Mahle Advances Strategic Overhaul With Streamlined Operations And Focus on Electrification, Thermal Management

Mahle Streamlines Group Structure

Mahle is taking a significant step in its transformation by refining its corporate structure to enhance agility and efficiency under its 2030+ strategy. The changes involve merging business units to strengthen the core areas of electrification and thermal management, both structurally and operationally. As part of this restructuring, Mahle will acquire the remaining 25 percent minority stake in its thermal management subsidiary, Mahle Behr GmbH and Co. KG, cementing its commitment to this strategic area. The group management board reduced from seven members to four, effective 1 January 2025.

Starting in 2025, Mahle consolidated its five business units into three. Four existing units merged to form two new entities, aligning related production technologies to accelerate internal collaboration and establish a more cohesive operational framework.

“Mahle is doing its homework for the transformation,” said Chief Executive Officer Arnd Franz. He added, “Through these far-reaching changes, we will make our business ready for the future. We are accelerating the implementation of our group strategy which will position us as an innovative and sustainably profitable shaper of future mobility.”

Chairman of the Mahle Supervisory Board Dr. Heinz K. Junker said, “Through the reorganisation and the resulting streamlining of the Management Board, we will significantly improve the integration of our group and be able to make more effective use of synergies.”

The company’s Chief Exectuive Officer emphasised that this reorganisation would not only improve internal cooperation but also provide new opportunities for locations historically tied to combustion engine technologies, enabling them to apply their expertise to emerging, future-oriented sectors. This restructuring is also expected to create a high-performance production network while delivering cost savings.

The new powertrain and charging business unit will integrate the former engine systems and components and electronics and mechatronics units. This move will leverage Mahle’s extensive experience in engine systems to advance its electrification strategy, focusing on efficient electric motors and intelligent charging solutions. A key success in this area is the development of the electric compressor, one of the company’s most prominent products.

Similarly, the thermal and fluid systems business unit will combine the former filtration and engine peripherals and thermal management units. By integrating filtration expertise into its thermal management capabilities, Mahle aims to deliver competitive, future-oriented technologies to the market. The company’s dedication to thermal management is further demonstrated by its full acquisition of Mahle Behr GmbH & Co. KG, completing a process that began with its initial stake in 2010.

The aftermarket division with its established product range and growing focus on electrification and digitalisation will continue as a standalone unit under the new name lifecycle and mobility.

Franz will remain management board chairman and CEO while also assuming the role of statutory Labour Director, as human resources will no longer be a separate function on the board. Dr Beate Bungartz, the current labour director, stepped down on November 29, 2024. Markus Kapaun will continue as Cheif Financial Officer. Jumana Al-Sibai, currently responsible for the thermal management unit, will lead the new thermal and fluid systems business unit. Martin Weidlich, previously in charge of filtration and engine peripherals departed the company on November 29, 2024.

Georg Dietz, presently heading the engine systems and components unit, will lead the new powertrain and charging business unit. Additionally, Martin Wellhoeffer, currently overseeing the electronics and mechatronics unit, will transition to the thermal and fluid systems unit as Chief Operating Officer.

With its restructured organisation, Mahle aims to strengthen its position in electrification and thermal management while ensuring a more agile and cost-effective approach to future challenges. 

“Following several major acquisitions in the thermal management field, this step will successfully complete the integration of this business in the Mahle Group,” said Franz.

Commenting on the development, Junker said: “On behalf of the Mahle supervisory bodies, I would like to thank the management board members Dr. Beate Bungartz and Martin Weidlich, who are now leaving the group, for their excellent and dedicated work. In his five years with Mahle, Weidlich has performed great services both for the filtration and engine peripherals business unit and in his group responsibility for operational excellence, production and purchasing. Over the past two years, Bungartz has successfully continued the development of our human resources organisation and has initiated the transformation dialogue with employee representatives in Germany. Bungartz and Weidlich have my best wishes for their personal lives and careers in the future. Equally, the supervisory bodies and I would like to thank Wellhoeffer for his considerable commitment as a management board member. Under his leadership for almost two years, the electronics and mechatronics business unit has significantly expanded the competences of Mahle in the fields of efficient electric drive systems and intelligent charging. We are convinced that Wellhoeffer will forge ahead with the operational excellence and transformation as COO of what is to be our largest business unit in the future."

Pradhyumna Ingle Succeeds S Sunil Kumar As Country President For Henkel India

Pradhyumna Ingle - Henkel

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.

