Stellantis - TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies and Stellantis have announced the renewal and expansion of their strategic partnership in Europe to develop and supply engine oils and lubricants.

The agreement, which was renewed in 2021 for the Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall brands, has been extended to cover all 10 Stellantis brands. The portfolio now includes Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Opel, Vauxhall and Peugeot.

The partnership focuses on four areas: co-developing solutions for current and future engines, motorsport collaboration, after-sales support for the Stellantis dealership and service networks, and manufacturing lubricants. This includes the TotalEnergies Quartz EV3R 10W40, an engine oil made from 100 percent regenerated base oils co-branded with Stellantis SUSTAINera.

Following the expansion, the companies are launching a co-branded range of engine oils featuring two product lines: TotalEnergies Quartz MOPAR and TotalEnergies Quartz EV3R MOPAR SUSTAINera. Both lines have received official approval for Stellantis’ FPW harmonised specifications and are recommended across the manufacturer's brand service networks for vehicle maintenance and warranty compliance.

Pierre Duhot, Senior Vice-President Lubricants at TotalEnergies, said, “We are proud to renew our partnership with Stellantis, built on more than fifty years of shared trust and innovation. This new chapter extends our collaboration to all Stellantis brands and reinforces our common ambition to advance more sustainable and efficient mobility solutions.”

Francesco Abbruzzesi, Head of Parts & Services for Stellantis in Enlarged Europe, added, “This expanded partnership with TotalEnergies reflects our commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability across all Stellantis brands. By combining technical expertise and a forward-looking approach, we are delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers, especially regarding quality”

Sriram Viji Appointed President Of ACMA India, Anjali Singh Named President-Designate

ACMA India

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex body representing component manufacturers in the country, has appointed Sriram Viji, Managing Director, Brakes India, as President for the 2026–27 term.

The industry body also named Anjali Singh, Executive Chairperson of ANAND Group and Gabriel India, as President-Designate. 

Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA, said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Sriram Viji and Mrs. Anjali Singh to their new roles. Their rich industry experience and strategic vision will guide ACMA as the sector navigates geopolitical uncertainty and the evolving mobility landscape. I am confident that their leadership will strengthen our engagement with Government and industry partners to diversify supply chains, improve access to critical raw materials and enhance India’s global competitiveness.” 

Sriram Viji, President, ACMA, said, “It is an honour to lead ACMA as India strengthens its position as a trusted partner in global automotive value chains. Our priority is to deepen local capabilities and accelerate investment in advanced technologies, R&D and innovation, while embedding sustainability across the industry. As electric, connected and new-energy mobility create fresh opportunities, we must move beyond adapting to change to shaping it. Together with our members, we will work to position India as a global hub for high-value manufacturing and next-generation mobility solutions.”

MAHLE Starts E-Compressor Production In India

MAHLE

German automotive supplier MAHLE has established an e-compressor production facility in Coimbatore, which it claims makes it the first company to manufacture the component in India.

The German firm has invested EUR 7 million in the site to produce e-compressors, which regulate thermal management, battery life, charging speeds and driving range in electric vehicles.

The production line has a capacity of over 300,000 e-compressors annually to supply domestic and international vehicle manufacturers. The launch creates 50 jobs, aligning with the Indian government's ‘Make in India 2.0’ manufacturing initiative.

The Coimbatore facility already produces starter motors, alternators, controllers and traction motors for two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Following the setup of an R&D facility in 2023 for product validation, MAHLE has outlined plans for women to represent 75 percent of the plant's total workforce by 2027.

The company entered India in 1958 through a piston manufacturing joint venture and now has expanded its operation across 15 locations in the country with 5,900 employees.

Ivan Lenehan, Vice-President, MAHLE Powertrain and Charging, India, China & East Asia, said, “India continues to play an increasingly important role in the global mobility transformation. This facility strengthens our presence in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets and reinforces our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.”

Milind Mhaiskar, MD, MAHLE Electric Drives India, said, “This production facility underscores our focus on localisation and customer-centric innovation. The success of this project reflects the dedication of our teams and our collaborative approach with business partners.”

Imperial Auto Appoints Sandeep Bathla As Chief Global Operations Officer

Sabdeep Bathla

Delhi NCR-based fluid transmission provider Imperial Auto has appointed Sandeep Bathla as its new Chief Global Operations Officer.

In his new role, Bathla will oversee manufacturing operations and direct programs to update automation, expand production capabilities and streamline supply-chain networks across company facilities. He will report to Vikram Wagh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Imperial Auto.

Bathla brings over three decades of industry experience to the role and previously served as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at Plasser India, following management roles at Blue Star, Motherson Sintermetal Technology and Eicher Tractors. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Kurukshetra and a PhD from European International University, Paris.

Vikram Wagh said, “As Imperial Auto continues to scale its operations and strengthen its position in global markets, building a future-ready and high-performing manufacturing organisation will be critical. Sandeep brings extensive experience across manufacturing and the automotive industry, along with a strong understanding of operational excellence. His leadership will be instrumental in enhancing our manufacturing capabilities, improving responsiveness and creating greater value for our customers.”

The executive change aligns with Imperial Auto's plans to expand its international manufacturing footprint and engineering capabilities.

Ambarish Gupta

Tier 1 automotive supplier Lumax Auto Technologies, part of the DK Jain Group, has further strengthened its management team by onboarding Ambarish Kumar Gupta as the new Vice-President – Operations.

Gupta comes with over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, with senior roles across financial operations.

The industry executive has worked with the likes of Forvia Faurecia, Marelli, Brose, Magna Steyr, Infosys, L&T Technology Services, BlueBinaries Engineering & Solutions and PGUB Management Consulting, among others.

In his new role, he will be responsible for advancing futuristic automotive electronics, strengthening operations and making the company future-ready.

Gupta will also support Lumax Auto Technologies’ innovation, technology and operational excellence roadmap.