American tier 1 supplier BorgWarner has further strengthened its business with two new orders from a Chinese transmission manufacturer and an extension from a German OEM in China for its dual clutch modules used in dual clutch transmissions (DCT).

Isabelle McKenzie, Vice-President, BorgWarner, said, “Our success in securing new projects in the Chinese market underscores BorgWarner's commitment to delivering innovative solutions in the region. We are dedicated to helping our customers grow their business in China and succeed in international markets.”

The seven-year extension with a German OEM in China follows a decade of successful collaboration. Compared to conventional longitudinal wet DCTs, the clutch assembly produced in BorgWarner’s Tianjin facility provides superior performance by reducing rotational inertia and minimising friction losses and leakage. These not only reduces drag torque but enhances transmission efficiency and provides a smoother responsive driving experience.

The company’s new business for supplying DCT clutch to a Chinese transmission manufacturer, will see the product being used in Chinese OEM’s SUVs and sedans, which will be sold in China and export markets. The clutch module will be produced in BorgWarner’s Taicang facility, features multiple key advantages – a compact design, superior thermal robustness and outstanding cost-effectiveness. Mass production is scheduled to commence by the end of 2025.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The 11th annual ASIABRAKE conference and exhibition recently concluded in Gurugram, Delhi NCR. The three-day event brought together over 350 delegates, 25 speakers and 60 exhibitors from the global automotive and braking sectors to discuss safety, sustainability and the transition to electric mobility.

The event was inaugurated by Tarun Agrawal, Sr. Executive Officer & Head of Engineering at Maruti Suzuki India and Vivek Trivedi, Senior Executive Vice-President, R&D at Maruti Suzuki India.

Technical and research insights were provided by Professor Francesco Massi of the University of Rome - La Sapienza and Professor Georg Ostermeyer from the Technical University of Braunschweig.

Key topics addressed during the sessions included Electrification – the impact of EV and hybrid powertrains on braking system requirements. Testing Standards – advancements in brake testing procedures and systems. Materials Science – emerging trends in friction materials and sustainable component manufacturing.

Leading organisations in attendance included Toyota Motor Corporation, Tata Motors, Brakes India, Brembo Brake India and ITT Friction Technologies. The accompanying exhibition served as a commercial platform for technology providers and component manufacturers to display new materials and braking solutions.

Kuldip Singh Rathee, Chairman & Managing Director, ASK Automotive, said, “The automotive industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by electrification, sustainability, and digital innovation. India is steadily emerging as a key global hub for automotive growth, supported by strong policy frameworks and manufacturing capabilities. As vehicles evolve, braking systems will continue to play a critical role in ensuring safety, reliability, and performance, and it is imperative for the industry to continuously innovate and collaborate to meet these expectations. This year, we have yet again witnessed meaningful discussions, valuable insights, and strong collaboration across the global automotive community. ASIABRAKE continues to serve as an important platform for knowledge exchange, fostering partnerships, and driving collective progress for the industry. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”

Aman Rathee, General Chair, ASIABRAKE 2026, commented, “ASIABRAKE has grown into a truly global platform that brings together the entire ecosystem, from OEMs and suppliers to academia and technology experts. It is not just a technical conference, but a space where ideas translate into partnerships and opportunities. The strong international participation this year reflects the increasing relevance of this forum in shaping the future of mobility.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pune-headquartered component supplier Varroc Engineering has announced the 3^rd edition of its national innovation competition, Eureka Challenge 3.0 – Ignite Innovation. The initiative is designed to engage engineering students in solving technical challenges within the mobility sector.

The challenge is hosted on the Unstop platform and is open to undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students across India, specifically those graduating in 2027. Participating disciplines include – Computer Science and IT; Electronics and Electrical; Mechanical & Automobile and E&TC and allied branches.

Interested Students can participate individually or in teams of up to four members. The evaluation involves downloading industry-specific problem statements and submitting solutions via technical presentations and optional simulation videos.

The programme serves as a pipeline for Varroc’s Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) initiative. Participants have the opportunity to interact with domain experts and apply engineering principles to real-world scenarios. Top-performing students are eligible for:

• Cash prizes.
• Pre-placement offers (PPOs) at Varroc.
• Hands-on industry exposure.

Arjun Jain, CEO – Business I, Varroc, said, “The future of mobility is in safe, smart, and sustainable innovation that enables a safer road and a greener tomorrow. At Varroc, we are committed to building the next generation of automotive talent that will enable and inherit this transition. We look to do this by providing internal platforms that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application of engineering principles. Eureka is one of these platforms, and feeds into our incredibly successful Graduate Engineer Trainee program.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kuraray Co., Ltd. has announced a global price increase for its GENESTAR heat-resistant polyamide resin, set to take effect from 1 April 2026. This decision is driven by sustained escalations in logistics, labour and facility maintenance expenses that can no longer be offset through internal cost-saving measures. The adjustment is considered necessary to secure ongoing product availability and uphold quality standards. The price will rise by a minimum of 10 percent across the board.

This material is extensively utilised in the automotive sector, particularly in engine compartments and thermal management systems for components like thermostat housings and coolant parts. Its strong fuel barrier properties also make it a preferred choice for fuel system tubing. Furthermore, its mechanical strength and wear resistance support its use in gear systems and bearings, while its high-voltage insulation capabilities are increasingly critical for various electric vehicle applications.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!