Feintool Opens First India Production Facility In Pune

Feintool Opens First India Production Facility In Pune

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.

BOS And JRG Automotive Establish Joint Venture For Vehicle Systems In India

Bos - JRG Automotive Industries India

BOS and JRG Automotive Industries India have formed a new joint venture christened ‘BOS-JRG Automotive Systems’, which combines engineering and manufacturing resources. The partnership aims to supply shading and cargo management systems to the Indian automotive market.

As per the understanding, the new JV will see BOS hold a 60 percent stake in the venture, while JRG Automotive will hold 40 percent. The partners have made an initial investment of over USD 1 million, with an aim to generate USD 15 million in revenue within five years.

The partners have established a manufacturing facility in Bawal, Haryana, which went on stream on 10 June 2026. This site utilises production lines based on BOS systems, supported by the tooling, injection moulding and supply chain network provided by JRG. Series production is scheduled to begin in December 2026. The initial product range includes side window sunshades and tonneau covers, with plans to expand into other interior and mechatronic systems.

Pawan Goyal, Managing Director, JRG Automotive Industries India, said, "This partnership reflects our shared vision of building a world-class automotive systems company in India, combining global technology, strong localisation and a commitment to long-term value creation for customers."

Nicolaus Francke, Director, BOS-JRG Automotive Systems, added, "BOS-JRG is a strategic step towards bringing global innovation closer to the Indian market, creating a strong foundation for sustainable growth, localisation and future mobility solutions."

The venture plans to support the production requirements of passenger vehicle manufacturers in India through technology transfer and local manufacturing.

Tsuyo Selected Among 120 Startups For Bharat Innovates 2026

Tsuyo Selected Among 120 Startups For Bharat Innovates 2026

Tsuyo Manufacturing Private Limited (Tsuyo), India’s leading e-mobility component manufacturing company and a pioneer in integrated electric vehicle powertrain technologies, has earned a place among 120 startups selected for Bharat Innovates 2026. This flagship initiative is overseen by India’s Ministry of Education and aims to identify and support the nation’s most promising technology ventures.

The selection underscores Tsuyo’s rising contribution to the domestic electric mobility sector, particularly through the development of advanced powertrain solutions. By focusing on indigenous capabilities, the company supports India’s goal of self-reliance in clean mobility and assists original equipment manufacturers in accelerating electric vehicle adoption across multiple vehicle categories.

Bharat Innovates 2026 will take place in Nice, France, from 14 to 16 June. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 February 2026 during the India-France Year of Innovation, the programme is designed to mentor high-potential startups and showcase them globally. Through this platform, Tsuyo will gain mentorship, networking opportunities and international visibility to further expand its technological reach.

With two manufacturing plants in Greater Noida and over 200,000 motors sold to more than 50 original equipment manufacturers, Tsuyo leads the mid-drive electric motor segment in India. Its products serve three-wheelers, light commercial vehicles, medium and heavy commercial vehicles and off-road applications, with powertrain systems ranging from 0.5 kW to 400 kW. Continued investment in research and development keeps the company committed to India’s sustainability and manufacturing ambitions.

Vijay Kumar, Founder & CEO, Tsuyo Manufacturing Private Limited, said, "This milestone is the advocacy of the incessant effort of the entire Tsuyo team. It affirms our vision of developing globally advanced, adaptable and affordable EV powertrain technologies that are both designed and manufactured in India. As the nation accelerates its shift towards sustainable mobility, indigenous innovation will be the right pivot towards enhancing supply chain resilience, reducing technological dependence and positioning India as a global hub for electric mobility. We are eager to utilise this platform to highlight India's engineering prowess and engage with global stakeholders who share our commitment to sustainable transportation.”

Lalit Baid, Founder & COO, Tsuyo Manufacturing Private Limited, said, "Bharat Innovates 2026 offers a unique opportunity for technology companies to collaborate, learn and expand. At Tsuyo, our focus has consistently been on developing high-performance, reliable and cost-effective powertrain solutions which must meet the evolving demands of the EV industry. A key pillar of our innovation is our work on sustainable motor manufacturing without rare-earth magnets – reducing dependence on critical mineral supply chains and eliminating the geopolitical risk that comes with China-dominated RE magnet sourcing. Participation in this initiative will enable us to further enhance our innovation roadmap, forge meaningful partnerships and contribute to India's goal of becoming a global leader in electric mobility technologies."