Manu Kumar

Maruti Suzuki - Green Vehicles’ share in overall sales is to surpass 50% in FY25 Top carmaker Maruti Suzuki India Limited has seen the share of green vehicles rise continuously for the past couple of years, thanks to the expansion of its model lineup. The share of green vehicles, encompassing CNG, smart hybrids, and intelligent electric hybrid models, in overall sales rose to 47% in FY24 from 37% in FY23 and 27% in FY22, with a significant contribution coming from CNG models. Maruti’s CNG vehicle sales in FY24 rose to 4.8 lakh plus units from 3.28 lakh units in FY23. As of March 2024, the company’s total pending order book stood at about 2 lakh units, with CNG models accounting for 1.1 lakh units, a significant portion of which is for the Ertiga variant. While the company aims to sell about 6 lakh CNG vehicles in FY25, the share of green cars is expected to exceed 50% in this fiscal. Shashank Srivastava Sanjeev Handa Neerja Bharat Raghavi Pasupula https://lnkd.in/gY_dBCT2

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My latest podcast with Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India who talks about the latest EV, the EQA+ and a whole lot of topics around luxury cars market, charging infrastructure, policies and Budget expectations/ recommendations...

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My article in Economic Times, Brand Equity 27-6-2024 “A fundamental drift happened from news to narrative, between the moral compulsion of telling the truth and asking questions to the pressing need for storytelling and holding the public’s attention. Digital media defaulted to the belief that information was the currency and the algorithm was the arbiter of choice. The new medium could provide information faster, cheaper, and with greater individual specificity. Digital media was eminently well suited for news not only because of its speed, but because digital media was all betting on the revenues to come; it had no revenues when it began. Cheaper the better. Digital news is a kind of information arbitrage: how cheaply can one acquire it, and what fraction of a premium will advertisers pay for it? Count the number of digital access live phones and you will begin to get the answer. The news genre is naturally fit for digital consumption. News is reality in the instant. It is time-sensitive information, a complicated and fragile value proposition. For one thing, its value quickly degrades in seconds. The next day, last man standing reportage is no longer valuable. Everyone wants a prompt in the instant. Where is original content, not to mention actually good content, or crafted content? As this was happening, the demographics also changed. Nearly 400 million Indians are less than 20 years of age and this is the only reality they have encountered. An abundance of options is par for the course.”

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And the debate around hybrids and electrics is getting interesting. While earlier it was just the so-called ‘Japanese lobby’ that was pushing for lower duty for hybrids (arguing they were intermediates before EV acceptance and resultant sales onslaught), now even the European cos are making the same demand. Klaus Zellmer, global CEO of Škoda Auto (which is leading VW group’s India investments and strategy), had this to say, “… lessons learnt in China, Europe and the US suggest that just giving options between BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and ICE – take it or leave it –is not the right way. If you look at China and the share of hybrids, its staggering and higher than BEVs… This is what we need to do... looking around the globe, the preference is not just EV, the preference is not just ICE, it is something in between.” So will the Indian govt oblige #auto #car #economy #india #EV #hybrids The Times Of India #carsales Volkswagen #maruti #tesla #hyundai #toyota #honda https://lnkd.in/gT6ezfQq

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The two-wheeler segment has shown signs of recovery in the first half (H1) of the calendar year (CY) 2024, largely driven by improving performance in rural areas. According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, rural contribution to two-wheeler sales surged by 57-60 percent in the April-June quarter of 2024-25, indicating a rising demand in these regions. #2Wheeler #twowheeler #FADA #Demand #Automobile Link of the story - https://lnkd.in/duV_wnjr

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Car Industry focusses on Rural Market to get additional Sales through network building and rural activities. Ref news report by Economic Times, on the momentum of rural growth, the automaker Hyundai Motor India Ltd. has implemented a range of initiatives, including Grameen Mahotsav, improved collaborations with financiers, showroom-on-wheels, hyperlocal marketing, mobile service vans and rural sports partnerships. The automaker plans to further expand its presence in smaller towns as it firmly believes that for the nation to prosper, both rural and urban regions must progress in tandem, as per COO Tarun Garg Renault India also in past 4 years has focussed in Rural Market and Retails Penetration is almost 40%. Likewise there's continued focus on Rural Markets by other car Manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki India Limited Tata Motors Mahindra Group Mahindra and Mahindra Limited [Automotive and Farm Equipment Business] KIA India Nissan Motor India Private Limited I'm sure in the coming time companies like Citroën India Morris Garages India Nissan Motor India Private Limited and EV manufactures will increase their Retail business in Rural Market areas. Hyundai: Expect rural sales contribution at record levels this fiscal: Hyundai - The Economic Times

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Strong hybrids offer ‘a powerful way’ to cut emissions, transition to full electrification: Maruti executive: … electric vehicles and a strong hybrid (vehicle). Both are … s overall electrification pathway. Hybrids are generally viewed as … Kirloskar, Maruti has prioritised hybrids in its portfolio. Currently, … primarily one category of cars, with practically all other … #car #cars #awesome

