How did the partnership with Saietta form? Could you elaborate on the role of Padmini in the partnership?

Kabir Bhandari: We were introduced to Saietta around three years ago, and with the evolution of electric vehicles, we see clear synergies between the two companies. The unique Saietta axial flux motor is perfect for Indian two- and three-wheeler applications. It is power-dense, more efficient than the radial flux motors resulting in a longer range with the same battery capacity, completely sealed and develops power and torque at low RPMs, enhancing efficiency and life.

We are excited to bring AFT to India, and we will deploy our expertise in tailoring the motor precisely to the customer’s needs. They are designed specifically for the Indian environment and usage, where the roads are often underwater, potholed and dusty, and the majority of the population uses two-wheelers.

What capabilities will Padmini VNA offer in the partnership?

Kabir Bhandari: Padmini brings competent engineering, the ability to take the motor and build the system around it with the battery module, BMS, motor controller etc. to the table as needed by the customer.

What is the initial volume, and what about the procurement of components to AFT?

Kabir Bhandari: Initial volumes will depend on the uptake of electrification. But we are confident that the country will adopt this technology faster than predicted. The aim is to produce the motor totally in India.

Last year, the company formed a JV with Vitesco Technologies and is now partnering with Saietta. What will be the focus for the next collaborations?

Kabir Bhandari: We are always open and constantly evaluating new ideas. Still, we want to consolidate and strengthen the collaborations we have launched for the next few years and get them to scale profitably.

How will the electrification of vehicles evolve, according to you? How will you cater to the same?

Kabir Bhandari: This question is very difficult to answer as there is a range of projections across the table. As a company, we have ridden many waves of technical change, from horns to emissions, and have negotiated the move from BS to BSVI over the years. This has made us develop our own technology and invest heavily in people and facilities to design, develop and validate. We hold many international patents and will continue to invest heavily in the future. Electrification is a megatrend that cannot be ignored, and therefore we are investing in it.

Could you highlight the current activities around PV Clean Mobility Technologies, the JV between Padmini VNA and Vitesco Technologies?

Kabir Bhandari: Our current focus in the JV is developing high-efficiency fuel pumps for cars and two-wheelers and low-cost actuators for engine applications. Along with our partners, we are also exploring to start working on electrification innovation which will fuel the future growth in coming years for India.

Any plans to extend the partnership with Saietta?

Kabir Bhandari: We believe in long-term relationships, whether it is with the team members of Padmini VNA, the suppliers we work with, the customers we serve, or our partners. We bring the same approach to our partnership with Saietta.

The company is also developing solutions for hybrid vehicles. How do you see the hybrid vehicle market growth?

Kabir Bhandari: Again, there are many expert papers written on this. Hybrids are an excellent compromise between electrification and IC engines, especially for urban mobility with their frequent stop-start nature. It gives large benefits without having to invest heavily in the infrastructure for charging EVs. So, while EVs will be the preferred long-term solution, hybrids are an easy way of getting substantial emission-reduction benefits without big infrastructure changes, so it’s a good stepping point.

What are the challenges in the business?

Kabir Bhandari: To stay technologically relevant and be a supplier that our customers can trust for innovation. (MT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

IndiGo Ventures has completed a INR 100 million strategic equity investment in Sarla Aviation, marking a formal entry into the Indian electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector.

The funding was part of a recent round led by Accel and Nikhil Kamath. The partnership is intended to establish an infrastructure for air taxi operations across India, specifically targeting transport corridors between zero and 300 kilometres.

Sarla Aviation is a startup focusing on the development of hybrid-electric aircraft platforms. The firm operates a private eVTOL demonstrator and employs an engineering team with previous experience at international firms including Lilium, Joby and Volocopter.

By utilising electric flight technology, the company aims to provide transport services for airport transfers, inter-city commutes and emergency medical runs at lower costs than traditional helicopter services.

The collaboration pairs Sarla's hardware development with the operational infrastructure of IndiGo, India's largest airline. At present, IndiGo operates over 2,000 daily flights across 85 airports and maintains a national network of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities. This investment aligns with global trends where major carriers, such as United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, have backed eVTOL manufacturers to secure future urban air mobility solutions.

Beyond passenger transport, the investment is expected to influence the domestic aerospace supply chain, including the production of composites, avionics and battery systems. Potential routes identified for future operations include Bengaluru Airport to Electronic City and Gurugram to Noida, which could see transit times reduced from over 90 minutes to approximately 15 minutes.

Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder & CEO, Sarla Aviation, said, “IndiGo’s investment marks a turning point — not just for Sarla, but for the future of how India moves. For decades, Indians have accepted that distance means delay, that geography is a constraint you live with. We believe that era is ending. Having IndiGo — the airline that made flying accessible to hundreds of millions of Indians — stand behind this vision gives it a weight and credibility that we could not have built alone. India has always dreamed big. Now we have the partners to match the dream.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German technology company Robert Bosch has announced its 2030 strategy, prioritising technological leadership in automation, electrification and artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate a challenging global economic environment.

