Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar) has unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at replicating the tenfold revenue growth achieved over the last decade. This strategy relies on the development of robotics, physical artificial intelligence (AI), asset acquisitions, and the implementation of new mobility technologies.
Based on the company's revenue for the fiscal year 2025 of ₹3,555 crore, achieving a similar growth trajectory implies a business volume of approximately ₹35,000 crore over the next decade, although the company has not officially stated a revenue target.
Furthermore, the company reported strong consolidated results for the first quarter. Revenue increased by 54% compared to the previous year, reaching ₹1,310 crore for the quarter ending June 30. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) grew by 49% to ₹303 crore, and net profit increased by 45% to ₹181 crore.
Naming the new plan 'Sona Comstar 2.0', the company has defined three key strategic priorities for the coming decade. These include accelerating the creation of new product lines both through internal expansion and acquisitions; deepening presence in Eastern markets; and forming intelligent and connected systems as a second long-term technological focus alongside electrification.
A crucial part of the strategy is the launch of a new division in robotics and physical AI, marking the company's diversification beyond automotive and railway systems. This business will focus on manufacturing critical components and subsystems for robotic platforms, developing perception stacks and engineering services, and ultimately creating standalone, fully functional robotic platforms. The company announced that it has already secured three orders totaling ₹600 crore, bringing the order book for this new division to ₹800 crore. A prototype of an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) was also presented, and the development of its own AMR platform is underway.
The company also highlighted the recently announced partnership with the Japanese company Denso. This collaboration fills a significant gap in the electrification portfolio by providing access to high-voltage electric and hybrid powertrain technologies. Under the agreement, Denso will control the management of the joint venture serving four-wheeled vehicles, while Sona Comstar will retain managerial control over the enterprise focused on two- and three-wheeled transport.
During the reporting quarter, Sona Comstar continued to build its future business portfolio. The company won a hybrid transmission program worth ₹640 crore from a North American passenger car manufacturer, two wheel-on-drive engine projects worth ₹90 crore from an Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer, and a differential transmission program worth ₹210 crore for internal combustion engine passenger cars. As of the end of June, the total order book stood at ₹24,000 crore, equivalent to approximately 5.4 times the revenue for the fiscal year 2026, with EV programs accounting for ₹15,400 crore, or nearly two-thirds of the total order volume.
The central government clarified on Thursday that premium gasoline sold by state-owned oil companies does not contain an ethanol additive. Furthermore, it was stated that there are currently no decisions regarding blending more than 20% ethanol into gasoline, and there are no proposals to resume supplies of E0 or E10 gasoline.
Oil and Natural Gas Minister Suresh Gopi provided this information in a written response in Lok Sabha. He stated that premium fuel types such as XP100 from Indian Oil, poWer100 from Hindustan Petroleum, and Speed100 from Bharat Petroleum do not contain ethanol. These special fuel types include special additives to ensure better performance and account for about 0.5% of the total gasoline sales volume in the country.
The cost of these premium gasoline types is approximately 160 rupees per liter, whereas regular gasoline costs about 102.12 rupees per liter. Currently, regular gasoline contains up to 20% ethanol.
Suresh Gopi emphasized that any decision to add more than 20% ethanol to gasoline will only be made after conducting detailed scientific and technical research. This process will involve consultations with vehicle manufacturers, oil trading companies, and research institutions.
The government has directed state and private oil companies to ensure the availability of gasoline blended up to 20% ethanol in all states and union territories of the country. Under the ethanol blended fuel program, gasoline blended with ethanol having a minimum octane rating of 95 RESEARCH RON was also approved starting April 1, 2026.
According to the government, there have been no mass confirmed complaints from vehicle manufacturers, automotive associations, or consumer groups regarding E20 gasoline. Laboratory tests, field trials, and operational data have shown that E20 fuel does not have a widespread negative impact on engine reliability, performance, or vehicle lifespan.
The Minister noted that over 20 million two-wheelers and more than 30 million passenger cars operating on high-ethanol content fuel are in use in the country. To date, no confirmed data has been presented regarding mass engine failures due to ethanol blending.
Regarding the non-resumption of E0 or E10 gasoline supplies, the government cited logistical difficulties. The government stated that maintaining a separate supply system for E0, E10, and E20 gasoline at over one hundred thousand petrol pumps across the country would significantly increase transportation, storage, and fuel management costs.
It should be noted that E0 denotes gasoline without ethanol, while E10 contains 10% ethanol. E20 gasoline consists of 80% gasoline and 20% ethanol. Currently, E20 gasoline is supplied to over one hundred thousand petrol pumps across the country, while premium gasoline is available only at select petrol pumps.
Suresh Gopi stated that the goal of the government's policy is to move towards cleaner and higher quality fuel, not to revert to old standards. He added that E20 fuel was adopted after scientific testing, and the automotive industry approved it after comprehensive tests. The government's goal is to move towards clean fuel, balancing energy security, environmental sustainability, and farmers' interests.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on Thursday that it is aware of the plans of the United States and Saudi Arabia to approach it with a request to conduct verification work regarding their discussed nuclear cooperation deal. However, the request from these countries has not yet been received.
In its statement, the International Atomic Energy Agency expressed its readiness to receive such a verification request and to work jointly with the US and KSA to ensure the implementation of the agreed measures.
