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Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
ETAutoTech Summit 2025: Innovation and urgency to scale indigenous capabilities take center stage
New Delhi: At day 1 of the ETAutoTech Summit 2025 , a convergence of visionaries and leaders from across India's and the world's mobility ecosystem shared a common belief that India stands on the cusp of global automotive leadership. The discussions through the day spanned electric mobility , digital transformation , AI integration , sustainability, and the urgent need to scale indigenous capabilities . In a stirring keynote, Dr. Andy Palmer, Global Auto Industry Veteran and Chairman, Inobat Auto, called on India to reject dependence on external supply chains, especially from China, and instead invest deeply in domestic ecosystems. 'Why would you let your industry be subservient to Chinese supply?' he asked. Reflecting on his 46-year career, which has seen the industry transition from ICE to mass-market electrification, Dr Palmer outlined a three-point strategy for India's leadership in EVs– build domestic battery systems , recycling facilities, and skilled manpower; scale EV charging infrastructure , and pilot synthetic fuel stations; and enforce circularity, advancing end-to-end recycling. Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, INSPACe, traced his journey from auto to space tech, emphasising how India's auto industry has reached a stage where it can lead globally. However, he pointed out that two foundational challenges persist, namely quality and R&D investment. Create your place in the history of Indian auto. Don't just build for the market; build to lead, Dr Goenka said. 'Why would you let your industry be subservient to Chinese supply?'Dr Andy Palmer India's EV ambition India must not chase the cheapest EV, but the smartest one, said R Velusamy, President – Technology & Product Development, Mahindra & Mahindra. He emphasised leveraging large language models (LLMs) and AI for embedded intelligence in EV platforms. Echoing this, Mahesh Babu, CEO, Switch Mobility, underscored India's strength in IT and the opportunity to lead in AI and ML integration. 'Everyone gets the battery and motor. What differentiates Switch is our focus on software and digitalisation.' As the post-COVID landscape drives consumer behavior further into the digital realm, Dr. Tapan Sahoo, Executive Officer – Digital Enterprise, Maruti Suzuki India, noted the rising role of startups. He said, 'Startups bring fresh ideas and tech, but they lack scale. That's where OEMs must step in.' His colleague, Tarun Aggarwal, Head – Engineering, Maruti Suzuki, added that liquid fuels still hold untapped potential in India, warranting attention alongside EVs. "Create your place in the history of Indian auto. Don't just build for the market; build to lead."Dr. Pawan Goenka Data and AI Dr. Calev Munigety, Head, Enterprise-AI, Bosch India, highlighted the untapped potential of Generative AI . 'We are just at the beginning. The possibilities with Gen AI are infinite.' Ujjwala Karale, Senior Deputy Director, ARAI, emphasised that the conversion of data to actionable knowledge, and the collaboration between OEMs, is central to future innovation. Adding a systems lens, Dr. Lokesh Agrawal, CTO, NBC Bearings, said the rise of EVs demands a shift to system engineering, especially as scheduled maintenance becomes obsolete. He stressed the need for lightweighting at the sub-system level for improved efficiency and performance. India is also building a regulatory environment that is uniquely forward-looking. Dr. Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, shared how India is the only country to implement both E20 ethanol blending and the BS-VI emission regime, emphasising the alignment of sustainability with safety and innovation.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
ETAutoTech Summit 2025 kicks off in Bengaluru, spotlights sustainable mobility
The sixth edition of the ETAutoTech Summit 2025 officially kicks off today at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru, Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center. Spanning two days — June 18 and 19 — the summit returns with the central theme: 'Driving Sustainable Pathways for Future Mobility.' As the automotive world accelerates toward electrification, AI integration, and sustainable practices, this flagship event by ETAuto brings together industry leaders, technocrats, and policymakers to shape the road ahead. Key focus areas at this year's summit The summit will spotlight technologies and strategies transforming mobility — including alternative fuels like hydrogen, ethanol, and ammonia — as well as new CAFE norms, emissions regulations, net-zero strategies, and sustainable manufacturing. Technology innovations in focus include infotainment, displays, battery technologies, ADAS, connected vehicles, telematics, autonomous driving, cybersecurity, and safety in software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Also featured are discussions on localisation in powertrain and ER&D, and the role of AI, generative AI, and simulation in automotive product development. Beyond panel discussions and keynote talks, the technology showcase floor will be a major highlight, featuring over 50 exhibitors. From high-efficiency electric drivetrains to full-stack autonomous systems, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the innovation pipelines of OEMs, startups, and Tier-1 suppliers. With India emerging as a global R&D hub, the sessions are set to reveal how technology and policy are converging to create scalable, sustainable innovation. Leading Voices in Attendance Esteemed speakers and dignitaries sharing their perspectives include: Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACeDr. Andy Palmer, Global Auto Industry Veteran & Chairman, InoBat AutoFrank Stephenson, Renowned Automotive Designer Other industry stalwarts include: Rajendra Petkar, President & CTO, Tata MotorsDr. N. Saravanan, CTO, Ashok LeylandManu Saale, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz R&D IndiaR. Velusamy, President, Automotive Tech & Product Development, M&MMahesh Babu, CEO, Switch Mobility Sessions will be moderated by auto industry expert Arun Malhotra and Avik Chattopadhyay, Founder of The Indian School for Design of Automobiles. India's auto industry stands at a strategic crossroads. With global supply chains shifting, climate targets tightening, and digital disruption accelerating, forums like ETAutoTech Summit are not just think tanks — they are action hubs. By convening industry, government, and academia under one roof, the summit aims to spark collaboration, accelerate technology adoption, and build a roadmap for clean, connected, and competitive mobility. Stay tuned for exclusive coverage, interviews, and insights from the summit floor.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
