Automotive industry has been an early adopter of robotics for application such as welding, painting, glue dispensing, etc. With auto manufacturing processes demanding flexibility and efficiency, market for low-to-medium payload robots are likely to experience much faster growth than heavy payload robots. And presence of large number of SMEs in auto ancillary segment is only going to propel this market further. The “Cover Story” focused on how auto component makers and auto OEMs are opting for robots to make their manufacturing processes more efficient and productive.

According to MarketsandMarkets, the automotive axle market of India is projected to grow to 234,497.8 thousand units by 2021 at a CAGR of 5.43 per cent. Growing vehicle production, demand for comfort, and the need to reduce maintenance costs are the major drivers pushing the growth of the automotive axle market in the country. Because of the continuous advancements in technology and the increasing demand for all-wheel drive (AWD)/ four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, live axles category is estimated to dominate the Indian automotive industry by 2021. The “Special Feature” of APF May 2019 analysed impact of the new axle loading norms on the automotive axle industry in the country.

The roll out of the government’s FAME II policy will give a needed impetus and help achieve greater penetration of EV. Allocation for the scheme for 2019-20 is estimated to be at Rs 1,500 crore, Rs 5,000 crore in 2020-21 and Rs 3,500 crore in 2021-22. “OEM Corner” focuses on how the policy will drive growth in the electric 2W, 3W and public transport segment.