Automotive supplier MAHLE has unveiled a bionic radial blower for vehicle air conditioning systems, designed to boost efficiency while significantly reducing noise. Inspired by the streamlined fins of a penguin, the innovative component is claimed to deliver 60 percent less noise and 15 percent more energy efficiency than comparable systems.

The development has been tailored for vehicles with limited installation space and is being showcased publicly for the first time at Auto Shanghai 2025, held from 23 April to 2 May at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai.

“The development of the new bionic radial blower underscores our comprehensive systems expertise in thermal management and benefits from the use of artificial intelligence,” said Jumana Al-Sibai, Member of the MAHLE Group Management Board and head of the Thermal and Fluid Systems division.

The blade design of the blower mimics the fin of a penguin – an animal renowned for its ability to glide through water with minimal resistance. This bio-inspired aerodynamic shape results in not only quieter operation but also reduced energy consumption, as the blower’s motor requires less power to circulate air.

Dr Uli Christian Blessing, Vice-President R&D Thermal and Fluid Systems, MAHLE, said, “Evolution has equipped the penguin with fins that allow it to glide through the water with minimal resistance and ultrahigh efficiency. The fin shape served as a model in the optimisation process of the impeller of our radial blower.”

This approach is not new to MAHLE, which has previously drawn on natural principles to develop a bionic cooling plate and high-performance fan for electric vehicles – both designed to enhance thermal efficiency.

A key enabler of the rapid development process was an in-house artificial intelligence tool. Engineers worked with the AI system, feeding it design parameters and performance data. In turn, the tool generated over 30 million virtual design iterations in a short time, allowing engineers to identify the optimal blade geometry and quickly move to prototyping.

Positioned in front of the evaporator, the new blower supports a more symmetrical and compact HVAC design, which frees up space – especially valuable in electric vehicles where packaging constraints are tight.

The bionic radial blower is suitable for integration across all classes of passenger cars, as well as light and heavy commercial vehicles, offering OEMs a high-performance alternative to conventional fan technologies.

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Musashi India, a subsidiary of Japan’s Musashi Seimitsu Industries and a manufacturer of two-wheeler and four-wheeler transmission components, has completed the Phase 2 expansion of its Bengaluru manufacturing facility. The enlarged plant will become fully operational by December 2025.

The strategic upgrade reinforces Musashi’s commitment to India’s automotive and electric mobility sectors. The facility is set to become the Musashi Group's largest integrated manufacturing site under one roof.

The expansion, which adds 11,000 square metres of developed area, boosts the total plant size to 32,000 square metres and introduces new capabilities in forging, machining and heat treatment.

The company has increased production capacity from 4 million to 6.5 million sets of scooter and motorcycle transmissions annually. This move is expected to nearly double output value from INR 5.5 billion to INR 10 billion annually.

The Bengaluru plant will now serve as a hub for both domestic and export markets, catering to multiple categories, including 100–750cc motorcycles, 100–125cc scooters and two-wheeler and three-wheeler e-axles for the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) segments.

The facility incorporates automated technologies such as gear grinding, automated gear checking and camera-based inspection systems, supported by robotic and gantry solutions, ensuring high precision and efficiency. The plant will also function as a prototype and testing hub for ICE transmissions and e-axles.

In line with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, the facility features:

• Rooftop Solar: A 2.16 million kWh installation.
• Green Energy: The plant operates with over 96 percent green energy, powered by a mix of hydro, wind, rooftop and captive renewable sources.

These initiatives support Musashi’s global objective of achieving carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2038.

Naoya Nishimura, CEO, Musashi Auto Parts India and Africa Region, said, “The Bengaluru facility expansion marks a significant leap forward in Musashi’s journey of growth and innovation in India. Constructed within just 18 months, it stands as the largest integrated manufacturing facility under one roof within the Musashi Group. This facility embodies our ‘Go Far Beyond’ aim, combining precision engineering, advanced automation and sustainability to create a new benchmark in manufacturing excellence. This development will further strengthen Musashi India’s position as a trusted partner in the global EV supply chain while reinforcing its leadership in next-generation mobility solutions.”

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Geopolitical shifts in global trade are positioning India's auto component industry as a key player in the international supply chain, with projections indicating the sector's value could soar to USD 200 billion (EUR 160 billion) by 2030 said a recent report by McKinsey.

