Bonfiglioli Transmissions Strengthens Board With New Appointments

Bonfiglioli Transmissions has announced the appointment of Ravindra Pisharody as Chairperson and Independent Director. The company also appointed Sundaresan Ananthanarayanan and Rossella Schiavini as Independent Directors to its board, effective February 2026.

These changes aim to enhance governance and strategic oversight for the provider of mechanical and electro-mechanical power transmissions.

Ravindra Pisharody, who has served on the company’s board since 2018, takes over as Chairperson. An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and IIM Calcutta, Pisharody has 36 years of experience in marketing and sales. His career includes leadership roles at Tata Motors, Philips India, BP India and BP Singapore.

As of 31 December 2025, he holds directorships in several companies, including Muthoot Finance and Happy Forgings.

Sundaresan Ananthanarayanan joins the board with a background in electrical and mechanical engineering. He previously held a role at Ammann India, where he worked within the infrastructure and industrial equipment sector. His appointment is intended to provide perspective on industrial systems and manufacturing operations.

Rossella Schiavini brings international experience in corporate governance and finance. A graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science, she has over seven years of board-level experience. Her previous associations include BPER Banca and Immobiliare Grande Distribuzione SIIQ. Schiavini’s expertise lies in risk management and strategic decision-making within global organisations.

Motherson Signs JV With Hellmann Worldwide

Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (Motherson) has signed a joint venture agreement with Hellmann Worldwide Logistics (MESA) Holding Limited (Hellmann) to provide integrated supply chain solutions tailored to the global automotive industry. The JV will be incorporated in Dubai and deliver innovative, efficient and sustainable logistics solutions by combining Hellmann’s global logistics network and technology capabilities along with the deep automotive supply chain expertise of Motherson. 
The Dubai-based company will provide access to more than 30,000 global suppliers and trusted OEM relationships. It will also help deliver greater stability, predictability and efficiency across global logistics operations and spending. Both the partners are committed to carbon net-zero targets and will leverage their expertise and technologies to support industry-wide sustainability initiatives. The joint venture will support Motherson’s growing global manufacturing footprint and the broader automotive ecosystem while strengthening Hellmann’s global automotive logistics capabilities.
Arjun Kochhar, Chief Executive Officer, Logistics Solutions Business Division, Motherson Group, said, “Motherson’s Logistics Division focuses on building specialised platforms that support the evolving supply chain needs of the Group, our customers, suppliers and the broader ecosystem, as part of Motherson’s solutions strategy. Our partnership with Hellmann Worldwide Logistics combines Motherson’s integrated industrial capabilities with Hellmann’s extensive network and advanced logistics expertise. Together we aim to deliver more resilient, agile and sustainable logistics networks in an increasingly interconnected and complex global environment.”

Autoverse Mobility Launches Digital Initiatives For Automotive Aftermarket

Autoverse Mobility

Autoverse Mobility announced a series of technical and service initiatives at Motor Mechanic Day 2026 to address transparency and parts authenticity in the Indian automotive aftermarket. The digital distributor is introducing traceability systems and certification programmes to support garage operations.

The company has launched a warranty programme for multi-brand garages underpinned by an advanced traceability system. This platform allows for the verification and tracking of genuine parts across the supply chain.

To improve consumer access to verified providers, Autoverse introduced a WhatsApp-based mechanic discovery feature. This tool connects vehicle owners with garages that utilise verified parts, aiming to standardise service reliability.

Autoverse Mobility, in partnership with Paracoat Products, unveiled Pynoseal, an underbody coating solution for vehicle durability.

Recognising the shift toward electrification, the company launched an EV Mechanic Certification Programme. This initiative focuses on – technical training, workshop digitalisation, industry collaboration with direct engagement with component brands such as Sumax Industries, Lumax Auto and Delux Bearings.

Rama Shankar Pandey, Co-Founder, Autoverse Mobility, said, “As vehicles become more advanced and electrified, the role of mechanics is becoming even more critical to the reliability and safety of mobility. The future of mobility will not just be defined by vehicles, but by the strength of the ecosystem that supports them. For too long, the aftermarket has operated with fragmentation, limited transparency, and unequal access to quality parts and capabilities. By empowering mechanics with the right tools, trust, and opportunities, we are enabling a more reliable, transparent, and scalable aftermarket for India through Autoverse Mobility. Our vision is to fundamentally redefine how India services its vehicles while significantly reducing the need for heavy CAPEX.”

Mihir Mohan, Founder and CEO, Autoverse Mobility, added, “Through our new initiatives, we aim to strengthen an ecosystem where garages can operate with confidence and customers can rely on every repair. As mobility evolves, especially with the shift to electric, enabling mechanics with the right capabilities and access will be critical to the future of the aftermarket. Motor Mechanic Day 2026 reflects our commitment to bringing the industry together while laying the foundation for a more trusted, transparent, and future-ready automotive aftermarket in India.”

