German automotive supplier Continental AG’s ContiTech arm will be focusing on its industrial segment in India, noted Chief Executive Officer of ContiTech Groupe, Phillip Nelles, during a visit to Kolkata.

Speaking to Motoring Trends exclusively, Nelles said, “ContiTech is doubling down on industrial applications, seizing opportunities amid India's multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and energy investments. With sweeping transformations underway, the company aims to cement its position as a leader in material-driven solutions. Our strategy is to focus on industrial sectors such as commercial vehicles, railways, construction and construction machinery, where we can deliver the highest impact.”

Picking up the sentiment, Hannes Friederichsen, Head of BA Industrial Solutions APAC, Continental AG, said, “We specialises in rubber, thermoplastic materials and rubber-metal bonded components, ensuring system-critical reliability for industrial clients. If a conveyor belt fails, it’s not just an inconvenience – it’s a system-critical disruption. That’s where we add real value.” 

The parent company recently announced plans to spin off its automotive division and Contitech’s OESL. While industrial applications remain the core focus, the company acknowledges that the automotive sector operates on a different business model, requiring a distinct strategic approach.

In focus

ContiTech's core industries in India include mining, ports, energy, cement, highway vehicles, heavy trucks and construction machinery. Additionally, the company has a plant in Pune for its surface solutions vertical, producing foils and surfaces for vehicle interiors and living environments. Having already established a strong presence in Europe and the Americas, the company is now investing in APAC, with India playing a central role in its regional strategy. 

The company operates a conveyor belt plant in Kalyani and another facility in Sonipat for power transmission belts and air springs. While specific investment figures were not disclosed, ContiTech plans to expand operations in both Sonipat and Kalyani, potentially diversifying the product portfolio in these locations.

“We’ve been laying the groundwork for major investments and are now scaling up with an expanded product portfolio and localised operations. In the commercial vehicle segment, we are focusing on air springs for trucks, trailers and buses, driven by increasing demand for comfort and tyre wear reduction. Additionally, we are exploring rubber-metal bonding systems for heavy-duty applications. The Pune facility remains a key part of this growth strategy, supporting increasing production volumes,” said Friederichsen.

The company is also eyeing opportunities in the motorcycle segment, particularly in seat coverings. As it expands, it plans to bring advanced technologies from its European and US operations into India, focusing on design, functionality and sustainability. 

“Sustainability is a growing priority, and we have the expertise to integrate recycled materials into our products. We’re also enhancing functionality with features like embedded buttons and translucent surfaces for interactive displays while ensuring that vehicle interiors reflect modern design trends,” noted Nelles.  

The company’s future innovations span beyond the cockpit, extending to seating, interior coverings and mid-arm components.

Another area of expansion is predictive maintenance services, aimed at identifying early warning signs for component replacement or repair. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce downtime and operational costs for industrial customers.

Additionally, ContiTech is actively involved in air springs for high-speed trains and metros. With India’s rapid rail infrastructure development, ContiTech is transferring its expertise to support high-speed and metro train projects.

Smart surface solutions

ContiTech is adapting its smart surface solutions portfolio for the Indian market. Commenting on the same, Friederichsen said, “Leveraging our material expertise, advanced design capabilities and expertise in living solutions, we're empowering our customers to design the car interior of the future. This includes the development of functional surfaces that bring the comfort and aesthetics of home interiors to future car interiors. Moreover, we're committed to sustainability, as evident from our first carbon-neutral product, XPRESHN - Carbon Neutral. We've also developed a comprehensive sustainability toolbox for our PVC products, catering to the diverse needs of our customers. Last year, we launched our Benova Eco Protect Line, a testament to our dedication to reducing environmental footprint.”

“In the commercial vehicle segment, our easy-to-clean surfaces, equipped with the staynu technology, are designed to enhance the well-being of truck drivers. By providing attractive cabin solutions, we are contributing to a better driving experience. In the Asia-Pacific region, we are observing a strong preference for translucent materials and super soft materials. We're well positioned to cater to these requirements, with a broad range of products that are generating significant interest among our customers,” he added. 

Alluding to the significance of his visit to Kolkata, he noted, “We have been in the Indian market for many years and we are constantly scanning the market to identify opportunities to grow. Kalyani plant remains in focus for us to expand Indian operations, and as we follow the principle of ‘in the market, for the market’, we are evaluating opportunities of extending our local product portfolio too.”

