Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

• 25+ years of Technical and Project leadership experience in the Automotive industry with expertise in Product Engineering with diverse and distributed teams

• Proven leadership and technical knowledge to deliver Automotive products from Advanced Concepts to Product Launch

• Executed multiple vehicle programs for different segments & regions- M1, M2, N1 & N2 (Sedan, Vans, LDT, MDT & HDT)

Q2. From your perspective, what market segments in India are underpenetrated and likely to drive the next wave of vehicle launches?

India-specific view of under-penetrated segments that are poised to drive the next wave of launches:

• Affordable Electric cars (A/B segments)

• CNG – SUV / MPV

• Vans

Q3. With Indian consumers demanding both affordability and premium features, how is body design adapting to balance cost with safety, comfort, and durability?

Body design is adapting to meet the demands of affordability + premium features

• Safer vehicles with minimal cost escalations

• Premium feel with minimal cost escalations

• More Durable for Indian Specific needs

Q4. Do you see sustainability (recyclable materials, green steel, bio-composites) becoming a strong market driver in body engineering decisions for India?

Yes, but with a different pace and priority than in Europe or the U.S.
In India, sustainability in Body engineering is starting to matter more, though it is still emerging as a market driver rather than a regulatory mandate.

Q5. What share of the Indian market do you think CKD vs fully localized vehicles will capture going forward?

It all depends on how the FTA & Tariff conditions evolve over time.

Q6. Which global or Indian automakers do you see setting the pace in terms of innovative body structures or cost-efficient solutions?

Tesla has already shown what innovation is all about: Innovative solutions. Similarly, many other OEMs introduce such concepts to reduce the weight & increase the durability of the bodies.

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

“How do you future-proof your product and Body engineering strategies to balance
Affordability for Indian buyers
Compliance with Safety norms,
Readiness for global export standards? “