Volkswagen Group Components has announced its commencement of production of electric drives at its Tianjin factory in China. The facility will be producing the APP 310 drive on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). This component will be used in the Volkswagen ID.41 variants produced by the joint venture partners FAW (ID.4 CROZZ2) and SAIC (ID.4 X2). The Group’s future MEB models for China will also be supplied locally. The main factory for electric drives at Volkswagen Group Components in Kassel produces the APP 310 motor for current and future MEB models in Europe and North America.
Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, said, “With the start of production on the APP 310 at our components site in Tianjin, we are accelerating the electric mobility movement not only in the regional market but also for the Group as a whole. Our presence in the key markets enables us to react flexibly and efficiently to the needs of our customers. In this way, Volkswagen Group Components is making a major contribution to the Group’s electrification campaign.”

Automatic gearboxes have been produced at the Tianjin component plant since 2012. Following the ramp-up of the DQ400e hybrid engine and the APP 290 electric drive, the APP 310 represents the next milestone in the transformation to electric mobility. The permanent magnet synchronous machine with the drive and gearbox parallel to the axles has an output of up to 150 kW (204 PS) with a maximum torque of 310 Nm. The two component plants at Kassel and Tianjin are working closely together on the industrialisation process for the new product. At present, the technical capacity installed at both sites corresponds to up to 880,000 electric drives per year. Production is to be expanded by up to 1.4 million electric drives as early as 2023. It will make the company one of the largest producers of electric drives in the world. (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.