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An inch wide. And a mile deep ... That’s how the CEO of a major auto supplier described our PR firm. We have a narrow focus: the OEM automotive and mobility technology supplier space. But we have a lot of depth ... gained over 32 years of solely concentrating on this sector. Every day. Day after day. Attending all the events. Understanding the trends and issues. Getting to know the media, influencers and thought leadership venues. This approach is one reason some of the world’s largest suppliers chose to work with a small firm like ours ... When they could have picked any PR agency. And why several of those clients have been with us between 20 and 30 years. We’re not for everyone. But for a few mobility suppliers who want to work with true specialists ... Who want to benefit from the depth of our expertise ... And who want responsive senior professionals driving their account ... We measured up. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gEUxJJrk. #AutomotivePR #PRagency #MobilityPRfirm

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The #interimbudget announced in February didn’t bring major changes to the automobile industry due to which all eyes are now on the Union Budget 2024, to be presented on July 23, 2024. Automobile stakeholders expect the new budget to include #indigenisation of #EVcomponents, expansion of #sustainabletransportation, #technologicaldevelopments, and enhanced focus on #electric #commercialvehicle promotion. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gig3KaKB #Budget2024 #OEMs #Automobile #auto #Unionbudget

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Indian Electric Bus Critical sales and Product Data https://lnkd.in/eGehDe6H ACG released the latest Indian Electric Bus Critical product Data. The Electric Bus data is having the following intelligence information: The data is divided into Product Features, Specs, Price, Sales, Customer, and Electric Bus design OEMs, Model name, and Variant Name Electric Bus Model wise Sales Data India EBus Application: School, Education Institutes, Intercity, Staff, Special Application, and others The purchase price, Incentive, and Range – Daily distance cover After Sales – maintenance cost per Km, Product life maintenance cost, Major Bus operator – Potential (For target) – State, and City Actual Delivered Electric Bus Battery pack (Kwh) and number of batteries, Battery life, battery replacement cost, Number of battery replacement cost, Battery capacity, Battery type, battery location, Number of battery packs, Charging type, Charging location, Charging capacity, and Charging socket Range and reserve power Vehicle efficiency, Expected Product (Bus) life, Model wise TCO Model wise Electric Bus Customer preference reasons, Key complaints, Technical specs: Floor heights, Chassis type, Deck type, GVW, Unladen Weight, number of axles, axle weight (rear & front), Special Note on an axle, Wheel size, Number of tyres, Tyre Make, Tyre size, Tyre Model (for Front and rear Axle), Overall length (Articulated – rear & Front), Wheelbase, Bus height and width, ground clearance, Departure angle, Breakover / Ramp Angle (Ride – Deg), Suspension (Front & Rear), Drive, Drive axle, Steering type, Make Breaks, Turning circle (Wall to wall, Kerb to kerb), Motor type, Max Power, Max Torque, Gradeability, Max speed, No of Passenger Door Steps, Number of the passenger door, Number of the passenger door (N/S, O/S), Passenger Door Operation, Passenger Door type and width, Height, Driver door & steps, Entry Steps height, Drivers Seat type, Driver seat belt, Driver protection, Number of passengers carrying capacity (Recommended as per the design and actual), Number of passenger seats, Seat type, Seat width, Seatbelt, all types of lower decks, Luggage Locker Height (mm), No of Luggage Lockers, Luggage Volume (m3), Windows, Glass tint, AC or Non AC, AC Capacity, ADAS features, CCTV (Interior & Exterior), Destination screen display, Mirror type, Interior and Exterior lighting, Ticketing machine, Telematics, Availability of WiFi, Passengers USB, Other devices, Bus Features (Best & Worst features) #electricbus #bus #commercialvehicle #ev #evs #evs #automotiveindustry #india

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#automobile #OEMs look towards the skies for sales growth. A normal monsoon is on the forecast and their hopes are pinned on rains being better than last year since this will determine sales momentum in rural pockets, among first time buyers for #twowheelers and #passenger vehicles. For #tractors which saw a 7% decline last fiscal, monsoon intensity and distribution will determine if the sector grows at all @ETauto TheEconomic Times

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A small report highlighting the growing affinity towards SUVs/UVs in India. At a time when the overall passenger vehicle segment declined by 4% in valuation, the SUV/UV segment grew by a massive 39%. Hence, the trends we see in current automotive market, more and more SUVs and crossovers. Let me know your thoughts on this. Financial Express (India) #carsales #SUVs #UVs #autosales #budget #budget2024 https://lnkd.in/gck46zid

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Indian industry leaders are eagerly awaiting the upcoming budget, with a diverse set of priorities and wishlist. Companies like IKEA are looking for a skilled and sustainability-focused workforce, while Meesho wants more government support for startups. Bajaj Electricals hopes for increased consumer spending power, and Haier Appliances prioritizes infrastructure and manufacturing development. UpGrad calls for educational reforms, improved skills training, and a flourishing startup environment. Even the informal waste management sector seeks modernization through strategic resource allocation. With expectations encompassing tax relief, electric vehicle industry boosts, and more, this budget holds the power to significantly influence India's economic trajectory.