French forced to rescue British charging company as drivers shun EVs
A UK car charging company is to be rescued by French energy giant EDF, after a downturn in demand for electric vehicles (EVs) left it struggling to survive. On Thursday, EDF said it would buy Pod Point in a cut-price deal to save the British company. The energy giant said a takeover was the 'only realistic prospect' of allowing Pod Point to keep operating. Pod Point, which has chargers available at places such as Tesco and McDonald's, is the third-largest charging group in the UK, operating 5,600 fuelling stations, according to Zapmap. Government data this week showed there were around 80,552 charge points across the country, up from 62,418 last year. The company was founded in 2009 and grew rapidly before listing on the London stock market with a price tag of £350m in 2021. However, Pod Point has since disappointed with lacklustre performance. Shares have crashed 94pc from its debut. The deal underscores the disappointing demand for EVs among British drivers amid fears about depreciation and reliability. While sales of EVs have grown in recent years, demand for the cars has undershot the lofty expectations of companies such as Pod Point. Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister, decided in 2023 to push back a ban on petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, which was seen as denting demand for EVs, while falling petrol prices and rising electricity prices have also damaged the appeal of battery-powered cars. A recent poll by the AA found a fifth of drivers said they would never buy an electric vehicle because they preferred to drive petrol and diesel cars. The breakdown service said more incentives were needed to boost demand. Pod Point has never been able to turn a profit and has thrown in the towel as a public company after struggling to find cash to keep the business alive. Announcing the takeover, it blamed 'slower-than-expected adoption of EVs, increased competition and the rise of alternative distribution channels' for its poor performance. EDF, which is owned by the French government, said taking the company off the stock market would allow it to fund the growth of the business more easily. The French giant already owns 53pc of the company and has offered 6.5p per share to buy the rest of the company it does not already own. Top shareholder Legal & General and the group's directors have backed the takeover, which values the group at £10.6m. Andy Palmer, the Pod Point chairman, said: 'As a good strategic fit within the EDF group, we believe it puts Pod Point on the road to a long-term, sustainable future, to the wider benefit of all its stakeholders.' Philippe Commaret, EDF's managing director, said: 'Our offer for Pod Point will allow it to benefit from long-term stability and enhanced operational support providing greater certainty for its customers.' Under the Government's zero emission vehicles (ZEV) mandate, at least 28pc of new cars sold in the UK this year must be electric. The target rises each year until 2030 when 80pc of new cars must be electric and 70pc of vans. The sale of pure new petrol and diesel cars will also be banned in 2030, after Labour reversed Mr Sunak's policy. The Government is consulting on changing the rules to make it easier for manufacturers that fail to hit the targets to avoid fines, amid fears over the health of the British car industry. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Pod Point valued at £10.6m as EDF set to takeover
Struggling Pod Point is to be taken over by France's EDF in a deal that values the company at just £10.6m. The London-listed chargepoint provider had a market capitalisation of £352m when it began trading on the stock exchange in 2021. EDF will take full control of the group via the transaction, having previously held a 53 per cent controlling stake. The value of the offer represents a premium of approximately 24 per cent to Pod Point's closing price on 23 April – the last trading day before the offer period. Shareholders in the group will be entitled to receive 6.5p in cash per share under the terms of the deal. Pod Point has endured a torrid time since its IPO amid a slower-than-expected uptake in private electric vehicle (EV) demand and higher interest rates. Shares tanked in April as it warned annual pre-tax earnings would be significantly worse than expected and said it had uncovered bad debts. 'After much careful deliberation and active engagement with EDF, the board has determined that this offer represents the best value for all Pod Point shareholders, employees and other stakeholders,' Andy Palmer, chair of Pod Point and a former chief executive of Aston Martin, said in a statement. 'As a good strategic fit within the EDF Group, we believe it puts Pod Point on the road to a long-term, sustainable future, to the wider benefit of all its stakeholders.' Philippe Commaret, managing director of EDF, said: 'EDF has a long-standing commitment to electric vehicles and a strong customer offering with one of the most competitive EV tariffs in the market. 'We aim to strengthen our leading position in EV charging, including through Pod Point. Our offer for Pod Point will allow it to benefit from long-term stability and enhanced operational support providing greater certainty for its customers.'
