Japan unveils plan for automotive industry to ‘go green’ by 2050, seeks stable cobalt supply

Earlier this year, India's Ministry of Power launched a program focused on electric vehicles achieving a domestic market share of more than 30% by 2030. In March for example, China tightened its grip on the global cobalt market when battery giant GEM signed an agreement with cobalt production powerhouse Glencore for the supply of more than 50,000 tonnes of cobalt over three years. A vital link in the EV chainCobalt is a vital ingredient in the manufacture of electric car battery cells. And the trend looks set to continue, driven mostly by the electrification of the global car industry. The company reported that such moves have "bolstered the bullish sentiment" in the cobalt market and have helped to elevate prices too.

DNA Mumbai Anniversary: Meet movers and shakers who changed automotive industry in past 13 years

Similarly, in 2-wheelers segment, India has become the world's largest market selling under 19 million units annually and gearless scooters playing an important role in it. Further, according to Sharma, the industry has also become more IT enabled moving the industry towards more advance features in the vehicles. As per experts, used car segment witnessed tremendous growth as people's attitude towards it have changed giving rise to multiple e-commerce in recent years. Presenting some movers and shakers who changed the automotive industry in the past 13 years. The industry experts credit Bajaj for turning Bajaj Auto into a bike company, away from the days of being a scooter company of the past.

Forum will analyse future of automotive industry in SA

As it stated in The South African motor industry is in a state of flux as it waits to hear the government's final master plan for the industry for the period 2020-35. "We have linked this insightful conference and exhibition to our Automechanika automotive after-market trade fair brand to stress its credibility and value to the South African motor industry," said Tracy Gounden, show director for the Cape Automotive Forum. He serves on a number of relevant organisations, from the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Nedlac, Business Unity SA and the Motor Industry Development Council. The automotive after-market has also been affected with an increase to a trend towards DIY repairs with the ability of end-users to source parts and accessories online. Says Gounden: "We are pleased with the calibre of speakers at forum, which is a must attend event for people involved in SA's motor industry."

collected by :Catlin Logan