Hyundai's Manufacturing Excellence Eased Making All-new i20
- By MT Bureau
- October 27, 2020


Hyundai Motor India has showcased its Manufacturing Excellence through the origins of the all-new i20, a Masterpiece of Human Centric Engineering. With unassailable standards and processes, the company has created the all-new i20 that is perfected through a prudent use of Industry 4.0 and Automation.
Ganesh Mani S, Director – Production, Hyundai Motor India, said, “Our focus has remained on ensuring supreme levels of manufacturing excellence. This has perfectly culminated in the all-new i20, delivering robust and reliable performance. With our 24-year rich manufacturing heritage of ‘Make in India’, the all-new i20 is yet another benchmark brand from Hyundai that is an edge above the rest.”
THE ROBUST SUPERSTRUCTURE:
- Featuring an extensive application of 66 % Advanced & High-Strength Steel, Hyundai has created a Robust Superstructure to enhance crash worthiness and make the car lighter.
- This super structure is created, using 5,400 Tons Stamping at the Press Shop
- Incorporating an Online Condition Monitoring systems to monitor machine vibration, Hyundai offers enhanced process quality, changing shapes of metal in elegant curves & creases.
- The use of advanced Digital gauge to check the Panel thinning distribution - Crack, Neck Prediction methodology that helps in manufacturing ZERO Crack panels.
- Hyundai has used ‘High quality grade coils’ for sculpturing aesthetics and modern look of the all-new i20.
- Use of 3D scanning of Parts – to analyse and strengthen the press panel parts accuracy and precision
THE IMPECCABLE APPEAL:
- The all-new i20’s dynamic and futuristic appeal is created at the Body Shop on the Global Body Build Line.
- Using technology enabled high-quality welding process that features over 450 4th Gen Robots offering 100 % Weld Automation with over 4,000 welding spots in each car, and more than 70 cars being processed every hour
- Robots on the Line offer a glimpse of the flawless manufacturing process that gives a definitive shape to the origins of the all-new i20.
- Body shop has three stage advance quality conformation where our quality system is enable with ‘Quality 4.0 techniques’
- Intelligent weld monitoring
- Real time weld quality confirmation system [Colour tip sensor]
- Real time sealer quality confirmation system
- In house Data scientists in shop floor apply Deep learning techniques for Quality confirmation of Mastic Sealer through Vision Inspection system
THE VIBRANT CHARISMA:
- Vivid and striking colours of the all-new i20 are curated at the Paint Shop where High Throw Power 7th Generation Electro Deposition Paint is applied for long lasting Rust Warranty and corrosion resistance.
- The vibrant charisma of the all-new i20 is processed in seamless automation line that features 72 Robots ensuring the conformity to supreme quality standards and long lasting stylish & glossy looks.
- Using an Anode Cell Current Monitoring system, Hyundai has enhanced the paint application quality through an Online Current monitoring method.
THE DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE:
- Through immense research, hours of design, validation and testing of multiple iterations of operating condition, the all-new i20 has been prepared to offer rip-roaring performance.
- To give these engines robust performance, Hyundai has employed technologically superior treatment that enhances its performance on road.
- The in-house Endurance lab tests the performance with load condition for 849 Hours and without load condition for 5 lakhs cycles for transmission systems, and over 350 hours for the Engine system, to ensure enhanced durability
- Hyundai also employs a Cold Test Bed that is an eco-friendly way of testing the engines over 15 parameters, without burning fuel. It is a fully automated system in which 100% of the produced engines are tested before assembling in vehicles.
- At the Powertrain Shop, Hyundai manufactures both diesel & petrol engines using 700 CNC Machines with Integrated SPC (Statistical Process Control).
- With High Speed Vision (60 frames/ minute) 58 Engine parts are verified, offering robust Quality for a Pleasurable Driving Experience.
THE PARADIGM OF QUALITY:
- To drive enhanced convenience and confidence, Hyundai’s assembly lines are ready to convert robust shells into fully functioning cars in the Assembly Shop.
