Switzerland-headquartered tier 1 supplier Autoneum signed an agreement to acquire all shares of Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Interior Parts Co, an automotive supplier for acoustic and thermal management in China.

Together with the recently completed acquisition of Jiangsu Huanyu Group, Autoneum's Business Group Asia is further expanding its customer base to include other major Chinese vehicle manufacturers such as FAW-Volkswagen, FAW-Audi, FAW-Toyota and Geely. The transaction is scheduled to close in July 2025.

The tier 1 supplier states that with around 30 million light vehicles produced annually, China is the world’s largest automotive market and with an expected increase to 31.5 million cars by 2030, it is also one of the most important growth markets for the automotive industry.

Established in 2011, Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Group operates four production facilities with around 240 employees in the immediate vicinity of local automotive manufacturers in the north, centre and south of China.

Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Group’s product portfolio is very similar to that of Autoneum and includes components such as floor insulators, wheelhouse liners, trunk trims, inner dashes, hoodliners and outer dashes. In FY2024, Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Group generated a preliminary revenue of around CHF 27 million, with a strong growth projected for the coming years. The purchase price is around CHF 16 million (excluding cash and cash equivalents and debt) and closing is expected in July 2025 following the necessary approvals by the authorities. It intends to continue operating the Group under the Chinese company names. From an organisational perspective, however, Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Group will be fully integrated into Autoneum’s Business Group Asia in order to fully leverage the synergies.

Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Group, like the Jiangsu Huanyu Group, offers access to local vehicle manufacturers in China. This will enable Autoneum to continue to expand and complete its customer base in this key market.

Eelco Spoelder, CEO, Autoneum, said, “The acquisition is in line with our corporate strategy Level Up and marks another important step in implementing our strategic pillar Accelerate global growth. By adding further local Chinese car manufacturers to our customer portfolio, this latest takeover, together with the acquisition of Jiangsu Huanyu Group, will bring us even closer to our medium-term target of generating 20 percent of Group revenue in Asia.”

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The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex body representing component manufacturers in the country, has appointed Sriram Viji, Managing Director, Brakes India, as President for the 2026–27 term.

The industry body also named Anjali Singh, Executive Chairperson of ANAND Group and Gabriel India, as President-Designate. 

Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA, said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Sriram Viji and Mrs. Anjali Singh to their new roles. Their rich industry experience and strategic vision will guide ACMA as the sector navigates geopolitical uncertainty and the evolving mobility landscape. I am confident that their leadership will strengthen our engagement with Government and industry partners to diversify supply chains, improve access to critical raw materials and enhance India’s global competitiveness.” 

Sriram Viji, President, ACMA, said, “It is an honour to lead ACMA as India strengthens its position as a trusted partner in global automotive value chains. Our priority is to deepen local capabilities and accelerate investment in advanced technologies, R&D and innovation, while embedding sustainability across the industry. As electric, connected and new-energy mobility create fresh opportunities, we must move beyond adapting to change to shaping it. Together with our members, we will work to position India as a global hub for high-value manufacturing and next-generation mobility solutions.”

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German automotive supplier MAHLE has established an e-compressor production facility in Coimbatore, which it claims makes it the first company to manufacture the component in India.

The German firm has invested EUR 7 million in the site to produce e-compressors, which regulate thermal management, battery life, charging speeds and driving range in electric vehicles.

The production line has a capacity of over 300,000 e-compressors annually to supply domestic and international vehicle manufacturers. The launch creates 50 jobs, aligning with the Indian government's ‘Make in India 2.0’ manufacturing initiative.

The Coimbatore facility already produces starter motors, alternators, controllers and traction motors for two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Following the setup of an R&D facility in 2023 for product validation, MAHLE has outlined plans for women to represent 75 percent of the plant's total workforce by 2027.

The company entered India in 1958 through a piston manufacturing joint venture and now has expanded its operation across 15 locations in the country with 5,900 employees.

Ivan Lenehan, Vice-President, MAHLE Powertrain and Charging, India, China & East Asia, said, “India continues to play an increasingly important role in the global mobility transformation. This facility strengthens our presence in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets and reinforces our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.”

Milind Mhaiskar, MD, MAHLE Electric Drives India, said, “This production facility underscores our focus on localisation and customer-centric innovation. The success of this project reflects the dedication of our teams and our collaborative approach with business partners.”

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Delhi NCR-based fluid transmission provider Imperial Auto has appointed Sandeep Bathla as its new Chief Global Operations Officer.

In his new role, Bathla will oversee manufacturing operations and direct programs to update automation, expand production capabilities and streamline supply-chain networks across company facilities. He will report to Vikram Wagh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Imperial Auto.

Bathla brings over three decades of industry experience to the role and previously served as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at Plasser India, following management roles at Blue Star, Motherson Sintermetal Technology and Eicher Tractors. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Kurukshetra and a PhD from European International University, Paris.

Vikram Wagh said, “As Imperial Auto continues to scale its operations and strengthen its position in global markets, building a future-ready and high-performing manufacturing organisation will be critical. Sandeep brings extensive experience across manufacturing and the automotive industry, along with a strong understanding of operational excellence. His leadership will be instrumental in enhancing our manufacturing capabilities, improving responsiveness and creating greater value for our customers.”

The executive change aligns with Imperial Auto's plans to expand its international manufacturing footprint and engineering capabilities.

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Tier 1 automotive supplier Lumax Auto Technologies, part of the DK Jain Group, has further strengthened its management team by onboarding Ambarish Kumar Gupta as the new Vice-President – Operations.

Gupta comes with over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, with senior roles across financial operations.

The industry executive has worked with the likes of Forvia Faurecia, Marelli, Brose, Magna Steyr, Infosys, L&T Technology Services, BlueBinaries Engineering & Solutions and PGUB Management Consulting, among others.

In his new role, he will be responsible for advancing futuristic automotive electronics, strengthening operations and making the company future-ready.

Gupta will also support Lumax Auto Technologies’ innovation, technology and operational excellence roadmap.

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