Klaus Rosenfeld (third from the right) accepts the German Innovation Award in the category 'Large Companies' together with the Schaeffler project team.

Schaeffler, the motion technology company, has been awarded the German Innovation Award in the ‘Large Companies’ category for its Industrial Metaverse. This digital ecosystem integrates artificial intelligence (AI), simulation models, and software to connect physical manufacturing floors with virtual environments. The platform is designed to facilitate a transition towards autonomous production, specifically supporting the deployment of humanoid robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

The Industrial Metaverse functions by combining three-dimensional digital maps of production sites with simulations of physical processes. By evaluating sensor signals through physical AI, the system identifies patterns and determines actions for autonomous resources. This allows robots to practice motion sequences and enables the optimisation of assembly processes in a virtual space before physical implementation. Currently, the technology is operational at ten Schaeffler locations, with a target to expand to 50 percent of its global plants by 2030.

The award is presented annually by WirtschaftsWoche in partnership with Accenture, the BMW Foundation, and O2 Telefónica, under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. It recognises innovations that contribute to the competitiveness of German and European industry. Schaeffler’s application of the metaverse is intended to automate complex processes that were previously considered uneconomical.

Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO, Schaeffler, said, “We are very pleased to have received the German Innovation Award in the ‘Large Companies’ category. With the Industrial Metaverse, we are not only creating a digital twin of our plants but also a learning ecosystem in manufacturing that will help secure our long-term competitiveness. By using AI in industrial applications and deploying humanoid robots in manufacturing, we are laying the foundation for the factory of the future.”

Dr. Jochen Schroder, COO, Schaeffler, said, “For us, the Industrial Metaverse is far more than just a means to optimize processes. It is the key enabler for the scaling up of humanoid robots, as cyber-physical systems can already be trained by physical AI in the virtual space quickly and efficiently. By using the Industrial Metaverse, we are paving the way for flexible, high-level automation and greater efficiency in our worldwide volume production.”

BorgWarner has secured three conquest business contracts with a powertrain technology manufacturer to supply turbocharging systems for light-vehicle petrol platforms across South America and Europe.

The agreements cover the supply of one variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbocharger unit and two wastegate turbocharger variants, with series production scheduled to commence in 2027.

The VTG turbocharger system is engineered for Miller-cycle gasoline engines operating at exhaust gas temperatures up to 1050deg Celsius, providing boost pressure control and efficiency across operational speed ranges.

BorgWarner's wastegate turbocharger technology features scalable compressor and turbine stages designed with single-scroll, twin-scroll, or dual-volute turbine configurations. The wastegate units incorporate pneumatic or electric actuation options alongside integrated compressor recirculation valves to support fuel economy requirements and emissions compliance.

Dr. Volker Weng, Vice-President of BorgWarner Inc. and President and General Manager of Turbos and Thermal Technologies, said, "We value our longstanding relationship with this global leader in powertrain technology and the opportunity to support its evolving business and broader commodity strategy. These contracts reflect the trust we have established with the customer and the strength of our offerings, including competitive solutions and deep technical expertise. We look forward to continuing to support the customer with innovations that deliver lasting value."

German tier-1 supplier ZF has developed the High Revolution Drive, a 3-in-1 electric drive system capable of reaching rotational speeds of up to 30,000 rpm. Designed as a variant of the company's modular SELECT platform, the unit integrates an electric motor, power electronics and a two-stage spur gear transmission with a reduction ratio of approximately 18:1. The system delivers a peak power output of 200 kW and peak wheel torque of 3,500 Nm.

Compared to a conventional SELECT drive operating at 18,000 rpm, the High Revolution Drive reduces overall installation space and weight by nearly 25 percent, while reducing required magnet mass by 50 percent. The architecture is scalable across power outputs ranging from 150 kW to 200 kW for 400-volt and 800-volt vehicle platforms, achieving a system efficiency of nearly 93 per cent. ZF is engaging with vehicle manufacturers regarding deployment, with volume production targeted for 2030.

