After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Automotive Skills Development Council, India's first sector skill council for the automobile industry, has organised the skill-oriented brainstorming ASDC’s Partners Forum - 2022 on Wednesday. Rajesh Aggarwal IAS, Secretary, MSDE, inaugurated the forum at Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Dr. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Chairperson, NCVET; Ved Mani Tiwari, COO and acting CEO, NSDC, also attended the function. 

ASDC also launched a career guidance book, which features the opportunities in the automobile sector. The students will also get information on the new trends of 3D printing and robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, a release said. 

Rajesh Aggarwal emphasised reskilling the roadside mechanics and appreciate the ASDC’s initiative for the globally competent trainers with dual certification. 

Aggarwal said, “It is pertinent that we promote AR-VR-based skill training for the automotive sector, imbibe the culture of learning, and focus on multiskilling, as these initiatives will empower our youth and promote nation-building.” 

He further emphasised on the need for a dynamic skilling environment, exposure to industry requirements (reskilling, upskilling) and NSQF alignment with industry needs. 

Aggarwal said that we would work closely with the Armed Forces in the implementation of the Agnipath scheme as the country prepares a future ready army of young Indians. Some skills learnt on the job will have direct equivalence with National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) syllabus and Agniveers will be given Skill India certification while in service. 

Dr. Kalsi said that the council was working closely with AICTE, UGC and Sector Skill Council for making an excellent skill ecosystem. Dr. Kalsi said, “We have developed and recognised 16 different QPs that align with NSQF. All the QPs like AI, robotics, IOT, cyber securities etc are dedicated for the industry 4.0. We have also recognised two-days micro skilling training that will help the young to get skill certification.” 

Tiwari said, “The demographic dividend for India is at its peak right now. Our trainers will need to be trained in the delivery of content using digital technologies and digital content. We must restructure our job descriptions to better reflect the demands of the modern workplace. A nation that is skilled and empowered will be the result of the introduction of a digital ecosystem for skilling and livelihood, as well as the establishment of e-laboratories.” 

Vinod Aggarwal said: “The Indian automotive industry today is at the forefront of global industry practices, both in terms of adoption of the latest technology as well as fostering innovations through integrating safety and performance of vehicles produced in India. The industry stands tall in supporting the initiatives of honourable Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. In order to continue its leadership position, it needs a constant source of skilled manpower as well as focus on upskilling and reskilling its existing workforce. The theme for this year’s Partner Forum 2022 is ‘Sahayogita se Atmanirbharata’ which sums up the need for collaboration of all stakeholders – industry, government, training institutions and potential candidates to collaborate; this is what we believe will have a significant contribution in building Atmanirbhar Bharat.” 

Industry experts and panelists discussed on outcome driven training, strengthening the skill process, new opportunities in EV training, and Industry 4.0. (MT)

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has marked 20 years of the Innova SUV in India, with cumulative sales of over 1.2 million units across the Innova, Innova Crysta and Innova HyCross models.

Launched in 2005, the Innova set a new benchmark in the MPV segment with its combination of ride comfort, spacious interiors, durable build and advanced safety features. The Innova Crysta followed in 2016 with a new design, more powerful engines and premium features, while the 2022 Innova HyCross introduced self-charging hybrid technology, delivering 186 PS of combined output and segment-leading fuel efficiency. The HyCross has sold 100,000 units in India since its launch.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President – Sales, Service and Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The Toyota Innova has built a deep emotional bond with customers over the last two decades – trusted as a dependable companion for families, loved by all for its comfort and reliability and chosen time and again across generations. Whether for daily commutes or memorable road trips, the Innova has remained a part of countless personal journeys. Beyond its emotional connect, the Innova stands strong as a product benchmark – offering spacious interiors, robust build quality and smooth drivability, making it one of the most trusted and loved MPVs in India.”

Toyota attributed the Innova’s sustained popularity to its comfort, practicality, and adaptability, supported by customer-focused enhancements and the company’s after-sales ecosystem, T CARE, which offers services from quick delivery to value-added protection and transparent maintenance.