- Here 80% of the car’s parts are fixed, preparing it through a 100% systemized 3 stage dynamic tightening confirmation that features:
- Electric tool tightening 700+ dynamic joints per car (safety and critical parts)
- Re-confirmation system across all the line (Trim, Chassis and Final line)
- Tightening quality and Sign-off interlock to ensure zero defect vehicle rollout
- Additionally, systemized part feeding method is used for maintaining quality in feeding and assembly operation using:
- Global Part Traceability Information System
- Advanced Part Management System
- Mobility Sequence Feeding System
- Trolley Scheduling System
- Through a 324-point check in HIDIS (Hyundai Integrated Digital Inspection System), Hyundai is ensuring the highest levels of conformation to quality standards.
- Each and every vehicle that rolls of the assembly line - right from the stage of panel press to complete vehicle roll out is thoroughly inspected by over 500 quality in-charge experts.
- Vehicle final inspection method is digitally enabled for assembled part specification/ type verification.
- The all-new i20 then undergoes a dynamic road test on 18 drive tracks for various road driving conditions as well as a unique leak test that is equivalent to driving through rain/water pressure that exceeds the heaviest recorded monsoons, with a shower condition of 60mm per minute or 3,600mm per hour at a pressure of 3bar.
The all-new i20 has been developed to create a Masterpiece of Human Centric Engineering that encompasses Human, Machine and Emotions, offering Quality Time to its Valued Customers.
Ather Energy Expands Charging Network in Tamil Nadu, Reaching 400 Fast Chargers
- By MT Bureau
- August 12, 2025
Bengaluru-headquartered electric vehicle major Ather Energy has announced that its fast-charging network ‘Ather Grid’ has surpassed 400 charging points across Tamil Nadu. This expansion aims to alleviate range anxiety for EV owners and support the growing adoption of electric vehicles in the state.
With charging stations now in 38 cities, including tourist destinations like Coonoor and Rameswaram, the network connects key travel routes such as Coimbatore to Bengaluru and Chennai to Pondicherry. The company also noted that a total of 480 fast charging points are available in the state, which includes over 50 LECCS (Light Electric Combined Charging System) chargers. Developed by Ather, the LECCS standard allows different brands of light EVs to use the same charging network.
Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Tamil Nadu has been one of our earliest markets and ever since we entered the state in 2019, we have been investing in building a reliable charging network there. Charging has often been seen as one of the key barriers, and it’s something we’ve focused on solving from day one. Crossing 400 fast chargers in Tamil Nadu is a reflection of that commitment. It’s about giving riders the confidence that a charger is never too far away. As our retail footprint grows, the charging network will continue to scale alongside it, making EV ownership truly seamless.”
The company has partnered with local businesses like Coffee Day Global and Ganga Sweets to deploy these charging points. This expansion is part of Ather's broader national effort, which has seen the establishment of over 3,300 fast-charging points across India. The chargers can provide up to 15 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes, making it more convenient for riders on the go.
In addition to its charging infrastructure, Ather maintains a strong presence in the state with 44 experience centres and 42 service centres in 35 cities, offering comprehensive sales and after-sales support.
Japan’s TDK Ventures Makes Strategic Investment In Ultraviolette
- By MT Bureau
- August 12, 2025

Bengaluru-headquartered premium electric two-wheeler company Ultraviolette Automotive has announced a strategic investment from TDK Ventures, the venture capital arm of Japan’s TDK Corporation, along with participation from backing from existing investors Zoho Corporation and Lingotto (previously Exor Capital), among others.
With this TDK Ventures joins the likes of Qualcomm Ventures, Zoho Corporation, Speciale Invest, Lingotto (Formerly Exor Capital), and TVS Motor Company as a strategic investor in the EV company. It also counts the likes of Sriharsha Majety (Co-founder & CEO, Swiggy), Ankit Nagori (Co-founder, Cure Foods; former Chief Business Officer, Flipkart), Aprameya Radhakrishna (Co-founder, TaxiForSure), and Dulquer Salmaan (renowned actor and automotive enthusiast) among its early backers.
