New Delhi: Electric vehicles and technology were the show stealers at the Auto Expo 2018. Speaking to News18, Mahindra & Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka says Indian auto industry is ready for the challenge and it's only a matter of time before electric becomes a reality on Indian roads. Edited excerpts:
Q: A lot of interesting technology is on display at the Auto Expo 2018. What's your comments on it?
A: With new safety and emission norms coming in India, there is a lot of need for technology in the Indian auto industry. We are happy to see that the suppliers are supporting our technology needs.
Q: With India's auto exports going up, do you think the components manufacturers can meet the demand and global standards?
A: Yes. There are pockets where work needs to be done, but the overall approach in the supply industry has changed over the years. They know that they cannot be compromising on any of the parameters that OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) are looking for. Indian suppliers have taken steps to become globally competitive in all aspects.
Q: Electric vehicles are the future. Do you think Indian component makers are geared up to shift to the new technology?
A: For electric vehicles, it's the engine that is being replaced by the electric components. A lot of work is being done on this front by both the OEMs and the suppliers. The supplier community is on a wait and watch mode because they are not sure when the electric vehicles will take off. Many suppliers are beginning to put on display what they are doing for the EVs.
Q: What do you have to say on the concept vehicle 'TUV', which has been put up on display by Mahindra?
A: It's a concept vehicle... though right now we don't have any plans to productionise it, the feedback has been very positive. We are very tempted to look at whether we can productionise it. We will do some number crunching and see what kind of demand can be generated and whether it is possible to do tooling up for that demand... after engineering and validation, we would love to productionise it.
Watch the interview here:
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