At Automechanika Frankfurt, a pivotal event showcasing automotive innovations, Cojali Solutions is making significant strides in the aftermarket sector. With the establishment of Cojali India and the opening of a new office in Mohali, the company is poised to deliver cutting-edge diagnostic and telematics solutions. Dr. SD Sharma, Executive Director – South Asia at Jaltest Solutions & Cojali Parts, shares insights on their ambitious plans and innovative offerings in this exclusive interview with N. Balasubramanian.
Cojali has embarked on a new journey in the South Asian countries, planning to operate from India. “We now have a legal entity as Cojali India and have started our new office in Mohali,” says Dr. SD Sharma, speaking at their booth at Automechanika Frankfurt. “From Mohali, we are setting up a complete team, not just for sales, but also for service backup, technological support, training, and demonstrations.”
Cojali has been a prominent player in the aftermarket sector for about 32 years, primarily focusing on the commercial vehicle segment. “One of our most important products is our diagnostics system,” Dr. Sharma explains. “We cover an extensive range of commercial vehicles across Europe and the U.S., with over 2,000 brands and models included in our diagnostic system.”
While Cojali has recently begun operations in India, they are already expanding their diagnostic capabilities to encompass many prevalent models in the Indian and South Asian markets. “We are excited to provide complete coverage for diagnostics, including brands like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, Eicher, Bharat Benz, and Force Motors,” Dr. Sharma emphasizes.
In addition to diagnostics, Cojali is introducing a groundbreaking solution in remote diagnostics through telematics. “Our telematics system offers remote diagnostics capabilities,” he notes. “For example, if you are in New Delhi and a vehicle encounters a problem in Jaipur, we can remotely diagnose the vehicle, clear fault codes, and even calibrate it, mimicking a real-time diagnostic application.”
This innovation is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of logistics services. “This solution will reduce costs associated with poor-quality service and minimize downtime, ultimately benefiting all our logistics partners in the market,” Dr. Sharma adds, highlighting its importance for the logistics industry during the exhibition.
Cojali is also engaged in OEM solutions, providing fan clutches to various manufacturers globally. “We are starting fan clutch production in India and aim to collaborate with local OEMs to offer this technology,” he states. “Our parts domain includes around 15,000 different types of components, covering engine, transmission, suspension, braking systems, and sensors. We have roughly 40,000 references in total.”
When discussing what sets Cojali apart in the diagnostic sector, Dr. Sharma highlights unique features of their diagnostic system. “We cater not just to commercial vehicles but also to off-highway vehicles, marine applications, and material handling equipment,” he explains. “Our engineering team in Spain is continuously upgrading software and expanding our customer base.”
He continues, “Our diagnostic system does not just provide reports; we can clear fault codes live and offer a comprehensive maintenance guide that guides mechanics through repairs. We are also proud to offer complete wiring diagrams for vehicles, a feature unique in the diagnostic market.”
India’s automotive industry is undergoing significant changes, particularly following the implementation of BS6 emissions standards in April 2019. Dr. Sharma observes, “There has been a shift in the industry’s understanding of emissions and government support, but there is still a gap in training and technology dissemination among workshops.”
As Cojali India seeks to address these challenges, Dr. Sharma extends an invitation to potential partners. “We welcome partners who can assist us in training, demonstrations, and customer support. The coverage across India is extensive, and we need dedicated partners to help reach multibrand workshops and logistics companies effectively.”
Looking ahead, Cojali aims to establish a substantial market presence, targeting over 2,000 systems in South Asia. “We are gradually moving in a positive direction and are keen to invite new distributors who want to invest in this long-term business,” he expresses. “Our subscription-based model ensures ongoing revenue through service updates and new applications.”
Cojali’s ambitions extend beyond India, as they aim to replicate their success in 135 countries within the South Asian market. Dr. Sharma concludes, “We are optimistic about making a significant impact in this region and are committed to delivering superior diagnostic solutions.”