Currently, India’s foundry market for automotive components is small (only 10 percent of total foundry market — 10 million of cast iron + aluminium) in comparison to USA’s foundry market, which is at 14 million tonnes per annum, of which 3.3 million is aluminium (24 percent). With an increasing focus on higher performance with better safety and lower emission, this gap is going to shrink in the coming years, anticipates Ajay Kapur, CEO – Aluminium & Power Business, Vedanta Aluminium.

“There is immense scope for Indian aluminium producers to tap into the emerging market in the automotive sector,” said Kapur. Vedanta Aluminium was the first in India to supply PFA (primary foundry alloy) to the domestic auto sector. Before, the launch of PFA by the company, India’s entire PFA demand was being met through imports, even though the country has the world’s second-largest aluminium production capacity. Looking at the potential of the auto market and its import dependency, the company decided to tap into the opportunity and develop indigenous capabilities at its state-of-the-art facilities in Jharsuguda and BALCO to meet that demand. Currently, the company has a PFA casting capacity of 240KT spread across its plants in Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

“Primary aluminium producers develop PFAs which are customised to suit the exact needs of automakers in terms of performance, strength, durability, etc. Significant R&D and technical expertise go into developing PFAs, resulting in excellent metal quality and outstanding castability, which makes these alloys the preferred choice for the automotive industry,” explained Kapur. PFAs are ideal for aluminium alloy wheels, cylinder heads and brakes. The company also anticipates that with an increased focus on reduction of vehicle weight with higher safety performance, automotive parts critical to safety will be made from PFA instead of cast iron to offer higher strength and nearly double absorption of crash energy. “Besides, aluminium PFAs will always have the added advantage of cost-saving on fuel and maintenance,” added Kapur.

Vedanta Aluminium has started steadily supplying PFAs to OEMs and ancillaries in wheel manufacturing in India. “Our proactive move to expand business on this front helped us on-board some of the most reputed equipment manufacturers and auto ancillaries as our clients, and we have received a very positive response from them. Encouraged by that, we will soon look to expand our alloy portfolio for supporting manufacturing of cylinder heads, ABS brakes and certain key applications where traditional materials can easily get substituted with aluminium alloy. We are also exploring prospects of long-term investments by auto ancillaries near our aluminium smelters so that they may leverage cost savings in terms of freight, re-melting and electricity,” said Kapur.

The company, according to him, is well-positioned to cater to the current and emerging needs of the Indian auto sector, offering a broad range of products that find usage across the automotive value chain – from casting to extrusion. “When choosing suppliers for alloys, automotive players should look for companies having high-quality casting facilities, sophisticated R&D facilities and technological prowess for developing customised high-performance alloys for their specific needs, and finally, having robust after-sales technical support; USPs that have earned us the trust of our clients,” he added.

Aluminium is the second most used metal in the world after steel, today, and, according to Kapur, it has the potential to become the most important commercial metal in the future. “Most developed countries have already designated aluminium as a core industry. Aluminium holds strategic importance for the economy as the metal of choice for all kinds of transportation, power, aerospace, defence, building and construction needs. So, given the role it plays in supporting the core sectors meet the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, we expect its application to only expand with time,” said Kapur.

The metal’s usage in the transportation sector has been rapidly increasing as it offers an environment-friendly and cost-effective way to increase performance, boost fuel economy and reduce emissions while maintaining or improving safety and durability. Aluminium is substantially lighter than its counterparts, offering a significant reduction in weight, which has a direct impact on fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The metal also has a higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to traditional materials that enable it to absorb twice the crash energy of mild steel, ensuring that vehicular performance enhancements do not come at the cost of safety. “Further, nearly 90 percent of all the aluminium used in a vehicle is recycled at the end of its lifecycle. The energy required to recycle aluminium is only five percent of the energy required to produce the metal. With all these advantages, aluminium can play a pivotal role in the changing face of the automotive sector,” said Kapur.

Aluminium alloys are used by the Indian auto industry majorly as alloy wheels. Around 95 percent of two-wheelers include aluminium, averaging at 7kg per bike, taking total consumption of aluminium alloy in this segment to 115KTPA (kilo tons per annum). Whereas, only 20 percent of four-wheelers use aluminium, majorly in high-end models, which max out at 40kg per car. “The crux of the matter is, in India, we are yet to explore more applications of aluminium in the automotive industry akin to our global peers. For example, in developed countries, around 21 PFAs are used in the automotive segment to achieve light-weighting in the form of various auto parts and components. In India, we majorly use PFAs only for manufacturing alloy wheels and to some extent, for cylinder heads. So, there is immense potential for usage of aluminium in other auto parts like engine, suspension, front end carrier, instrument panel support, rear frame, chassis and many more,” said Kapur.

