The ACMA Mobility Foundation (AMF), an initiative of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Germany, to advance cutting-edge Research and Development (R&D) collaboration for India’s auto component industry.

The MoU was signed in the backdrop of the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) in New Delhi. The strategic partnership aims to provide a robust platform for industry-driven research and innovation, to the Indian auto component industry as it transforms to support the mobility industry in addressing challenges of carbon neutrality, circularity, safety and environment. Through this collaboration, AMF and Fraunhofer will leverage their expertise to drive advancements in technology, sustainability, and product innovation, thereby contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the Indian automotive ecosystem. The MoU will be effective for an initial period of three years, with potential extensions based on mutual agreement.

The partnership will focus on the following –

R&D Collaboration: Fraunhofer Institutes will work with AMF on applied research, focusing on new product development, process innovations, and competitive R&D for the Indian auto components sector.

Technical Expertise: Fraunhofer's technical experts will engage with Indian automotive companies to improve process technologies and introduce sustainable production methods.

Sustainability and Road Safety: Joint projects aimed at sustainable production and road safety will be explored, with a focus on circular economy principles and pre-competitive technologies that can be implemented across the automotive sector.

Vikrampati Singhania, Director, AMF & MD, JK Fenner (India) said, “This is a significant milestone for the Indian auto component industry. Collaborating with Fraunhofer, a world leader in applied research, will strengthen our efforts to drive innovation, enhance product quality, and accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility solutions. This partnership underscores our commitment to shaping a future-ready automotive industry in India.”

Vinnie Mehta, Director & Secretary, AMF added “This partnership will enable Indian companies to tap into Fraunhofer’s vast expertise and experience in applied research, helping them meet global standards while fostering innovation at a competitive cost.”

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, with its 76 research institutes and a significant global presence, brings over 3.4 billion euros (INR 298 billion) in annual research funding. The Fraunhofer Traffic and Transportation Alliance, with its cluster of 18 institutes, will be at the forefront of this collaboration, providing specialised research and development services to the automotive ecosystem in India.

Dr Johann Feckl, Director and Section Head Precompetitive Research and International Relations, Fraunhofer HQ, highlighting the strengths and capabilities of the Fraunhofer Institutes elaborated, “India and Germany are strong and natural partners in mobility. Fraunhofer possesses excellent strengths in applied research around the entire value chain of mobility from materials to manufacturing and even mobility concepts and India’s strengths are in manufacturing and qualified manpower. We are delighted that on the occasion of the Intergovernmental consultations, we are concluding this very important partnership with ACMA. We look forward to strengthening our long standing partnership.”

Anandi Iyer, Director, Fraunhofer Office India said, “Fraunhofer works closely with the industry to crunch the innovation cycle and bring new processes and products faster to the market. We are already working very strongly with the Indian automotive industry since the last 16 years with ACMA as a valued partner. It will be exciting to bring the German and Indian industry to work on India- specific challenges, create proof of concepts and then scale it at a much faster pace, thus combining German engineering and Indian ingenuity for a win-win alliance,”

This partnership is set to enhance technology and trade relations between India and Germany, while creating a sustainable talent pool of skilled researchers and technical experts well-versed in global best practices.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) recently took part in the SAE International Thermal Management Systems Symposium, held on 6–7 October 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. The event gathered mobility-industry professionals to discuss technologies and emerging challenges in vehicle thermal management. Throughout the two-day symposium, the Kuraray GENESTAR team connected with attendees at Booth #19, sharing insights into high-performance engineering materials.

The team demonstrated how GENESTAR PA9T can meet demanding automotive application requirements. This heat-resistant polyamide engineering plastic was developed by Kuraray using unique monomers, combining low water absorption, high heat resistance, chemical resistance, dimensional precision and excellent moldability. It also offers electrical properties suitable for demanding electrical and electronic applications, including low water absorption, chemical resistance, moldability, insulation performance, thermal resistance and dimensional stability.

These characteristics make GENESTAR relevant for a broad range of electrical, electronic and automotive components. Kuraray lists automotive applications including connectors, relays, insulators and wire harnesses, while GENESTAR materials also serve in sliding, fuel and air-intake systems. The company reports use in automotive gears, bearings, piping and intercooler tanks, and the material is being considered for electric-vehicle applications as well.

The SAE symposium provided a forum for exchanging insights into evolving thermal management technologies. The 2026 programme covered battery and electronics cooling, climate control, alternative refrigerants and vehicle thermal engineering approaches. For Kuraray, participation enabled direct engagement with engineers and industry professionals about how high-performance materials can address increasingly complex automotive design requirements, with GENESTAR PA9T offering a material option where multiple performance demands must be met simultaneously.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Highway Roop Precision Technologies, a Carlyle-backed manufacturer of precision torque and control components, has completed the acquisition of Chamundi Die Cast, which manufactures complex aluminium die-cast components for automotive and industrial applications.

The transaction adds integrated aluminium die-casting and machining capabilities to Highway Roop's existing forging and precision-machining operations across steering, transmission and powertrain systems.

The acquisition expands Highway Roop’s product portfolio into lightweight vehicle solutions and electric vehicle components, while establishing a manufacturing footprint in South India alongside Chamundi's existing customer base in India, North America and Europe.

At present, Chamundi exports 60 percent of its products to global markets, while domestic business accounts for 40 percent. Interestingly, 98 percent of its business comes from the automotive industry, while the remaining comes from non-automotive sector.

