge Valve, eCRV and Liquid Seat Cooling; Solar Thermal, which has best-in-class efficiency, and Waste Water Evaporator. Recently the company has developed a cooler jacket. (MT)

The European Union voted in favour of imposing extra tariffs on China-made EVs by up to 45 percent on 4 October 2024. Threatening a broader trade conflict with a country that has already vowed to protect its companies and is considered as the factory of the world, the move has been criticised by the auto industry and various EU member states.

With growing demand for EU and China resolving their differences through dialogue, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade is known to express that it is opposed to be the move.

With the technical teams from China and the EU set to resume talks on 7 October 2024, the situation in EU as far as the auto OEMs like Volkswagen Group, Stellantis and BMW Group are concerned, there have been instances of profit warnings.  

Weak demand, rising costs, global competition, trade wars, geopolitical situations, subsidies and company-specific factors are among the reasons being underlined for the profit warnings by European automakers.

Receiving necessary support with 10 members backing the tariffs, 12 abstaining and five members – including Germany – voting against, the European Union, claim sources aware of the development, has been urged by the auto industry to negotiate with China for better terms and conditions rather than to reach the level were a trader war looks eminent.

Present in the China market for a decade or more, many European automakers seem to fear if the tariffs imposed on Chinese EVs will lead to negative consequences in that market for them.

Volkswagen is known to have said that the tariffs are ‘the wrong approach’. There is a need for the two sides to negotiate and find the middle way, mentioned an industry source in Germany in response to the tariffs by EU.

Image courtesy: EmDee (Wikipedia)

The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body representing the forging industry in the country has announced its new officer bearers for 2024-26. 

The committee has elected Yash Munot as the new President of AIFI, while S.  Ravishankar was elected as the Vice-President.

Munot, who succeeds Vikas Bajaj, had previously served as Vice-President of AIFI from 2020 to 2024, is now also the youngest to be appointed as the President in the organisation's history. 

He currently serves as the CEO at Varsha Forgings and the Managing Director at KCTR Varsha Automotive. Munot begun his journey in the forging industry in 2005 joining his family business - Varsha Forgings. He was also instrumental in organising major industry events like IFC 2011, Forgetech  India 2016, Asia Forge 2019 and ForgeTech India 2023. He has served as the Western Region Chairman from 2018 to 2020. 

“The forging sector in India is at a pivotal juncture, with tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth. Our focus will be on fostering collaboration within the industry, driving technological advancements and promoting sustainable practices. I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that our industry not only thrives domestically but also strengthens and enhances its global footprint. Together, we will build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and strive for excellence in every aspect of our work," said Munot.

S Ravishankar added, “I will strive for advancing our industry’s progress and tackling the challenges presented by a rapidly changing global landscape. Our priorities will include boosting competitiveness, driving innovation and equipping our members for future opportunities. I look forward to embracing the exciting prospects ahead and contributing to AIFI’s continued success during this transformative era”

He (Ravishankar) currently serves as the MD at Super Auto Forge and has over 25 years of experience in the auto component manufacturing industry. He is a Manufacturing Engineer with Bachelors degree from Annamalai University and Masters degree from The Ohio State University.

It was in 1997, after working in Detroit for two years, Ravishankar returned to India and joined his family business at Super Auto Forge. He has been instrumental in developing the international business of SAF and led the initiative to establish marketing offices in Detroit in 2001, followed by Belgium in 2011. He has been the Chairman of Indo American Chamber of Commerce for the period 2008 – 2009 – Tamil Nadu Branch and currently serves on the Southern Regional Committee of ACMA since 2021.

Automechanika Frankfurt has cemented its position as the leading international trade fair for the automotive industry with the successful conclusion of Automechanika Frankfurt 2024. 

The slogan of this year’s Automechanika was ‘Driving Transformation’, with topics such as electrification, vehicle connectivity, driver assistance systems and digitalisation taking the centre stage. The fair was held from 10 to 14 September 2024 and saw 4,200 companies from 80 countries displaying their products and solutions for retail, workshops and industry. Spread over an area of 320,000 square metres and 26 hall levels, the event witnessed a total of 108,000 visitors from 172 countries.

Visitors had the chance to see cars with alternative drive systems up close, such as electric, hydrogen, and hybrid models, and even take a ride in the Future Mobility Park and the related expert forum Innovation4Mobility. For even more highlights, there were brand-new event types available, such as an exhilarating rally. Ninety-four percent of attendees, 70 percent of whom were foreign visitors, expressed satisfaction with the event, not just with the trade fair's offerings but also with their aims being met.

An emphasis on sustainable technologies, products and solutions was highlighted at Automechanika this year. Several talks on remanufacturing and circular economy tactics were held on the stage in the new Sustainability Court in Hall 5.0. This year also saw the opening of ‘Ambition’, a dedicated Gen Z section in Hall 3.1 with live acts, panel discussions and succinct, fascinating presentations to pique the interest of young people in the automotive professions. This action was taken as a result of the well-known lack of qualified workers in the automobile sector.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, commented, “Even in the midst of the digital transformation, the industry once again demonstrated its wealth of innovation, providing countless highlights over the course of the five-day event. Together with our exhibitors, we were able to find the right players to present the most important topics – including alternative drive systems, sustainability and the use of AI and robotics in the automotive aftermarket – on the stages and in the exhibition halls. We are also delighted by growing demand from both German and international visitors.”

Michael Johannes, Vice President Mobility & Logistics, Messe Frankfurt, said “Never before has Automechanika in Frankfurt had a supporting programme and range of events like this. Our roster of presentations and practical workshops covered a wide range of topics, including bodywork and paintwork, electric vehicles, commercial vehicles, caravan repair, 3D printing, detailing and much else besides. These were very well received by the professionals, and students and pupils took advantage of the opportunities on offer to find out for themselves what some of the automotive trades and professions are like. One of this year’s new additions was a programme and area devoted especially to Generation Z. We wanted to draw their attention to the professional opportunities that are available in the fascinating world of the automotive industry – and we were very successful.”

Castrol India, a leading lubricant manufacturer, has announced that it has achieved a significant sustainability milestone by increasing recycled content in its high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic bottles to 50 percent. 

With this, the company aims to achieve 2,600 metric tonnes of annual recycled plastic usage in its packaging portfolio by 2024.

The step builds upon its previous actions to help make its packaging more sustainable, including the commercialisation of 100 percent recycled bottles for POWER1 range in 2022 and the incorporation of 30 percent recycled content across its entire bottle packaging in 2023.

This latest change aligns seamlessly with Castrol’s global PATH360 strategy, which aims to reduce its plastic footprint by half by 2030.

Sandeep Sangwan, MD, Castrol India said, “We are proud to announce this milestone in our journey towards more sustainable packaging. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who have overcome challenges to develop packaging solutions that meet our high standards for quality and aesthetics.”

In addition to packaging, Castrol India aims to have more sustainable manufacturing practices. The company’s production facilities utilise energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to seek to reduce its operational greenhouse gas emissions.