Empowering the Future of Automotive: Leadership, People, and Digital Transformation at the Core

#AutomotiveIndustry #SmartManufacturing #DigitalTransformation #Automation #Manufacturing #RockwellAutomation #MahindraAuto #Mahindra&MahindraAuto

“We are using technologies like AR, VR, and generative AI not to replace people, but to assist and empower them.” - Rucha Nanavati, Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Mahindra & Mahindra Auto.

May 2025 : The automotive manufacturing sector today is standing at the intersection of disruption and opportunity. Electrification, connectivity, AI-powered automation, and evolving customer expectations are rewriting the rules of manufacturing, not just in India but across the world. This shift requires more than just technology deployment—it calls for leadership that can navigate complexity, scale innovation, and keep people at the center of transformation.

At the recent Rockwell Automation Presents: Driving the Future – Smart Manufacturing & Digital Transformation in Automotive Summit 2025, powered by Pro MFG Media, some of the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders came together to explore this transformation journey. One of the most impactful moments was the fireside chat moderated by Ms. Priyanka Abrol, Head of Marketing, Rockwell Automation India, featuring Ms. Rucha Nanavati, Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Mahindra & Mahindra Auto.

Beyond Digital: A Mindset Shift Towards Business Transformation

In a candid and inspiring conversation, Rucha challenged the audience to go beyond the buzzword of "digital transformation." “It’s not about digital for digital’s sake. It’s about reimagining how work gets done for the organization to be future ready ,” she said.

Her advice to today’s technology leaders? Develop the ability to embrace ambiguity and complexity, because that’s where true growth happens. In a world where technologies, markets, and customer needs shift rapidly, leaders must foster a growth mindset—a mindset that continuously learns, adapts, and pushes through resistance to change.

She highlighted that Mahindra’s transformation is not just about technology deployments but about building frameworks that scale business impact. With operations spanning more than 20 industries, including automotive, Mahindra’s digital transformation journey is designed to achieve business outcomes, not incremental gains.

Human-Centered Automation at Scale

While Mahindra’s manufacturing plants like Chakan are embracing high levels of automation—up to 98% in their latest EV lines—Rucha emphasized that people remain at the heart of their operations.

“We are using technologies like AR, VR, and generative AI not to replace people, but to assist and empower them,” she explained.

By digitizing knowledge, making instructions accessible in multiple languages, and leveraging AI-powered support tools, Mahindra ensures that their workforce is equipped with the right skills to thrive alongside automation. Rucha made it clear that the future of manufacturing is not “zero human” but “augmented human,” where technology acts as an enabler.

Unlocking Capacity Through Digital Twin and Metaverse Applications

Mahindra’s Chakan facility, one of India’s largest automotive plants, is a live example of how digital twin and metaverse technologies are driving operational excellence. Facing space constraints while scaling production from 350,000 to 700,000+ vehicles, Mahindra turned to digital simulations to optimize plant layout, paint shop scheduling, and multi-model production.

“Month after month, our teams find new ways to unlock efficiency using digital models. It’s how we manage complex product variants on the same line without expanding physical space,” Rucha shared.

Such applications of virtual validation and simulation are not just theoretical—they are delivering measurable capacity and cost benefits, ensuring Mahindra stays ahead in the race to scale EV and ICE production efficiently.

Owning the Transformation Journey

As the automotive sector navigates rapid shifts, the summit underscored a key takeaway—while technology is a very powerful enabler; leadership, people, and purpose are the real drivers of sustainable transformation. “The focus should be on impact and outcomes, empowering your team by treating people the way you want to be treated and above all, being a lifelong learner,” emphasised Rucha.

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