Despite geopolitical tensions, the group reported 2025 sales revenue of EUR 91 billion, a slight increase from the previous year. For 2026, the company expects sales growth of 2–5 percent and an improved EBIT margin from operations between 4–6 percent.

The 2025 financial results were impacted by structural and personnel adjustments, resulting in provisions of EUR 2.7 billion. These measures reduced the EBIT margin from operations to 2 percent, down from 3.5 percent in 2024. However, the group maintained a high level of investment, dedicating EUR 12 billion to research, development and capital expenditure. Bosch remains a prolific patent applicant, registering approximately 6,300 patents in 2025.

A primary focus for the company is the advancement of sensor technology and automotive software. The global market for sensors is projected to exceed USD 440 billion by 2031, and Bosch is positioning its BMI5 sensor platform for applications in robotics and automated driving.

In the mobility sector, the firm secured orders worth EUR 10 billion in 2025 for driver assistance solutions and central vehicle computers. The group also expects to deliver more than 7 million components for electric vehicles this year.

The company is diversifying its reach through regional partnerships, including a joint venture with Tata AutoComp Systems in India to manufacture electric motors and axles. In the consumer goods sector, artificial intelligence is being integrated into products such as home appliances and professional power tools to drive sales.

To support future investments and improve capital market access, Bosch will begin publishing interim consolidated financial statements. The group's equity ratio remains high at 41.6 percent, with a positive free cash flow of EUR 300 million recorded in 2025. Total headcount saw a slight reduction of 1 percent during the year, ending with 412,774 associates worldwide.

Stefan Hartung, Chairman of the Board of Management of Robert Bosch, said, “Bosch can deliver the future – even under unfavourable conditions. 2026 will be a year of progress. As a global technology leader, we are committed to shaping the trends of automation, digitalization, electrification, and artificial intelligence, as this also paves the way for profitable growth in our business. An important prerequisite for this are the cost-cutting effects of the structural measures we have already initiated and innovations in all business areas.”

Markus Forschner, Member of the Board of Management and Chief Financial Officer, Robert Bosch, said, “Competitiveness is the foundation for profitable growth – it secures our investments for the future. This strengthens our resilience in the face of upcoming challenges and at the same time boosts our investment capacity for the future.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. recently received independent verification from third-party certification body SGS Japan Inc. confirming that it has reached capability Level 2 under the Automotive SPICE international standards, which evaluate the quality of automotive software development. This achievement reflects a major step forward in the company’s software engineering practices.

As next-generation software-defined vehicles become more common, where performance increasingly depends on digital systems, developing software that enhances product value has grown essential. Toyoda Gosei has responded by integrating electronic components with its traditional rubber and plastic products. The company has therefore established structured processes and strengthened its software development systems, which serve as the foundation for creating advanced products.

Specifically, within an interior lighting project, the company has achieved capability Level 2 in Automotive SPICE international assessment standards, confirmed by a third-party organisation that the company’s software development processes demonstrate systematic execution and proper management, achieving a uniform level of maturity. Moving forward, Toyoda Gosei aims to continue producing higher value products that contribute to more comfortable mobility spaces.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Chinese automotive major Geely Auto has officially launched its i-HEV Intelligent Hybrid technology, which enters mass production immediately with the system slated for deployment across several models this year, including the Preface, Monjaro, Starray, and the fifth-generation Emgrand.

The technology utilises an artificial intelligence system and a dedicated hybrid powertrain to address historical gaps in fuel efficiency and smart feature integration.

The i-HEV system is built upon the i-CMA architecture, a hybrid-optimised version of the CMA platform that centralises the control of driving, cockpit and chassis functions.

A primary feature is the AI Cloud Power management system, which monitors exterior data such as temperature, humidity and altitude to optimise petrol-electric energy distribution. The company reports that this self-optimising strategy improves energy efficiency by more than 10 percent, while the engine achieves a thermal efficiency of 48.41 percent.

By decoupling the internal combustion engine (ICE) from the electric motor, the i-HEV adopts a motor-led layout designed to provide an electric-drive experience without external charging. The electric motor delivers up to 230kW, allowing the vehicle to operate on electricity for approximately 80 percent of the time. Performance data indicates a claimed zero to 30 kmph acceleration time of 1.84 seconds and a top speed of 66 kmph in electric mode.

The i-CMA architecture incorporates physical separation between oil and electric systems to enhance safety. Battery protection is managed through the Geely Battery Safety System, which includes a liquid-cooled battery with an IP68 resistance rating. The system is capable of real-time prediction for over 50 fault types.

Jerry Gan, CEO, Geely Auto Group, said, “Energy diversification is a strategic foresight for Geely Auto. A company’s true strategic focus is ensuring every path leads to the future, which tests the technological depth and powerful energy resilience of our entire system. The new i-HEV perfectly embodies this resilience, serving as a powerful testament to how artificial intelligence can elevate hybrid efficiency and performance to new industry standards.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!