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Tata Motors, one of India’s leading SUV manufacturers, has unveiled the all-new Adventure X Persona variants for the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari SUVs.

The new variant now equips the Harrier and Safari Adventure Persona with many segment-first ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (AT), 360deg HD Surround View, Trail Hold EPB with Auto Hold, Trail Response Modes (Normal, Rough, Wet), a Land Rover-derived Command Shifter (AT), along with segment-leading features such as the Ergo Lux Driver Seat with Memory & Welcome function, a 26.03 cm Ultra-View Twin Screen System, Trail Sense Auto Headlamps, Aqua Sense Wipers and Multi Drive Modes (City, Sport, Eco). 

The persona edition starts at INR 1.89 million for the Harrier Adventure X and INR 1.99 million for the Safari Adventure X+ variants.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said, "The Harrier and Safari have always stood for more than just mobility – they represent status, purpose, and a deep-rooted desire for an adventurous lifestyle. With the introduction of the Adventure X persona, we’ve modernised these icons for a new era – one that champions individuality, precision-crafted design, and intelligent capability – all while offering more value per car. Designed for those who seek authenticity, capability and expression in equal measure, the Adventure X is positioned at a compelling price point in the segment, offering class leading features. Furthermore, with this new persona, we have also reimagined the Harrier and Safari line completely, making the range more intuitive, streamlined and value-rich than ever before in the high SUV space.”

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Audi has introduced an enhanced warranty and roadside assistance programme in India, providing customers with extended protection and support. The luxury automaker now offers a 10-year extended warranty option, complementing its standard manufacturer’s warranty. This optional coverage safeguards against manufacturing defects for vehicles up to a decade old, with mileage protection extending to 200,000 kilometres. Customers can choose between one or two-year extensions with terms matching the original warranty. The programme is available for all Audi models and can be purchased either at the time of new vehicle delivery or before the existing warranty expires.

Alongside the warranty extension, Audi has expanded its roadside assistance programme to 15 years, delivering round-the-clock emergency support across India’s national and state highways, as well as other motorable roads. Services include towing, technical assistance for minor issues, fuel delivery, battery boosts, tyre repair and lockout support. Premium features such as hotel accommodations for prolonged repairs, vehicle safekeeping and dedicated customer updates further enhance the offering. Pricing for roadside assistance starts at INR 3,999, with options tailored to different vehicle ages and coverage durations.

Both new and existing Audi customers can benefit from these programmes, with current owners eligible to upgrade based on their vehicle’s age and warranty status. This initiative underscores Audi’s commitment to delivering superior ownership experiences in India’s luxury automotive market.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “At Audi India, we believe that our relationship with customers extends far beyond the point of purchase. Our extended warranty and Audi Roadside Assistance Programme is an extension of our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and establish new industry standards for luxury automotive service in India. With a 10-year extended warranty and 15-year roadside assistance, we intend to offer our customers an unparalleled peace of mind, knowing that support is always available.”

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Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that its popular hatchback the ‘Wagon R’ series has achieved a new sales milestone.

First introduced in September 1993 in Japan, the Wagon R has now crossed cumulative global sales of 10 million units by June 2025. The milestone was achieved 31 years and 9 months after the first launch.

The Wagon R was originally developed as a semi-bonnet style mini wagon, designed with rider comfort and ease of use in mind. It has become one of Suzuki’s signature models, widely appreciated in Japan.

Over the years, production expanded beyond Japan to countries including India, Hungary and Indonesia, with the model evolving to suit local market needs. The technologies refined for global minicar standards have been applied across the Wagon R series.

To date, the Wagon R has been sold in over 75 countries and regions, including Japan, India and across Europe. The series has consistently improved in terms of fuel efficiency, environmental performance, and user convenience. For instance, CNG variants with enhanced fuel economy have been introduced in India, while the Wagon R Smile – featuring sliding doors – was launched in Japan.

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