German technology company Continental has announced that around 3,000 research & development (R&D) jobs worldwide are set to be impacted by end-2026. The move is part of the company’s continued optimisation drive for its global R&D network locations, which also focusses on streamlining processes that enable accelerated adaptation to customer needs.

Philipp von Hirschheydt, member of the Continental Executive Board and head of the Automotive group sector, said, “Offering forward-looking technology is critical to our business. We will continue to invest substantially in research and development for new products and systems. At the same time, we are continuously improving our competitive strengths in the interest of our sustainable market success. As a result, we will ensure our R&D team is one of the most efficient in the world market and secure attractive jobs for the long term.”

One of the factors, which seems to have influenced the move is the automotive slowdown being witnessed in several markets including Germany.

Continental stated that in response to shifting customer demand and the need for greater operational efficiency, it is implementing a series of targeted measures across its business segments, subsidiaries and global locations. The idea is to optimise capacity, enhance the effectiveness of its R&D network and improve overall processes.

In Germany, the primary impact of these measures will be felt at the Babenhausen site, where approximately 12 percent of employees are expected to be affected, and in Frankfurt, where around 5 percent of positions are involved. Additional, albeit smaller-scale, efficiency adjustments are planned for locations in Ingolstadt, Regensburg and Schwalbach.

Furthermore, company's subsidiaries, Elektrobit and Continental Engineering Services, will also undergo restructuring. Elektrobit is set to reduce 480 jobs globally, with approximately 330 of those in Germany. Similarly, Continental Engineering Services will be affected by workforce adjustments impacting 420 positions worldwide, including around 330 in Germany. As part of a broader global location strategy, the company also plans to exit its Nuremberg site.

At present, Continental’s Automotive sector employs around 92,000 people, including 31,000 in R&D as of 31 December 2024.

The German company has shared that the reduction will be done through planned measures as socially responsible as possible. A significant part of the R&D workforce optimisation efforts will be by not positions that become vacant due to natural attrition.

Image for representational purpose only.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Indian-origin lubricant manufacturer NDTH Energy has significantly advanced its global standing with the Volvo VDS-3 approval for its EnerG G Force XL engine oil. This prestigious certification confirms the lubricant's compliance with some of the most stringent international performance standards for heavy-duty engines, specifically in areas like extended oil drain intervals, superior engine wear protection and enhanced fuel efficiency for commercial vehicles.

This achievement is a major endorsement, positioning NDTH among a select group of global lubricant companies and greatly strengthening the product's acceptance worldwide. It follows another notable milestone for the company, which was the first from the country to secure the demanding Mercedes-Benz MB 229.51 and MB 229.52 certifications for its fully synthetic engine oil. These accomplishments collectively underscore the company's consistent ability to develop products that meet exacting original equipment manufacturer specifications.

Complementing its innovation in lubricants, NDTH Energy has also formed a strategic partnership with German additive specialist GAT GmbH. This collaboration has introduced the GAT X EnerG line of automotive care products, including fuel system cleaners and engine flushes, to the Indian market. This initiative supports the national Atmanirbhar Bharat mission by elevating domestic capabilities in the automobile sector.

Navkaran Singh Sethi, Founder, NDTH Energy, said, “This achievement is a proud moment for NDTH Energy as an Indian-origin brand making its mark on the global stage. The Volvo VDS-3 approval underscores our commitment to engineering excellence, quality and sustainability while showcasing the capability of Indian manufacturers to meet the most rigorous international standards.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Aligarh-headquartered automotive component maker Pavna Industries is forming a a 80:20 joint venture with Taiwan-based SmartChip Microelectronic Corporation (SMC).

As per the understanding, Pavna will undertake and carry on the business of inter-alia making electronic components for the automobile industry (ICE & EV) and other industries, including hardware for residential/commercial industries, aero and medical, among others in India.

The JV will leverage Pavna’s operational, manufacturing and procurement expertise, as well as its deep understanding of the Indian automotive market, to oversee and manage the operations in India.

