Union Minister for Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, visited the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar today. During his visit, the minister toured the state-of-the-art facility, which is a testament to India’s growing prowess in automotive innovation and safety standards. 

The minister was given an in-depth overview of ICAT’s advanced laboratories, testing tracks and cutting-edge technologies including crash tests, acoustic rooms for reverberation studies and fuel flow testing mechanisms.                          

During his visit, he laid the foundation stone of Electrical and Electrical Lab and Centre of Excellence for Advanced Automotive IT Services (AAITS) in the presence ICAT Director Saurabh Dalela and other senior officials. 

Speaking to the media after the visit, Kumaraswamy said, “It is my pleasure to be here on my first visit to ICAT, an institution that represents India's drive towards automotive excellence. ICAT’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its advanced laboratories and testing infrastructure, are a testament to India’s capabilities in automotive innovation.” 

The minister highlighted the crucial role ICAT plays in ensuring road safety through rigorous testing procedures. “Witnessing these facilities and tests today has given me a profound perspective on the rigorous efforts undertaken here to ensure the safety of every individual who travels on our roads. It showcases the complexity and commitment behind each test,” he added. 

Kumaraswamy commended the ICAT team for their invaluable contributions to the automotive sector, emphasizing their role in advancing sustainability, safety, and innovation. “ICAT is not just a testing and research facility; it embodies the shared vision of the ministry and the government to drive the future of mobility in India,” he said. 

The minister also noted ICAT’s significant contributions to government initiatives such as the FAME scheme, PM eDrive, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. He underlined the importance of ICAT’s involvement in promoting indigenous manufacturing and global competitiveness in the automotive sector. 

“ICAT stands as a symbol of India’s automotive aspirations, contributing significantly to our transition to electric mobility and sustainable transportation. The Ministry of Heavy Industries remains committed to supporting ICAT in every possible way to ensure its continued growth and success,” Kumaraswamy assured. 

The Indian automotive industry, which contributes over 7 percent to the nation’s GDP and employs millions, is expected to witness robust growth in the coming years. The minister emphasized that ICAT’s technical expertise, research and homologation services would play a pivotal role in ensuring that this growth is sustainable, safe, and competitive on a global scale. 

Concluding his visit, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed the Ministry of Heavy Industries’ commitment to fostering innovation, creating policy frameworks, and building infrastructure to position India as a global leader in automotive technology. 

“Together, we can make India a global leader in automotive technology and innovation, ensuring safer, better vehicles for Indian and global customers alike,” he said.

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German component supplier Knorr-Bremse will present technologies for zero-emission commercial vehicles at the IAA Transportation 2026, Hanover. The company aims to provide system solutions to help manufacturers reduce CO2, noise, oil and particulate emissions.

The company is set to showcase Electric Vehicle Motion Control (eVMC), wherein the software is designed to optimise energy recovery through brake control within the Global Scalable Brake Control (GSBC) system.

A Electric Power Steering (EPS) system scheduled for launch in 2027 that operates on a power-on-demand principle to reduce energy consumption.

An oil-free electric air supply system designed for efficiency across various vehicle platforms. The Multi Tumble Piston (MTP) Compressor is set to debut at the IAA Transportation 2026.

A eSilencer component developed to lower noise emissions from pneumatic braking systems to 68 dB(A).

Lastly, a liquid-cooled Power Resistor (iMEP) system intended to provide braking performance independent of battery state.

Bernd Spies, Member of the Executive Board, Knorr-Bremse, said, “Zero emissions in road transport remains our clear goal. At the same time, we see very different paces and framework conditions for this transformation around the world. In this environment, Knorr-Bremse is a stable and reliable development partner for commercial vehicle manufacturers. We bring together technology, regulations, and cost-effectiveness – with flexible system solutions on the path to zero-emission commercial vehicles, without compromising on safety and performance.”

To address the EURO 7 standard, Knorr-Bremse has developed wheel end technologies, including the SYNACT disc brake family. These systems feature Active Caliper Release (ACR) and an NVH toolbox to manage noise and fuel consumption.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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