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Marelli, a global mobility technology supplier, unveiled its new solution for Intelligent Energy Management for hybrid and electric vehicles at CTI Europe 2025 in Berlin, Germany.

The modular system is based on proprietary software that can be integrated with vehicle and zonal control units and thermal components. This holistic approach coordinates seamlessly across the vehicle’s three main energy domains: thermal, propulsion and electronics. This maximises efficiency across all vehicle systems, delivering enhanced battery range, optimised fast charging and improved longevity, all while maintaining cabin comfort and operational reliability.

Marelli's new Intelligent Energy Management system is aimed at advancing both hybrid and electric propulsion solutions, as well as Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) technologies.

The system was developed by integrating advanced digital twin methodologies and software strategies. This approach significantly reduces development time and costs while enabling collaboration with customers.

Thermal Domain: The system manages and optimises thermal flows, ensuring precise control of heating and cooling processes within the vehicle. Algorithms intelligently manage complex thermal systems, regulating temperatures to optimise overall performance and extend battery life. These strategies reduce energy losses and promote reuse of excess thermal energy.

Electric/Hybrid Propulsion: The system continuously monitors and adjusts power delivery to optimise energy distribution. This maximises battery efficiency and vehicle performance. By recovering energy and balancing its distribution, the system extends driving range and enhances resilience.

Electronics Domain: The solution enhances the intelligence and integration of vehicle systems by facilitating seamless communication between all components and systems. Data exchanges occur over communication protocols – from CAN to Ethernet – enabling direct management of sensors and actuators.

The development of a digital twin application allows for virtual modelling of every vehicle subsystem, including electronics, electromechanics, thermodynamics, and hydraulics. By creating virtualised car models, automakers can iterate faster and test more efficiently.

Giovanni Mastrangelo, Head of R&D for Marelli's Propulsion business, said, "Intelligent energy management is the central challenge facing today’s electric and hybrid vehicle development. At Marelli, we address this by delivering solutions that not only optimise energy flow across thermal, electric and propulsion domains, but also minimise losses and recover excess thermal energy. Through our digital twin and decoupled software approach, we empower our customers to reduce development timelines, gain flexibility and accelerate adoption of cutting-edge technologies, driving the future of sustainable and efficient mobility."

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Tier 1 automotive supplier Tata AutoComp Systems has completed the acquisition of the assets of International Automotive Components Group Sweden (IAC Sweden), a European automotive component manufacturer specialising in interior and exterior systems. IAC Sweden has an annual turnover of approximately USD 800 million.

Under the Tata AutoComp Systems Group, the entity will operate as Artifex Systems.

This acquisition will strengthen Tata AutoComp’s presence in Europe and enhance its partnerships with key European OEMs across passenger and commercial vehicle segments. The integration combines design, engineering and system-level capabilities with manufacturing, precision painting and assembly expertise in the automotive space.

Arvind Goel, Vice-Chairman, Tata AutoComp Systems, said, “We are delighted to welcome IAC Sweden, now Artifex Systems AB, into the Tata AutoComp family. This transaction aligns with our long-term vision of strengthening our global presence and deepening our relationships with European OEMs. They have a rich legacy of delivering high-quality interior & exterior solutions, and together, we aim to build on that foundation. We have a well-defined plan to strengthen the Artifex brand by bringing together Artifex Systems AB, Artifex Slovakia, and Artifex Interior Systems under one cohesive and unified identity.”

Manoj Kolhatkar, MD & CEO, Tata AutoComp Systems, stated, “IAC Sweden, now Artifex Systems AB brings with it advanced manufacturing capabilities and a highly skilled workforce with deep expertise in automotive interior & exterior systems. Their strong commitment to quality complements Tata AutoComp’s focus on delivering value to global customers. We look forward to leveraging these strengths to enhance our competitiveness and expand our global footprint.”

Anders Ericson, Vice-President – Operations, Artifex Systems, said, "We are excited to begin this new chapter as part of the Tata AutoComp family, opening new opportunities for growth and collaboration. This marks a new phase of progress, bringing possibilities to strengthen our capabilities, expand our reach, and contribute to Tata AutoComp’s global vision."

Ambassador of India to Sweden, Anurag Bhushan, added, "I am pleased to see IAC Sweden, now Artifex Systems AB, becoming part of Tata AutoComp. I am confident that under Tata AutoComp, Artifex Systems will evolve and grow, driving economic growth in the region. This acquisition is also a reflection of the potentialities for collaboration between India and Sweden."

Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, said, “The revitalisation of IAC Sweden (now Artifex Systems AB) by Tata AutoComp will ensure continuity for Swedish customers, safeguard employment, and strengthen manufacturing capability. We recognise the long-standing and strategic engagement of Tata AutoComp, a reputed company within the esteemed Tata Group, within Sweden’s industrial landscape. We welcome this development and value Tata AutoComp’s continued partnership in supporting the stability and growth of Sweden’s automotive ecosystem.”

Sven Ostberg, Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai, also added: “We are happy that IAC Sweden (now Artifex Systems AB) is now part of the Tata AutoComp Group. This development will help ensure the smooth functioning of the three plants, provide continued support for Swedish customers, and maintain continuity of employment, while further strengthening the resilience of Sweden’s automotive component ecosystem.”

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French tier 1 supplier Valeo has outlined its new financial trajectory, ‘Elevate 2028,’ focusing on financial strength and growth, with a specific emphasis on expanding market share in key geographies, including India.

The company sees India as a market undergoing a deep transformation, perfectly positioning Valeo to benefit from increasing demand for advanced features and the electrification of vehicles.

Valeo expects significant growth in its Indian market operations over the plan's duration. The company forecasts its sales in India will nearly triple from EUR 220 million in 2024 to approximately EUR 700 million in 2028.

Globally, the Elevate 2028 plan aims to steadily improve profit, generate higher cash, and return to sales growth. The plan is powered by three ‘engines’: steadily increasing profit from 2022, generating higher cash from 2025 and returning to sales growth from 2027.

Christophe Perillat, CEO, Valeo, said, “Since 2022, our Move Up plan has ensured that we are well positioned in terms of technology to succeed in the market and has laid the foundations for significant financial improvements, resulting in a steady improvement in Group profit and cash. As we embark on the next stage with our Elevate 2028 plan, we intend to capitalise on these achievements and to further improve our financial fundamentals. To do this, our plan will be powered by three engines. The first engine is a steady increase in profit. It started in 2022 and will carry on delivering. The second engine, generating higher levels of cash, has just been fired. 2025 represents a turning point in the evolution of our business model and confirms our ability to generate more cash. The third engine will be the return to growth. It will kick in in 2027, as our strong order book translates into sales."

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New Delhi-based EV powertrain startup Tsuyo Manufacturing has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Government of Karnataka to establish a new manufacturing plant and a large testing track for commercial vehicles in the state. The LoI was formalised at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025.

The new facility will focus on the design and production of heavy-duty EV powertrain systems for commercial and industrial applications. Key components to be developed and manufactured include: Electric Motors (across various topologies including IPMSM, ACIM, SRM, SynRM, and Axial Flux). E-Drives, E-Axles and Automatic Transmissions (AT), Integrated 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 Powertrain Solutions and Complete Powertrain Assemblies for heavy commercial EVs.

The facility will also include a dedicated Testing Track for the field testing and validation of buses, trucks, mining vehicles, and other heavy-duty EVs.

The plant's manufacturing capacity will range from 0.5 kW to 250 kW, with extended capability up to 600 kW through partnerships with CETL and LvKON.

The initiative is intended to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities for high-performance EV powertrain systems, reducing reliance on imports. By producing motors, e-axles and integrated solutions, the facility will support the growth of India's commercial EV markets, including bus, truck and mining vehicles. The project is expected to create direct and indirect employment and boost industrial development in the state.

Vijay Kumar, Founder and CEO, Tsuyo Manufacturing, said, “This LoI marks a pivotal moment for Tsuyo and for the future of India’s EV ecosystem. Karnataka has always been at the forefront of innovation and advanced manufacturing, and we are proud to partner with the state to establish a facility that will redefine powertrain excellence for heavy commercial electric vehicles. With this investment, we aim to deliver world-class, reliable, and locally manufactured powertrain solutions that will power India’s transition to sustainable mobility.”

Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, IT & Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, said, “We are delighted that Tsuyo Manufacturing has decided to expand its Operations in Dharwad, Karnataka. Their decision reinforces our commitment to building a strong, local economy through LEAP (Local Economy Accelerator Program). This project will help building a sustainable ecosystem in the state and will attract more EV companies to come to our state - which is known for its Industry friendly policies and a dynamic EV ecosystem. This investment will not only create high-quality jobs in North Karnataka but also accelerate innovation and green mobility solutions for Karnataka and beyond.”

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