On the other hand, SMC will contribute its present and future technical skills, innovations and R&D capabilities in automotive e-lock systems, EV components like motor controller, throttle body, dashboard for two-wheeler & three-wheeler, EV charging piles and e-locking solutions for residential and commercial applications. SMC’s engineering and product development expertise will ensure the JV remains technologically advanced and globally competitive.

Swapnil Jain, Managing Director, Pavna Industries, sai,d "This strategic partnership is an important milestone on our path to emerging as a mobility solutions leader in advanced technologies. By merging Pavna's manufacturing and market capabilities with SMC's state-of-the-art electronics knowledge, we expect to speed up the penetration of EV technologies in India as well as grow into new high-growth markets. With this partnership, we will also further enhance our capacity to serve domestic and global markets with innovative, dependable, and sustainable solutions."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited, a Hinduja Group company, has announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, reporting its highest-ever quarterly volume, revenue, and EBITDA. The company achieved double-digit volume growth, which was more than three times the industry growth rate. Consolidated quarterly revenue exceeded INR 10 billion for the first time.

On a standalone basis, the company's revenue from operations was INR 9.96 billion, a 12.57 percent increase YoY, with a Profit After Tax of INR 9.6 billion, up 9.81 percent YoY. Consolidated revenue reached INR 1.01 billion, an increase of 13.69 percent YoY and PAT grew by 12.90 percent to INR 951.7 billion, . The company's EV charger subsidiary, Tirex, also saw significant growth, with its revenue for the quarter increasing by over 163 percent.

Strategic Developments and Outlook

The Board of Directors has approved an INR 550 million capital expenditure (Capex) plan to increase manufacturing capacity by 70 percent, from 140 million litres to 240 million litres. This expansion will be spread over two years and is a key strategic initiative to support the company’s growth ambitions. The Silvassa plant's capacity will increase by 55 percent to 140 million litres, while the Chennai plant's capacity will double to 100 million litres.

Ravi Chawla, Managing Director and CEO, Gulf Oil, said, “The year began on a strong note, delivering yet another market leading performance achieving double-digit volume growth of 11% during the quarter, clearly over 3x the industry growth rate. This underscores the strength of our brand and continued trust of our consumers. Our EV charger subsidiary, Tirex, continued to perform well and closed the quarter with over 163 percent growth in topline catering to broader customer base."

Manish Gangwal, CFO, Gulf Oil, added, "We are quite excited to see our consolidated revenue crossing INR 10 billion as we concluded the quarter with highest-ever volume, revenue and EBITDA, driven by strong strategic execution resulting in profitable, volume-led growth.” He also noted that the company's operating profit for the quarter was Rs. 126.58 crores, a growth of 8.9% over the same period last year.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Minda Corporation, the flagship company of tier 1 supplier Spark Minda, has announced its financial results for Q1 FY2026 with revenue of INR 13.86 billion, up 16.2 percent YoY, EBITDA of INR 1.56 billion, EBITDA margin of 11.3 percent and a net profit growth of 4.7 percent at INR 650 million.

The tier 1 supplier attributes the growth to its strong product portfolio, expanding customer base and a focus on product premiumisation.

During the period, Minda Corporation also entered into an agreement with Toyodenso to establish a 60:40 joint venture in India for manufacturing and selling of advanced automotive switches.

It aims to provide end-to end solutions for automotive switches across two-wheelers, passenger cars and other automotive segments in India. The new JV has already received orders from customers in India with a greenfield plant to be set up in Noida. The operations are expected to commence in H2 of FY2027.

Furthermore, Minda Corporation also inked a collaboration with Qualcomm to co-develop Smart Cockpit Solutions.

Ashok Minda, Chairman and Group CEO, Minda Corporation, said, “The first quarter of FY26 witnessed a strong performance, supported by resilient demand across key vehicle segments. Leveraging our focus on operational excellence, technology integration, and customer-centric initiatives, we continued to strengthen our market position. As we progress through the year, we remain focused on expanding our market reach, enhancing exports, and delivering sustainable value to our stakeholders through consistent execution and strategic initiatives.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!