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As we witness the dawn of a new era in urban transportation, the launch of the OSM Stream City Qik marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions. This innovative collaboration between Omega Seiki Mobility and Exponent Energy represents more than just the launch of a groundbreaking electric three-wheeler; it symbolizes a paradigm shift in how we perceive and embrace the potential of technology to drive economic empowerment. At its core, the OSM Stream City Qik isn't just a mode of transport; it's a catalyst for change, empowering drivers to seize new opportunities and unlock their full potential in the rapidly evolving landscape of urban mobility. With its unprecedented 15-minute rapid charging capability and impressive city drive range, this vehicle isn't just redefining convenience; it's revolutionizing the way drivers navigate and thrive in bustling city streets. The implications extend far beyond the realm of transportation. By minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency on the road, the OSM Stream City Qik empowers drivers to not only increase their earning potential but also enhance their quality of life. It's about more than just numbers on a balance sheet; it's about fostering economic independence, enabling financial security, and driving positive social impact. As we embark on this transformative journey, it's imperative to recognize the pivotal role of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of mobility. By bringing together industry pioneers, technology innovators, and forward-thinking policymakers, we can create a cohesive ecosystem that prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and efficiency. In the words of Mr. Uday Narang, "We're not just shaping the future of mobility; we're empowering drivers to thrive in it." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of our collective mission – to harness the power of innovation to create a brighter, more connected future for all. As we reflect on this monumental milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to YourStory Media and Aparajita Saxena San for amplifying our vision and sharing our story with the world. Together, let's continue driving progress, fostering partnerships, and shaping the evolution of urban mobility for generations to come. #EconomicEmpowerment #Innovation #UrbanMobility #OSMStreamCityQik #Collaboration #Sustainability #OmegaSeikiMobility #ExponentEnergy #YourStory Uday Narang Arun Vinayak Kushal Muchhal Rakesh Ranjan Karthik Bangalore Anantha Ashhar Idris Pranjal Dikshit kishan Gupta SHREYAS KAPUR Aarush Tandon

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𝐇𝐲𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐢 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨-𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 Hyundai Motor India Ltd. has introduced a zero-emission freight initiative to enhance sustainability in logistics. This move aims to address the environmental impact of freight transportation by employing hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. The initiative aligns with Hyundai's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing clean transportation solutions. By leveraging hydrogen technology, the company seeks to revolutionize the freight industry and accelerate the transition towards a greener future. This initiative underscores Hyundai's dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship in the automotive sector. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gFvj6nbC #ev #evnews #evindia #electricvehicle #lithiumionbattery #battery #evindustry

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Entry Strategy for Electric Vehicle Manufacturer https://lnkd.in/fye5Yy5 ACG helps companies to enter into the fast-growing Indian Electrical Vehicle market. EV segment gives tremendous opportunities to Traditional players and new entrants. Currently, Electric Two-Wheeler and Electric Bus segments are having an effective presence of new players. We help to create a complete blueprint of Electric vehicles. The following points are covered with Entry Strategy for Electric Vehicle Manufacturer consulting services: Market assessment of EV – Electric Two-Wheeler, Electric Bus, Electric Three-Wheeler, Electric Car, and Electric Truck Frame: Technology, Market, Product, Grid Management, Product Demo & Testing, and Go-to-market Mapping with your company strength or product portfolio or Brand reputation or business synergy Setup company in India Find local partner if interested in JV or partnership business model Import rules and select port The strategic location of manufacturing or assembly unit Project cost and ROI Analysis Find local suppliers Break-even analysis Risk Analysis Revenue sources Sales strategy Developed Channel sales Create Product portfolio After-sales revenue Charging station infrastructure strategy Customer buying pattern analysis #entrystrategy #elecrtricvehicle #electirccar #cars #trucks #bus #commercialvehicle #electricscooter #ev #evs #charginginfra

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Used Car Market Assessment and its impact https://lnkd.in/dP5B_bTB The used car market is booming in India. ACG covers all key points of the Indian Used car market. Key Highlights of the report: The market size in Volume and Value of used cars in India Demand Analysis of Used car in India The market trend of used cars in India The relation between new car model launches and existing car model price Key OEM volume and market share The volume of Car, SUV, and MUV Types of Cars (Hatchback, Sedan, Luxury, Premium, and other types) Top volume based on used car states, District, and Cities “Willingness to pay” analysis based on various features, Brand name, Product Age, and technical specs Used Car Price Analytics and correlation of car features and function How do customers make buying decision to buy second-hand cars What are the key channels to buy second-hand cars How brand name and brand image influence the buying decision How do customers decide to change or buy a car Top used car dealers Used car dealers and their product knowledge Selling skills of the sales staff of dealers How to improve the sales skill OEM sales channel brand audit report #usedcar #marketresearch #cars #automotiveindustry #india How digital platforms help customers buy the used car and how to make them more effective

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