Bosch - Tata AutoComp

Bosch and Tata AutoComp Systems (TACO) have announced a 50:50 joint venture to develop electric vehicle components for the Indian market. The partnership, headquartered in Pune, is scheduled to begin operations by mid-2026, pending regulatory approvals.

The joint venture will specialise in the engineering, manufacturing and sales of eAxle systems and electric motors. This initiative is designed to localise global powertrain technologies for passenger cars and specific commercial vehicle segments in India.

Bosch has invested EUR 6 billion globally in e-mobility research and development. This agreement allows the company to transfer its technical expertise to the Indian automotive ecosystem, which is currently the third largest in the world. The collaboration aims to provide scalable technology solutions that meet increasing demand for domestic production and sustainable transport.

Guruprasad Mudlapur, President, Bosch Group in India and Managing Director of Bosch, said, ‘‘At Bosch, we strongly believe that Battery Electric technology is the definitive path to achieving low emissions in passenger cars and select commercial vehicle segments. Our joint venture with Tata AutoComp is designed to accelerate the adoption of these technologies by delivering efficient, state-of-the-art e-Mobility solutions to our customers.”

Sandeep Nelamangala, Joint MD, Bosch and President of Bosch Mobility India, said, “Mobility market worldwide is going through a transformation and India is no different. E-mobility is a strategic field for us and is evolving rapidly. Our customers are asking for cutting-edge global solutions to be made locally in India. This is exactly what the joint venture aims to do.”

Arvind Goel, Vice-Chairman, Tata AutoComp, added, “India’s mobility ecosystem is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by electrification, localisation and the need for scalable technology solutions. This joint venture between Tata AutoComp Systems and Bosch brings together complementary strengths in engineering, technology and manufacturing to accelerate the development of advanced e-mobility solutions for the Indian market.”

Karsten Muller, Executive Vice-President, Manufacturing and Quality, Electrified Motion, Robert Bosch, said, “India being world’s third largest automotive market, Bosch aims to leverage stronger opportunities for its business in India. This planned partnership with TACO further cements our presence in e-mobility, enabling us to deliver cutting edge global solutions locally in India including engineering and manufacturing expertise.”

ZF Reports EUR 2.1 Billion Net Loss, Despite Improvement In Operating Performance

ZF

German tier 1 supplier ZF Friedrichshafen has improved its operating performance in fiscal year 2025, exceeding its initial guidance for profit and cash flow despite a volatile global market. The technology group reported sales of EUR 38.8 billion, representing an organic growth of 0.6 percent when excluding currency and M&A effects.

The Group stated it prioritised financial resilience through disciplined deleveraging and operational efficiency. Adjusted EBIT increased to EUR 1.7 billion, with the margin rising to 4.5 percent from 3.5 percent in 2024. Free cash flow reached EUR 1.4 billion, significantly exceeding the guided target of EUR 500 million.

Financial liabilities were reduced by approximately EUR 250 million, bringing net debt to EUR 10.2 billion. The company reported a net loss of EUR 2.1 billion, primarily due to a one-time EUR 1.6 billion charge from the early termination of non-profitable electric mobility projects.

ZF is undergoing a strategic refocusing to strengthen its long-term competitiveness.

  • ADAS Sale: The Group agreed to sell its passenger car Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business unit to Harman Inc. for an enterprise value of EUR 1.5 billion. The transaction is expected to close in late 2026.
  • Electrified Powertrain Technology: Division E is being restructured independently to improve competitiveness. While some unprofitable projects were terminated, the division secured major awards, including electrified transmission contracts for the BMW Group.
  • Workforce Adjustments: The global workforce declined by 5 percent to 153,153 employees. In Germany, personnel capacity is being lowered through voluntary measures such as attrition and severance packages.

Despite market challenges, ZF stated it continued to focus as a major investor in research and development. The company invested EUR 3.3 billion in R&D (8.6 percent of sales) and EUR 1.8 billion in capital expenditures.

In February 2026, ZF successfully placed a EUR 1 billion bond with a six-year maturity, which was six times oversubscribed. The Group anticipates sales of more than EUR 38 billion and an adjusted EBIT margin between 4 percent and 5 percent, assuming stable market conditions.

Mathias Miedreich, CEO, ZF, said, “Operationally, we surpassed our 2025 targets. The fact that our efficiency program is gaining traction encourages us to stay the course. Performance and profitability take precedence over sales and size. But we also know: continuing our upward path will require full focus and maximum effort across the Group. The numbers reflect our past, while our business momentum points to our future. We will steadily rebuild the level of profitability our owners – and we ourselves – expect.”