The Independent
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Tesla warned of three big issues amid falling sales - despite share price climbing 25% in a month
Elon Musk and Tesla have been warned by a former car manufacturer chief executive of three key problems facing them at present as sales continue to slide - with the electric vehicle manufacturer's own boss being one of them. Tesla sales across Europe fell by almost half (49 per cent) last month compared to a year ago, to just over 7,000 vehicles, despite EV sales as a whole continuing to rise. Tesla now have just a 0.7 per cent share of the market in Europe according to European Automobile Manufacturers Association data. Speaking on BBC Radio's Today programme, Andy Palmer, former chief executive at Aston Martin, spoke on the issues facing Tesla - which suffered a fourth straight drop in monthly sales. 'They've fallen by about half and there are three things going on,' Mr Palmer said. 'One is the Tesla portfolio is getting relatively old - they do facelifts but haven't replaced their models and that plays into competitors, particularly the Chinese - big competition from the likes of BYD. 'And thirdly there's controversy around the CEO himself Elon Musk, certain amount of people protesting and not buying because of him - a bit of brand damage there.' Mr Palmer also suggested the dip in fortunes for Tesla may result in an opportunity for UK-based manufacturers, which would be a new issue to contend with for the US-based manufacturer. 'Car companies crave certainty and now we've got a clear trade agreement with the US, the EU and with Japan - there's stability in the UK market,' he said. 'While we didn't get away with no tariff, there is relatively low tariffs to each of those places and that's good news for the UK.' As part of his attempts to refocus on his corporate responsibilities following his work alongside the US government in DOGE, Mr Musk has not only promised Tesla shareholders he'll be focusing far more of his time on his companies, he has now said he'll be back to 'spending 24/7 at work and sleeping in conference/server/factory rooms'. Investors reacted positively when he initially promised to lower his DOGE related work, but Mr Musk has far more than just the car company on his plate. His net worth of $390bn (£289bn) is down more than $40bn this year, yet still comfortably places him as the richest person on the planet, according to Bloomberg. Among others, he also owns social media platform X, The Boring Company and SpaceX - which on Wednesday saw a third Starship test launch end in an out-of-control manner, when a rocket exploded. Dr David Whitehouse, former Science editor at the BBC, told Today: 'Problems are piling up for Musk's SpaceX, this is the third time things have gone wrong for super heavy booster starship. This is the third mission things have gone wrong.' SpaceX was valued at $350bn (£260bn) in December of last year, though as a private company that total is subject to change at indeterminate intervals, such as when investment is sought or the company buys shares from employees. Musk owned 42 per cent of the business at the end of last year, while investment firms Baillie Gifford and Sequoia Capital are among those to also hold stakes. But Tesla is a public listed company, which perhaps puts the greatest pressure on Musk to improve its fortunes. Despite a steep drop from $480 in December to below $225 in March and April, Tesla has rebounded to an extent since president Donald Trump announced his tariffs pause. A rise of 25 per cent over the past month sees the share price back to February levels but still down 11 per cent year to date - yet so much of Tesla's promise is on future events and sales, and not necessarily in EVs. Until those robotics, data and self-driving cars materialise as viable commercial drivers of growth, though, Tesla will need to refocus on earning back brand trust and car sales, particularly in Europe, to get matters fully back on track before competitors dominate the space it once led.
