German bearings manufacturer major Schaeffler is restructuring its global operations, which it said is aimed at securing a long-term increase in its competitiveness. 

The structural measures in Europe outside of Germany mainly focus on Bearings & Industrial Solutions that is grappling with continuing economic weakness, structural problems, and increasingly intense competition.

Declining Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) technology products in Europe also are impacting the automotive supply industry therefore affecting Schaeffler’s Powertrain & Chassis division business.

To give a perspective, the rejig will impact a total of 4,700 jobs, including around 2,800 in Germany and 1,900 at European locations outside of Germany. The company is also relocating production in Europe, which will lead to around 3,700 job losses.

What’s interesting for India, is that the decline in demand for clutches and export costs will see it moving the production for tractor single and dual clutches in Sheffield in the future will be shifted to its Hosur plant in India. This is on the back of increasing demand for these products in the country.

Schaeffler will not only reduce production and transportation cost, but also increase capacity to meet the growing demand in the country.

Samvardhana Motherson Automotive Systems Group B V, a wholly owned subsidiary of Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (SAMIL), is all set to acquire Japan-based company Atsumitec, a manufacturer of high-precision machined components such as gear shifters and transmission parts, for USD 57 million.

As part of the multi-phase agreement, Motherson will purchase 95 percent of Atsumitec's voting shares. Honda Motor Company will keep the remaining five percent. The acquisition is part of Samvardhana Motherson's strategy to expand its share of business with Japanese original equipment manufacturers and diversify its product portfolio. Along with giving the business access to global metal and machining skills, the move will strengthen its position in important markets, namely Vietnam.

The transaction is subject to Japanese authorities' merger control permission, and it is likely to be finalised by the first quarter of fiscal 2026, following multiple legal stages, including a share buyback from Honda Motor and the acquisition of Atsumitec's Indonesian unit.

Eurogrip Tyres has signed cricketer M S Dhoni as its brand ambassador. The tyre manufacture is of the opinion that Dhoni reflects its values of dependability, performance and passion as its brand ambassador. 
As the brand ambassador, the cricketer will endorse Eurogrip brand and the entire range of products hereafter. These consists of two-wheeler, three-wheeler and off-highway equipment tyres. 
With over four decades of expertise in tyre design and manufacturing, Eurogrip Tyres is offering an extensive range of products to suit varying needs and applications in India and other markets of the world. The company’s products are designed in Milan, Italy. They are also globally tested and certified.
Speaking about his new assignment, Dhoni averred, “Being associated with a brand like Eurogrip is truly exciting as this is a category that is very close to my heart. My love for motorcycles and riding began long before my cricketing journey, and over the years, I have had the chance to ride a variety of bikes – from timeless classics to top-of-the-line superbikes. Choosing the right tyres is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride and Eurogrip Tyres’ expertise in this domain stands out. I am looking forward to this exciting journey with Eurogrip.”
 

Tata AutoComp Systems, one of the leading automotive components manufacturers, has appointed Manoj Kolhatkar as its new Managing Director and CEO.

Kolhatkar marks his return to the Tata Group, where he had earlier spent 22 years across functions at Tata AutoComp Systems as well as Tata Motors. In his last role, he served as the MD of Gabriel India and later as Group Co-COO at Anand Group.

Arvind Goel, Chairman, Tata AutoComp Systems, said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Manoj Kolhatkar to the Tata AutoComp family. His extensive industry knowledge, visionary leadership, and track record of driving transformative growth align perfectly with Tata AutoComp’s mission to innovate and excel. As we navigate an exciting phase of expansion and diversification, Manoj’s strategic acumen and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly propel us to new heights.”

Manoj Kolhatkar, said, “I am deeply privileged to join Tata AutoComp Systems as Managing Director and CEO. TACO has established itself as a trailblazer in the automotive industry, and I am excited to lead the organisation in its next phase of innovation and global expansion. Together with our talented team and valued partners, we will strive to deliver transformative solutions, strengthen our foothold in diversified industries, and create sustainable value for all our stakeholders. I am committed to upholding TACO’s legacy of excellence while shaping a future of growth and opportunity.”

Pune-based component maker Carraro India has got final approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise INR 18 Billion through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Established as a subsidiary of Carraro in 1997, it started manufacturing transmission systems in 1999 and axles in 2000. The company has grown as a leading leading supplier of transmission systems for tractors and off-highway vehicles, and agricultural and construction equipment.

It operates two manufacturing plants in Pune: one for drivelines and one for gears. These facilities are equipped with advanced technologies for casting, machining, assembly, prototyping, testing, painting, and heat treatment. In FY2024, the company claims its driveline manufacturing plant had a capacity utilisation of 81.07 percent and gears manufacturing plant of 89.94 percent. It is a leading supplier to 38 manufacturers in India and counts the likes of CNH, TAFE, Mahindra and Mahindra, John Deere India, Escorts Kubota, Action Construction, and International Tractors among its clients.

Carraro India has also established a dedicated R&D unit christened Carraro Technologies India for new products.