NITI Aayog, the government’s premiere think-tank body, recently released a report titled ‘Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains’, which expects that the Indian automotive component industry can scale up its share in the global supply chain from the present 3 percent to 8 percent by 2030.

The report, in collaboration with Crisil, states that despite high automobile production, the components industry manages a mere 3 percent share of global trade. It estimates India’s global traded auto component market at USD 20 billion, with the global industry driven by transmission, engine components and steering systems. As part of the future opportunities, the report outlines fiscal and non-fiscal interventions to drive India’s progress in the global value chain (GVC).

It outlines that the there is a need to focus on skill development by preparing a talent pipeline for fuelling growth. It suggests cluster development to foster collaboration between firms through common facilities like testing centres and R&D to consolidate the supply chain.

Then there is the operational expenditure support to scale up manufacturing capabilities. Lastly, R&D, government-facilitated IP transfer and branding incentives in research, development and international branding for empowering MSME’s.

On the other hand, promoting foreign collaborations and JV’s, industry 4.0 adoption and improving the ease of doing business through regulatory processes, supplier discovery & development and providing worker hour flexibility were some of the non-fiscal suggestions.

It is no secret that the global auto industry is facing a sea of change. Battery manufacturing hubs seen in regions like the US and Europe are leading to a change in traditional supply chains and new opportunities for collaboration. India’s automotive industry exhibits a strong domestic and export market presence, especially in the utility vehicle and small car segments. Further, transformative shifts towards EVs, sustainability and technologies like autonomous driving, IoT (Internet of Things) make India a leading option in the GVC.

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French tier 1 supplier Valeo has announced the appointment of Jean-Luc Terrasse as the CEO of Valeo Light Division and Group Executive Vice-President, effective 1 July 2026. He succeeds Maurizio Martinelli, who is set to retire after spending close to 26 years at Valoe.

In his new role, Terrasse will report to Christophe Perillat, CEO of Valeo, and will also join the Executive Committee.

Terrasse has held leadership roles in operations across Europe and South America during his three-decade career. He first joined Valeo in 1989 and has served in business units including Engine Management Systems, Body Electronics and Special Lighting Products. In 2016, he became Vice-President of Valeo’s Wiper Systems group.

During his career, he has worked with the likes of Alstom Grid, Johnson Controls Automotive and Safran.

Christophe Perillat, said, “The LIGHT division plays a key role in our strategic plan ELEVATE 2028, through its road map towards profitable growth and the promise of a safer mobility. Jean-Luc has extensive knowledge of the market and a deep knowledge of Valeo’s culture and industrial excellence. I am fully confident that in his new role as CEO of the Valeo Light Division and Group Executive Vice President, he will continue driving international growth and be invaluable as we continue to pioneer the future of automotive security and comfort.”

“On behalf of the Group, I warmly thank Maurizio Martinelli for his 26 years of dedication to Valeo, notably as CEO of Valeo Light Division. Maurizio played a key role in building our technological leadership. We thank him for his exceptional impact and wish him a very happy and well-deserved retirement,” said Terrasse.

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German component supplier Knorr-Bremse will present technologies for zero-emission commercial vehicles at the IAA Transportation 2026, Hanover. The company aims to provide system solutions to help manufacturers reduce CO2, noise, oil and particulate emissions.

The company is set to showcase Electric Vehicle Motion Control (eVMC), wherein the software is designed to optimise energy recovery through brake control within the Global Scalable Brake Control (GSBC) system.

A Electric Power Steering (EPS) system scheduled for launch in 2027 that operates on a power-on-demand principle to reduce energy consumption.

An oil-free electric air supply system designed for efficiency across various vehicle platforms. The Multi Tumble Piston (MTP) Compressor is set to debut at the IAA Transportation 2026.

A eSilencer component developed to lower noise emissions from pneumatic braking systems to 68 dB(A).

Lastly, a liquid-cooled Power Resistor (iMEP) system intended to provide braking performance independent of battery state.

Bernd Spies, Member of the Executive Board, Knorr-Bremse, said, “Zero emissions in road transport remains our clear goal. At the same time, we see very different paces and framework conditions for this transformation around the world. In this environment, Knorr-Bremse is a stable and reliable development partner for commercial vehicle manufacturers. We bring together technology, regulations, and cost-effectiveness – with flexible system solutions on the path to zero-emission commercial vehicles, without compromising on safety and performance.”

To address the EURO 7 standard, Knorr-Bremse has developed wheel end technologies, including the SYNACT disc brake family. These systems feature Active Caliper Release (ACR) and an NVH toolbox to manage noise and fuel consumption.

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German multinational chemical company Henkel has announced the appointment of Pradhyumna Ingle as Country President for India. Based in Navi Mumbai, he will lead the company’s growth strategy, market expansion and innovation initiatives.

Pradhyumna will balance his new responsibilities with his existing global leadership roles within Henkel Adhesive Technologies, where he serves as: Global Head – Infrastructure Protection & Repair and IMEA Head – Manufacturing & Maintenance.

He succeeds S. Sunil Kumar, who has led Henkel India for the past five years and will now relocate to Dubai to oversee strategic projects for the IMEA region alongside his duties as Director of Packaging for IMEA.

The company says Pradhyumna comes with over 25 years of leadership experience across multiple regions, including the Asia Pacific, North America and the Middle East & Africa. He has rich experience in driving acquisitions, digital business models and high-performance organisations.

Ashraf Elafifi, IMEA President, Henkel, said, “Pradhyumna brings a unique combination of global perspective, deep market understanding, customer-centricity, and proven leadership in driving transformation and sustainable growth.”

Pradhyumna highlighted the potential of the Indian market, noting that Henkel is positioned to contribute to sectors such as infrastructure, mobility, electronics and energy.

“I am excited to work with our talented teams across India to further strengthen our market position, expand our local innovation capabilities, and deliver sustainable growth for our customers, employees, partners, and communities,” said Pradhyumna.

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Switzerland-based international technology and market leader in electrolamination stamping, fineblanking and forming company Feintool has officially inaugurated its first manufacturing site in India, located in Pune.

The facility, which has begun ramping up production, is designed to support the local automotive market with high-precision fineblanked components. The company had earmarked an initial investment of CHF 15 million (approx USD 19 million) towards the facility, which will produce seat adjusters for various major automotive manufacturers in India.

The company has adopted a ‘local-for-local’ approach, allowing it to supply automotive customers directly within the Indian market. This move is intended to reduce reliance on long-distance supply chains and respond to the growth of India’s automotive sector, which is the third-largest in the world.

Lars Reich, CEO, Feintool, said, “Feintool is proud to meet its customers’ demand for local production in India with the facility in Pune. We are in the right place at the right time to benefit sustainably from the momentum in the Indian automotive industry and to capitalise on further opportunities in the growing industrial markets in India.”

Initial operations at the Pune site are focused on the production of fine-blanked automotive seating systems. However, the facility is designed to support future expansion into additional core technologies, including cold forming, e-lamination stamping (for e-motor cores) and hydrogen applications.

Tobias Gries, Managing Director, Feintool India, said, “We have established a strong team in India. With Feintool’s global expertise, we are now ramping up production in Pune—starting with fineblanked automotive seating systems. Looking ahead, we are ready to expand into cold forming, e-motor core production and even hydrogen applications. The plant is fully prepared for further expansion as demand develops.”

This new site joins Feintool’s network of 18 production facilities across Europe, Asia, and the United States.

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