Mohit Oswal, Chairman, Highway Roop, said, “This acquisition is an important milestone in our journey to build Highway Roop into a scaled, diversified precision manufacturing platform anchored in mission-critical torque and control applications. Chamundi’s capabilities and customer relationships complement our existing strengths and strengthen our ability to serve customers across automotive and industrial applications. Together, we are building a stronger platform for the next phase of growth.”

Dharmesh Arora, Group CEO and Director, Highway Roop, said, “Chamundi meaningfully strengthens Highway Roop’s capabilities around our core focus on torque and control applications. Its integrated aluminum die-casting and precision-machining capabilities expand our ability to deliver complex, lightweight engineered solutions across vehicle technologies. Its South India manufacturing base also diversifies our footprint, brings us closer to key customers, and strengthens the resilience of our manufacturing network and supply chain. We are delighted to welcome the Chamundi team to Highway Roop and look forward to building a stronger platform together.”

Yasin Khan, Managing Director, Chamundi, said, “Over four decades, Chamundi has built a strong business anchored in engineering excellence, a committed workforce and long-standing customer relationships. We are pleased to partner with Highway Roop for the next phase of our journey and will continue to hold a stake in the combined entity. Highway Roop’s complementary capabilities and scale will enable us to build on this foundation, deepen our relationships with customers, and create new opportunities for our employees, as we grow together.”

Amit Jain, Partner and Head, Carlyle India Advisors, said, “This transaction reflects Carlyle’s continued commitment to building a scaled, differentiated precision manufacturing platform in India. Highway Roop has established itself as a trusted partner to global OEMs for mission-critical torque and control components, and Chamundi adds complementary capabilities that further strengthen its customer proposition. We remain focused on supporting Highway Roop as it scales its capabilities and builds towards becoming one of India’s leading precision manufacturing companies serving automotive and industrial customers globally.”

Following the completion of the acquisition, Chamundi's leadership will retain an equity stake in the combined entity as part of the integration into Highway Roop's global supply platform.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

American component supplier Stoneridge has appointed Uwe Brandenburg as its Global Vice-President, Engineering and Innovation, effective 2 November 2026. Brandenburg will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Natalia Noblet and join the company’s executive management team.

In his new role, Brandenburg will oversee Stoneridge’s global engineering division, managing product development, technology innovation and product roadmaps across vision systems, safety technology, vehicle intelligence and connectivity platforms for commercial vehicles and off-highway equipment.

Natalia Noblet said, "Uwe is a recognised voice in automotive electronics and engineering leadership, with a proven track record of building world-class engineering teams and delivering breakthrough innovations in ADAS, autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles. His extensive experience bringing next-generation radar, camera, safety electronics and AI-powered platforms to market, combined with his strategic vision and commitment to operational excellence, make him an exceptional addition to our Executive Team. We are excited to leverage his expertise to accelerate Stoneridge’s technology roadmap and strengthen our competitive position in vehicle intelligence and safety.”

Brandenburg comes with over 25 years of experience in Tier 1 automotive electronics, software engineering and vehicle systems. Prior to joining Stoneridge, he served as Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice-President for Automotive and Manufacturing at DXC Technology.

His previous positions include Global Head of Engineering and Chief Technology Officer for advanced driver assistance systems at Valeo, alongside engineering leadership roles at Continental, Autoliv and TRW Automotive focused on radar, camera and safety electronics systems.

Uwe Brandenburg said, “Stoneridge has a clear technology strategy, a highly talented engineering organisation, and a mission centred on improving safety, reducing emissions and increasing vehicle efficiency for our customers. When cutting-edge technology is paired with the right team and a purpose that truly matters, we have what it takes to create strong value for our customers. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and helping the team deliver the next generation of vision and safety solutions.”

Brandenburg holds a degree in Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Applied Sciences Constance and currently serves on the board of directors of BlincVision.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS will participate in CAMX 2026, the Composites and Advanced Materials Expo, held in Atlanta from 22 to 24 September. As North America's largest exhibition for composite and advanced materials, it expects over 500 companies and roughly 7,000 visitors. The company has exhibited every year since the event's debut in 2014, strengthening its North American presence.

At this year's show, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS will display 3K carbon fibre, 3K fabrics and composites for drones and high-pressure vessels for satellites. Carbon fibre applications are expanding across automotive wheels, hoods and brake discs, sports goods such as hockey sticks, pickleball rackets and surfboards, wire cores and increasingly aerospace, defence and drones.

TANSOME, independently developed in 2011 as Korea's first proprietary carbon fibre, weighs one-quarter as much as steel while offering ten times the strength and seven times the elasticity. Commercial production began in Jeonju in 2013, followed by a China base in 2024 and planned Vietnam operations in late 2026, ensuring a stable global supply chain.

International certifications validate the company's capabilities, including IATF 16949 in 2019 and AS9100 in 2021. In 2022, it developed H3065, a T-1000-grade ultra-high-strength carbon fibre, becoming only the third company worldwide after Japan and the United States to do so.

Jin-dal Lim, CEO, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS, said, “CAMX 2026 is an important platform for sharing the latest technologies and market trends with leading companies and customers in the global composite materials industry and exploring new business opportunities. We will provide differentiated carbon fibre solutions for advanced industries, including aerospace and aviation, based on our high-performance carbon fibre technologies and stable supply capabilities.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!