The report suggests that as an estimated USD 12 trillion to USD 14 trillion in global trade is expected to shift across corridors by 2035, India, aided by its cost competitiveness and skilled workforce, is emerging as a primary beneficiary. The Indian auto component industry has already experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10 percent over the last five years.

The projected growth of the industry is underpinned by a two-pronged strategy focused on both traditional and future mobility technologies:

• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Exports: A USD 20 billion to USD 30 billion export opportunity is forecast for ICE components by 2030, as global markets consolidate their supply base.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Growth: Domestic EV sales are expected to see a sharp 35 percent CAGR, aligning the industry with worldwide electrification trends.

The industry must address key challenges, including reliance on critical components like rare earth elements (mostly sourced from China), capability gaps in advanced technologies, and compliance with new policy shifts like carbon taxes in developed markets.

The analysis proposes two core strategies to lock in long-term value:

1. The IGNITE Approach: This focuses on securing a ‘last person standing’ advantage in ICE global play by upgrading supply chains, future-proofing the industry with new technologies, investing in capabilities like global sales expertise, and creating a future-ready workforce.
2. The GAIN Approach: This calls for a collaborative effort between Government, Associations, Institutional finance, and a Network effort of MSMEs to address systemic issues and secure access to critical resources and innovation.

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German technology and services major Bosch has reported its financial results for Q2 FY2026, with revenue of INR 47.95 billion, up 9.1 YoY.

The company attributed the growth being driven by demand in the passenger car and off-highway segments. The profit after tax came at INR 5.54 billion, or 11.6 percent of revenue from operations.

During the quarter, overall automotive product sales increased by 11.9 percent. This includes 9.5 percent growth in the power solutions business driven by passenger car and off-highway segments. The two-wheeler business grew by 81.8 percent, primarily due to higher sales of exhaust gas sensors ahead of the ramp-up for OBDII norms implementation from 1 April 2025.

Mobility aftermarket business recorded 3.7 percent growth, supported by performance in diesel and filter systems.

On the other hand, Beyond Mobility Business net sales declined by 14.4 percent, mainly due to the sale of the ‘Video solutions, Access and Intrusions and Communication systems’ business in May 2025.

Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of the Bosch Group in India, and Managing Director, Bosch, said, “This quarter, we recorded growth led by sustained demand in passenger car and off-highway segments coupled with increased sales in key components. This performance reflects our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity despite multiple headwinds. Moving onto the next quarter, the festive season coupled with GST rationalisation bring renewed optimism. We anticipate healthy demand across components driven by changing customer sentiments. With a strong portfolio and customer-first approach, Bosch remains well placed to leverage these opportunities ahead.”

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Inteva Products LLC, a major global automotive systems and components supplier, is significantly increasing its investment in India with a new manufacturing plant in Pune and the introduction of advanced product technologies. This strategic expansion underscores the company's deep, long-term commitment to the Indian automotive market, where it has been operating for over 17 years. The move is designed to foster sustainable growth, create substantial local employment and deliver innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the country's mobility sector.

The new facility, representing an investment of INR 500 million, is expected to create more than 400 new jobs. This expansion will substantially increase Inteva’s production capacity and enhance its integration with regional supply chains, complementing its existing Pune manufacturing plant and its technical centre in Bengaluru. To support the Indian automotive industry's progression, Inteva will launch a suite of next-generation products. These include frameless window regulators, various actuators, its compact SLIM motor and advanced systems like E-Latches and power tailgates. These innovations are focused on improving vehicle safety, supporting electrification and reducing overall weight.

Concurrently, the India Technical Centre in Bengaluru remains a critical global hub for engineering excellence. Staffed by over 320 professionals, including a strong contingent of more than 180 engineers, the centre drives product design, validation and simulation. This expansion is also guided by a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility. The company’s Pune plant now features a 335-kW solar installation with over 1,000 panels, significantly cutting carbon emissions. Inteva is further advancing its sustainability goals through research into repurposed materials and active participation in customer-led ESG initiatives, reinforcing its dedication to responsible manufacturing.

Gerard Roose, President & CEO, Inteva Products, said, “Inteva’s expansion in India reflects our confidence in the region’s growth potential and our shared journey towards innovative and sustainable mobility.”

Sanjay Kataria, VP and Managing Director, India and Rest of Asia, Inteva Products, said, “We are excited to deepen our partnerships with OEMs in India, invest in advanced manufacturing and create meaningful opportunities that fuel automotive growth across the country. This expansion aligns with the Make in India initiative and underscores our commitment to delivering localised, customer-centric solutions.”

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