Thomas Meiser, Head of the E-Mobility Business Unit, ZF, said, "The High Revolution Drive draws on ZF s full systems expertise. Rather than optimising individual components in isolation, we systematically coordinate the electric motor, power electronics and transmission. Robustness and low noise and vibration levels were stringent development targets from the outset. To achieve this, we considered the electric motor, gearing, bearings and tooth geometry as an integrated system. For the configuration presented, 30,000 rpm is the economic and technical sweet spot. With SELECT, we do not have to start from scratch for every new drive variant. We use our modular system to tailor new concepts to different customer requirements."

Tenneco Clean Air India has reported its financial results for the Q2 FY2027 and H1 FY2027, recording a 32.2 percent YoY increase in value-added revenue to INR 152.29 billion for Q2 FY2027. Revenue from operations rose 34.2 percent to INR 171.83 billion during the quarter.

Quarterly earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) grew 20.7 percent to INR 26.16 million, delivering an EBITDA margin of 17.2 percent on value-added revenue. Profit after tax increased 15 percent YoY to INR 17.34 billion.

For the first half of FY27, value-added revenue reached INR 290.44 billion, up 25.3 percent, while total revenue from operations reached INR 326.31 billion. The company announced plans to establish a new Clean Air manufacturing facility in western India with a capital expenditure of approximately INR 450 million to support its total order book, which stands at around INR 1,650 billion.

Arvind Chandra, Whole-Time Director and CEO, Tenneco India, said, "Our strong momentum continued through Q2 and H1 FY’27, driven by overall market growth, market share gains and disciplined execution across the business. During the period, we continued to deepen customer relationships and expand our technology footprint. In ART, we secured multiple platform wins across domestic and international OEMs, entered a new passenger vehicle whitespace, expanded engagement with leading OEMs, and advanced our portfolio through successful commercialization and localization initiatives. In CA and PT, we strengthened our order pipeline through key wins across commercial vehicle, CNG, and spark plug applications."

"Our growing competitive strength is reflected in continued order book providing revenue visibility exceeding 100% of our FY’30 target revenues, underpinning a healthy double-digit CAGR trajectory. To support future growth, we continue to invest in capacity expansion, localization, and innovation, including a new West India Clean Air manufacturing facility. Supported by a robust order book, increasing domestic and export penetration, technology-led customer wins, and strategic investments, we remain well positioned to sustain above-market growth and drive superior shareholder returns over the long term," added Chandra.

SMK Helmets is marking its international expansion at EICMA 2026, supported by distribution operations across more than 70 countries alongside dedicated regional headquarters in Europe and the United States.

The company highlighted its European division, SMK Europe, established in Reggio Emilia, Italy, in May 2026 under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Matteo Schieppati, alongside its North American arm, Bikerz US, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

At the event, SMK unveiled two racing helmets, the Stratos and the Allterra Carbon, alongside Konnect, its first in-house Bluetooth communication system and Cygnus, its first flip-back helmet model.

Matteo Schieppati, CEO, SMK Helmets Europe, said, "The establishment of SMK HELMETS EUROPE is a significant move to strengthen our global presence. This strategic expansion is designed to provide dedicated commercial and logistical support to dealers and distributors across Europe, while establishing a permanent footprint in the region to optimise product and communication strategies. The new European division will serve as a hub for accelerating regional growth, ensuring streamlined supply chain operations, and delivering enhanced customer service to the company's growing network of partners. Europe is a highly demanding market with a deep appreciation for premium quality and uncompromised safety standards. This footprint allows us to align our product innovation and marketing strategies directly with the expectations of European consumers. With this expansion, SMK reinforces its commitment to global excellence, bringing its innovative helmet technology and manufacturing expertise closer to one of the world's most dynamic motorcycling communities."

Shilpa Arora, Global Head of Sales, SMK Helmets, said, "SMK is gaining market share in every market in which it operates, and riders are starting to link our name with safety, excellence and distinctive design. That doesn't happen alone. Our distributors, dealers, riders and teams are one SMK family, and with our own presence in Europe and the US, we are closer to that family than ever. What we're showing at EICMA is just the beginning."