DECEMBER, 20259MARUTI SUZUKI INDIA PLANS BATTERY LOCALIZATION TO BOOST EV ADOPTIONKPMG IN INDIA ACHIEVES ISO 42001 CERTIFICATION FOR AI MANAGEMENTMaruti Suzuki India is moving to localize battery production and key components over the next few years to strengthen the country's EV ecosystem, as it prepares to launch its first electric SUV, the e VITARA, in the domestic market next year.The automaker currently imports batteries but has a clear roadmap to localize them in phases. "Right now we are importing the batteries but yes we have a plan for localisation. It is very much on the cards in a phased manner over the next few years," said Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Maruti Suzuki India.Banerjee said wider EV adoption in India depends on buyer confidence, especially for using electric vehicles as the primary family car. "We believe that the customer is not confident (about EVs). The initial products that were launched, and the experiences from those, has created a huge amount of negativity in the minds of people regarding the driving range," he said. Most EV buyers still treat them as a second car due to limited public charging."It's not the primary car. Since public infrastructure is not there, the buyer doesn't want to take a chance. So if he wants to buy his first vehicle, it happens to be not in EV, but in ICE or some other vehicle," Banerjee added.By FY30, Maruti Suzuki India plans five EV models, with industry volumes projected at 5.5­6 million units and EV penetration of 13­15 percent. However, Banerjee noted that projections may change after GST 2.0.The company plans 1,500 EV-ready workshops across 1,100 cities, has already installed 2,000 charging points, and targets 1 lakh chargers by 2030. To address resale concerns, it will offer assured buyback and subscription schemes. Maruti has also begun exports of the e VITARA, shipping 10,000 units to 26 markets. SGS announced today that it has certified KPMG in India with ISO42001 for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems at its Gurugram and Noida offices.The certification is a significant milestone in the industry with KPMG in India being among the first to embrace the global standard of responsible and effective AI management in the world.The International Organization of Standardization developed ISO 42001:2023 that stipulates the regulations of the construction, operation, maintenance, and ongoing enhancement of an AI management system.As AI is rapidly adopted in all industries, the standard presents an effective road map, which guarantees ethics in AI use, operational integrity and robust governance in the AI life cycle. In the case of professional services firms, the framework is more important than ever since AI becomes central to serving clients and decision-making.KPMG in India receives the ISO 42001 certification demonstrating its adherence to the internationally accepted standards of safe, ethical and transparent usage of AI. The certification helps clients, regulators and stakeholders know that the AI technologies are regulated in a manner that there are clear controls, accountability and risk management, and at the same time, they encourage large-scale innovations.When discussing the certification, the Sub-Regional Director of Business Assurance at SGS India, Nilesh Jadhav, stated that the ISO 42001 certification conferred on KPMG India indicates that both organizations are willing to promote the responsible use of AI. This achievement demonstrates how organizations are able to remain trustworthy and autonomous even though they develop confidence in AI and innovate.Sharing his thoughts, Harnath Babu, CIO & Partner, KPMG in India, said, "Achieving ISO 42001 certification is a significant step in our journey towards responsible and transparent AI adoption... of our digital strategy and this recognition underscores our dedication to building trust and accountability in every AI solution we deliver." TOP STORIESDECEMBER, 20259
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