Shortly, the company expands its alloy portfolio for supporting manufacturing of cylinder heads, ABS brakes and certain other applications where currently steel or iron is being used but can be substituted by suitable aluminium alloys to provide additional benefits. As the market for aluminium alloys in automotive segment expands with inclusion of newer applications, Vedanta Aluminium will look for opportunities to leverage its technological expertise and R&D capabilities to develop products customised to the needs of the market. Vedanta Aluminium is also open to collaborating with the downstream industry, to unlock the entire potential of aluminium used in the auto sector and cater to the rapidly evolving aluminium requirements of the Indian automotive industry.

In the Indian automotive market, one of the biggest challenges faced today is the increasing imports of auto components from China and other countries. The size of the auto components imports was USD 17.6 billion in FY19. Asia, the largest source of imports for Indian auto-components, had a share of 61 percent followed by Europe at 29 percent; North America at eight percent; Latin America and Africa at one percent each in FY19. China, with 27 percent, enjoyed the status of the largest exporter in the Indian automotive market.

“The potential of the aluminium industry should be acknowledged and recognised as a core sector with a National Aluminium Policy that will encourage, protect and boost the domestic aluminium industry. The domestic capability needs to be harnessed for critical sectors of national importance like defence, aerospace, aviation, transportation, infrastructure, electrification, housing, etc. We must make the vision of ‘Make in India’ a ground reality in these sectors, leveraging the potential of the entire aluminium value chain, from mining to end usage. Besides enhancing domestic capacity and reducing import dependency and subsequently trade deficit, it will also generate huge employment opportunities in our country which has a deep talent pool that needs to be capitalised for the realisation of our vision of a USD5 trillion economy. We are on the right path, but there is still a long way to go,” said Kapur.

The global economy is swiftly moving towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable lifestyle. For more than a decade now, concerns about fuel efficiency have encouraged OEMs to replace steel with aluminium in vehicle bodies, doors, trunks, hoods, bumpers, crash boxes, brakes and wheels. With the advent of electric vehicles (EV), OEMs worldwide are focusing on exploring and applying new uses of aluminium. The need for lightweight battery casings and heat exchangers in electric vehicles, combined with autonomous vehicles’ demands for high visibility and structural integrity, is expected to exponentially increase the use of aluminium in cars, trucks and buses from now on. “Using aluminium in EVs has several advantages, foremost amongst which is the distance travelled per charge. Lighter the vehicle, the longer its range. Coming to better battery life, thanks to the metal’s thermal and anticorrosion properties, aluminium is ideal for battery frames. Demand for aluminium will also rise on account of infrastructure for serving EVs since the metal is commonly used as a housing material for EVs charging stations as well. While India is waking up to this future of automobiles, partnerships between different automotive industry bodies/institutions and auto companies for sharing knowledge and expertise will help fast-track development of electric vehicles in the country,” said Kapur. MT

Novus Hi-Tech, a global leader in Driver Monitoring System (DMS), In-Cabin Sensing and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), is all set to unveil and implement its latest suite of safety solutions for mines, in compliance with Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), on the Eicher Pro 8035 XM mining trucks at the prestigious Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.

Specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced in mining operations and other heavy-duty applications, the mining safety suite includes cutting-edge solutions like the Driver Monitoring System (DMS), an AI-based camera system that tracks driver behaviour in real-time to identify and notify drivers in the event of fatigue or inattention. Additionally, the suite features the Auto Dipper System, which automatically lowers headlights to low beam for maximum visibility while minimising glare for other road users, and the Proximity Warning System (PWS), an advanced RADAR system that provides real-time notifications regarding adjacent objects and vehicles.

Live product presentations and demonstrations showcasing how these patent-pending innovations improve operational safety, enhance regulatory compliance and mitigate risks in difficult mining environments will be part of the unveiling event, which will take place on 20 January 2025 at 11:30 am at OD1.1 in front of exhibition hall 2.

Anuj Kapuria, CEO & Founder, The Hi-Tech Group, said, "Our unwavering mission to help fleets achieve zero-accident operations through cutting-edge technologies is exemplified by the Hi-Tech Safe product suite, which has already prevented over 200,000 accidents. Today, we are thrilled to launch a pioneering safety solution specifically designed for mining operations, in partnership with Eicher Trucks and Buses, setting a new standard for operational safety and efficiency."

Leading motion technology company Schaeffler India is showcasing its cutting-edge mobility solutions at the Auto Expo Components Show 2025, a component of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, in New Delhi. This demonstrates the company's dedication to electrification, digitalisation and sustainable mobility that is suited to the particular requirements of the Indian market. From 18 to 21 January 2025, visitors may interact with the company's specialists and see its cutting-edge solutions at Hall-1, Booth: E5, Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi.