At present, Ultraviolette sells the F77 electric motorcycle and is gearing up to expand its product offerings along with manufacturing, research and distribution network globally.
Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said, “Mobility is undergoing a radical transformation, and at Ultraviolette, we are leading that change through cutting-edge innovation. Our partnership with TDK Ventures fast forwards our efforts, from advanced battery platforms to intelligent vehicle systems. This collaboration not only accelerates our vision of future ready mobility but also reinforces our commitment to delivering electric vehicles that are aspirational and globally relevant.”
Niraj Rajmohan, CTO and Co-founder of Ultraviolette, said, “Through this partnership with TDK Ventures, Ultraviolette will continue to innovate in deep-tech to shape the future of mobility. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries in building safer, smarter, and a more efficient electric mobility eco-system.”
Ravi Jain, Investment Director, TDK Ventures, said, “We look forward to bringing our TDK Goodness to Ultraviolette and their ambitious plan to design the next generation of energy efficient and performance EV 2W platforms. TDK Ventures is excited to support Ultraviolette in their relentless pursuit of growing their global reach."
Geely's Satellite Constellation Expands With New Launch
- By MT Bureau
- August 12, 2025

In a significant step toward creating a global ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) ecosystem, Geely Holding Group’s aerospace subsidiary, Geespace, successfully launched 11 new satellites into orbit on 9 August 2025. The launch took place in Shandong Province, China, and marks the fourth successful orbital deployment for the company's Geely Future Mobility Constellation (GEESATCOM).
With this latest launch, Geespace now operates 41 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), bringing it closer to its goal of having 72 satellites in operation by end-2025. The company plans to accelerate deployments over the next two months to reach 64 operational satellites, which will establish comprehensive global satellite IoT coverage.
The GEESATCOM project is a key part of Geely's vision to build an integrated space and earth mobility ecosystem. The LEO satellite network is designed to provide highly reliable, wide-coverage communication services for various strategic industries, including:
- Connected vehicles and urban air mobility
- Emergency response and maritime operations
- Energy infrastructure
This network will support advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connected vehicle platforms by providing crucial data for precision positioning and connectivity. Geespace has already established partnerships with telecom operators in over 20 countries and its proprietary satellite communication chips and high-precision positioning modules are now in mass production across Geely's vehicle portfolio.
To further demonstrate the technology, Geely is providing high-precision positioning and emergency satellite communications for official vehicles at the World Games 2025 Chengdu, showcasing the practical applications of its satellite infrastructure in real-world scenarios.
Kia India Partners ASDC For Promoting Skill Training
- By MT Bureau
- August 11, 2025

Kia India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer in the country, has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with ASDC (Automotive Skill Development Council) to promote automotive skill training in the country.
The partnership will promote a 30-day training model module combining classroom-based theoretical learning and practical on-the-job experience. The course includes 15 days of foundational training at ASDC-certified training centers covering core automotive concepts and dealership functions. In addition, it will also feature Kia-specific process to familiarise candidates with brand standards, systems and product knowledge. The curriculum will provide students with 15 days of experiential learning at authorised Kia dealerships under expert supervision.
Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said, “This collaboration with ASDC represents a pivotal step in Kia India’s commitment to shaping a future-ready ecosystem, one that is anchored in skilled human capital and elevated customer experience. By creating a robust talent pool through structured training and certification, we are not only empowering India’s youth with meaningful employment but also reinforcing our dealer network with professionals who embody Kia’s values of quality, care, and innovation. Ultimately, this initiative will translate into a more seamless, informed, and rewarding journey for every Kia customer across the country.”
The co-developed learning model aims to provide candidates with the technical know-how and workplace readiness to be effective from day one. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will undergo an evaluation at the ASDC centre, get certificate jointly awarded by Kia India and ASDC, and eligible for the direct recruitment by Kia dealerships into Sales and Service roles.
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