FY 17-18 ushered in a new domain of BS IV emission regulations for commercial vehicles in India. With the advent of new emission regulation, there came advancements in product technologies which enabled the trucking industry to perform better and more efficiently. The industry is now preparing for a transition to BS VI standards by 2020. OEMs, on their part, are investing in improving fuel economy standards of their vehicles as BS VI fossil fuels will be costlier. The “Cover Story” of APF Mar 2019 highlighted the performance of commercial vehicles segment as they gears up to meet the BS VI requirement. With rising need to reduce the weight of vehicles, the lightweight aluminum and magnesium alloy wheels segment is expected to show high growth rate (of approximately 20 per cent) in the near future. Some of the OEMs have started to offer advanced applications in their mid-segment vehicles, thus propelling the demand for advanced automotive wheels. In addition, high investment by major OEMs in advanced systems is expanding the horizons of wheel technologies. “Special Feature” of APF Mar 2019 compares the performance of steel and alloy wheels market and forecasts the future of wheel technology.

The "OEM Corner" focuses on how new telecommunication solutions are making commercial mobility smarter. Besides, read "Techno Trends" to know about steps taken by tyre manufacturers to meet the evolving requirements of auto makers.