India is in the midst of its worst auto sector growth in over two decades and the coronavirus pandemic has only aggravated the situation. But Harsh Kadam, managing director of Schaeffler India, a subsidiary of German family-owned automotive and industrial component maker, is looking for positives. Slowdown, he says, is the litmus test for any organisation. “It’s during these trying times that a differentiation is made by successful companies.” Schaeffler’s Pune-headquartered Indian arm gets 60 percent of its sales from the bearings business. “There is a solution to almost every problem. If there isn’t, we strive to find or invent one,” says Kadam in an interview with Forbes India. Edited excerpts:
Q With the new emission norms coming into effect in April, how do you see the automotive landscape changing?
It is clear that for the next few decades, there will not be one clear technology, particularly in vehicle propulsion. We are preparing for whatever shape technology takes—hybrids, micro hybrids, pure electric vehicles or hydrogen or fuel cell propulsion systems. We have continuously made strategic investments and acquisitions which enable us to be a valuable business partner to our customers and supply partners. On the industrial front too, we are taking strides in the areas of reliability and performance improvement of our products as well as developing solutions in the area of Industry 4.0—digital industrial technology—leading to a connected industry and the world at large.
Q Is the industry ready for the transition?
Denne historien er fra April 10, 2020-utgaven av Forbes India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 10, 2020-utgaven av Forbes India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Home-Cooked Meal Is Now Greatly Valued
The pandemic has also brought with it an improved focus on hygiene, use of technology in dining, rise of cloud kitchens and resurgence in popularity of Indian ingredients
Paytm 3.0 - Reaching Near Breakeven In Two Years
As of 2020, Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s super app for financial services had run up losses in thousands of crores. Now, as digital payments gets yet another boost courtesy Covid-19, he’s hopeful of reaching near breakeven in two years
THE PANDEMIC HAS CAUSED WOMEN GREATER LABOUR PAIN
Covid-19 has shown that women are more likely to face the brunt of job losses than men, and find fewer opportunities when they want to resume. That apart, several have to deal with increased hours of unpaid work at home and even domestic abuse
LEADERSHIP WILL BE ABOUT SEEING THE BIGGER PICTURE
Leaders must not only guard their teams first during a crisis, but also deal with stakeholders with respect and dignity. And apart from pursuing business goals, they should remain committed to our planet and the environment
PHILANTHROPY SHOULD BE HUMBLE, BUT NOT MODEST
Apart from building a flexible and resilient framework for the future, philanthropists, civil society and the government must work in tandem so that every rupee is absorbed on the ground
INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE, TECH WILL DISRUPT SECTOR
While clinical research will get a boost, having a skilled workforce and public spending on health care will be challenges in the near term
DIGITALISATION WILL HELP IN VALUE CREATION
As the pandemic brings technology and innovation to the core of business and daily life, the next decade will see about 150 million digital-first families in India
Industry 4.0: Climate Revolution?
Augmenting sustainability alongside digital capabilities is an economic, competitive and global opportunity for India’s businesses, but regulations need to reflect intent
EV Dream Still Miles Away
Electric vehicles have remained a buzzword in India for years. But not much has moved on ground due to high upfront costs, range anxiety and charging infrastructure
Living Waters
A virus has caused us to scramble for oxygen but our chokehold on the environment is slowly strangling the very waters that breathe life into us. The virus is a timely reminder: We are merely consumers, not producers of life’s breath on this planet
