December 18, 2019
The focus areas will include training on vehicle dynamics, tyre technologies, exploring future stakes in standardisation and regulation, etc.
The partnership is expected to encourage knowledge-sharing, enhance awareness of the industry, and collaborations in auto-tech projects
Over the past few years, India has emerged as the preferred destination for research and development activity for the global auto industry
Companies like Continental AG, Faurecia, Volvo Cars, etc have partnered with India’s premier academic and research institutes as well as industry research bodies
On December 18, the Indian subsidiary of French tyre major Michelin announced that it had entered into a preliminary agreement with the Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to collaborate in automobile technology. ARAI is the automotive testing body affiliated to the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
Under the proposed partnership, the focus areas include training on vehicle dynamics, tyre technologies, and exploring future stakes in standardisation and regulation, among others, according to an official press release by ARAI. It also mentioned that the strategic partnership would see the two bodies join forces to facilitate the testing of tyres for regulatory requirements. It is expected that the partnership will encourage knowledge-sharing, enhance awareness of the transportation industry, and drive forward collaborations in automobile technology projects in India.
“[…] Our strategic partnership with ARAI will allow us to share our expertise and multi-country know-how on tyre technology for the Indian market,” said Eric Philippe Vinesse, EVP for research and development and a member of the Executive Committee, Michelin Group.
Over the past few years, India has emerged as the preferred destination for research and development (R&D) activity for the global auto industry. There has been a surge in new collaborations between car and auto parts manufacturers with Indian academic and research institutes, focusing on new-age automotive solutions including zero-emission technology, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), etc. These include Continental AG, Faurecia, Volvo Cars, Ashok Leyland, etc.
Interestingly, they are tapping India’s premier academic and research institutes (such as the 23 IITs across India and Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science) as well as industry research bodies such as the ARAI to work on these solutions.
Besides being a cost-effective proposition, say, researchers, the global auto OEMs which have already set up their R&D centres in India, have tied up with local research organizations to be able to provide customized solutions for the Indian market.