Schaeffler India's Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS) business will showcase a range of customer-focused services, market-driven solutions and cutting-edge technology. The solutions and technologies on display will show how the division is focusing to be the best partner for the evolving mobility ecosystem. It will include repair and service solutions for combustion engines, hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles under its well-known brands INA, FAG, LuK, Schaeffler TruPower, and the service brand, REPXPERT.

The display of Schaeffler's cutting-edge automotive solutions, such as the 3-in-1 Electric Axle, which combines the power electronics, motor and gearbox for optimal EV performance, will be another highlight of the show. Furthermore, in partnership with Vitesco Technologies, a Schaeffler Group company, the exhibit will showcase the high-voltage axle drive (EMR4), sensors, controls and actuator solutions from the integrated portfolio. At The Auto Expo Components Show 2025, Schaeffler India reiterates its dedication to helping India's automotive transition.

Micah Shepard, President, Vehicle Lifetime Solutions Asia Pacific, said, “The automotive industry is undergoing rapid change which requires a continuous commitment towards innovation. As trends such as digitalisation and sustainability come into focus in the automotive industry, we are taking a holistic view of the mobility ecosystem to offer comprehensive solutions and create sustainable long-term value.”

Sharad Bhatia, President, Vehicle Lifetime Solutions India, said, “India’s diverse and growing mobility ecosystem demands innovative solutions that are both sustainable and reliable. At Schaeffler India, we combine our global expertise with localised engineering to deliver products that meet these needs. Backed by a robust distribution and supply chain network, our repair and service solutions from Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division offer value across the entire vehicle lifecycle, empowering customers and supporting India’s sustainable mobility ambitions.”

The Indian School for Design of Automobiles (INDEA) and XLRI Delhi-NCR showcased an early example of Indian automotive design at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. INDEA championed ‘Design in India’ by showing one of the first Indian design initiatives in the automotive space from the late-1970s – a testament to the can-do spirit of automotive start-ups in the country. 

Echoing the Prime Minister's vision of making India a global hub for innovation and sustainable development, and as a tribute to India’s automotive heritage, the booth showcased the Sipani Badal, a pioneering three-wheeled car from the late-1970s. The Badal, with its innovative-for-its-time fiberglass body and unique, individualistic design, represented a bold step in Indian automotive design when it was first unveiled almost five decades ago. Today, it serves as a reminder of the country’s long history of innovation and ingenuity, while highlighting INDEA’s mission to drive innovation and shape the future of mobility.

Visitors at the exhibition also had an opportunity to explore the creativity via the Wacom tablet. Using intuitive software, attendees explored the artistic potential by creating unique designs, which they could print and take home as personalized mementos. 

Reflecting on the event, Director of XLRI Delhi-NCR Dr. K.S. Casimir said, “INDEA’s participation at the Expo highlighted our commitment to nurturing designers who not only innovate but also address the broader societal and environmental challenges of the future. INDEA, with its focus on design excellence, will prepare the students for the future of work. By nurturing creativity and fostering innovation, we are opening new avenues for education and equipping our graduates with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world."

INDEA Founder Avik Chattopadhyay added, “The Expo is more than an opportunity to showcase INDEA—it is about inspiring creativity and innovation. The exhibition showcases the remarkable synergy between tradition and innovation, as exemplified by the Sipani Badal and the cutting-edge designs on display. It's a testament to the ingenuity of the Indian spirit and a testament to the future of Indian automotive design."

Amber Connect, a global vehicle tracking and telematics solutions company headquartered in Jamaica, is all set to showcase its transformative AI-driven technologies at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, which is set to be held from 17 to 22 January 2025 at three venues in and around Delhi.

With its participation in in the event, Amber Connect plans to tap into the growing Indian passenger and commercial vehicle market. Amber Connect will showcase its range of transformative AI-driven technologies, including fleet management, advanced vehicle security, theft detection and AI dashcams, at the Bharat Mandapam venue.

Dushyant Savadia, Founder and CEO, Amber Group, said, “Amber connect has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and is now a global leader in vehicle telematics. Bharat Expo 2025, which is bringing together an ecosystem of players in the industry have especially focused on AI-driven telematics, safety and security solutions. As vehicle theft and logistics optimisation and safety take centre stage in India’s growth journey, it’s the right time for Amber Connect to tap into such a large market with a huge potential for growth.”

The journey of the organisation started when Savadia, who was born in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, travelled to Jamaica as a humanitarian representative for the Art of Living Foundation. Over the course of three years, Savadia conducted stress management courses for a wide range of audiences, including business teams, farmers and jail prisoners. Amber Group was established in 2015 to support his charity endeavours when the financing for his nonprofit efforts dried up. The company's original product, Amber Connect, found a significant gap in vehicle security and created the most potent AI-powered fleet management and consumer car monitoring solutions available. Amber Connect has grown to operate in 100 countries since its founding, and it now intends to enhance the Indian market.