ZF, the global leader in foundation brake systems, has solidified its position with the production of 250 million Electric Park Brake (EPB) units, becoming the first company to attain this milestone while maintaining its commitment to enhance overall brake system performance along with driver safety and comfort.

Pioneered by ZF nearly 25 years ago, the EPB is in its sixth generation today and stands out for its ability to increase fuel efficiency by lowering the weight of the braking system. In addition, it is an important step towards the electrification of mechanical systems, and it may perform sophisticated functions when combined with other vehicle systems. By enabling two-wheel anti-lock emergency stops and offering quick activation with only a button press, the EPB further improves driver safety. The EPB is completely incorporated into the braking system and is not limited to parking. It minimises the deterioration linked to conventional mechanical systems and has dynamic actuation and brake pad wear detection.

Danny Milot, Senior Vice-President – Braking Engineering, ZF said, “When the shift from purely mechanical service brake functions began in the early 2000s, ZF had already been established as a global leader in the foundation brake market. The continued success of the EPB emphasises that position as this technology is featured on many of the world’s most popular vehicles, from small cars to large pick-up trucks and SUVs. As we move toward advanced safety, automated driving and vehicle electrification, braking systems continue to play a pivotal role. ZF will maintain its position is a leader, continuing to relentlessly pursue innovation while setting new standards for the automotive industry.”

Samvardhana Motherson International, one of the largest automotive component supplier has concluded its capital raise of INR 64.38 billion (USD 771 million approximately) on 20 September, 2024.

The company says it received strong interest from both domestic and foreign institutional investors, leading to substantial demand over the issue size. Over 95 percent of allocations were made to marquee long-only investors such as mutual funds, insurance and pension funds, foreign institutional investors (FIIs). The issue resulted in the further diversification and strengthening of the shareholder base.

SAMIL states it has become one of the few successful issuers of Equity and Compulsorily Convertible Debentures in a composite issuance (equity of INR 49.38 billion and CCDs of INR 15 billion). The transaction subscription was done at a share price of INR 190/share while the floor price as per SEBI ICDR regulations was INR 188.85/share.

The proceeds from the issuance will be mainly directed towards debt repayment, thereby further strengthening SAMIL’s balance sheet and enhancing its position to capitalise on various growth opportunities. Some of the proceeds will be used towards general corporate purposes.

Laksh Vaaman Sehgal, Director, SAMIL said, “This transaction reinforces investors' confidence in our robust business model based on our long-term relationships with global OEMs. The success of this transaction is a testimony to investors’ belief in our strategic direction and our execution capabilities, which are based on prudent financial policies while delivering sustained growth and enhanced shareholder value. We remain thankful to our customers and investors for their continued trust in Motherson.”

Pritika Auto Industries, a leading supplier for tractor components in India, has finalised a significant order worth INR 300 million per annum from country’s leading OEM tractor manufacturers.

The order involves the supply of approximately 250 tonnes per month of new large components designed for tractors. These new components will weigh over 78kg,  which the company states underscores Pritika Auto’s expertise in producing robust, heavy-weight products.

Harpreet S. Nibber, MD, Pritika Auto Industries said: “We are delighted to finalise this significant order, which is a testament to our team’s relentless efforts in innovation and quality. This achievement not only underscores our ability to meet the stringent demands of leading OEM tractor manufacturers but also highlights our commitment to supporting the agricultural sector with robust and reliable components.”

“As we continue to scale our operations, this order reinforces our strategic focus on enhancing our production capabilities and expanding our presence in the industry. As the Company moves forward, we remain dedicated to our core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We look forward to achieving many more milestones and contributing significantly to the automotive industry.”

Interestingly, the company counts the likes of Mahindra Swaraj, Swaraj Engines, TAFE, Escorts, SML Isuzu, Tafe Motors & Tractors, Ashok Leyland, New Holland Tractors India and Brakes India among others as its clients.

RSB Transmissions, a global leader in automotive, construction and equipment systems manufacturing, has secured a strategic investment from Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm. The investment will support RSB’s growth initiatives, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and expanding its global footprint.

Founded in 1973 by R K Behera and S K Behera, Jamshedpur-based RSB is a global supplier for commercial vehicles, passenger cars and construction equipment. Serving leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Daimler and Mahindra & Mahindra, as well as construction behemoths like CAT, Tata Hitachi, JCB and Komatsu, RSB operates 16 cutting-edge manufacturing facilities throughout India and a plant in Mexico.

Through the agreement, RSB Transmissions will get strategic and financial support to support its growth ambitions and international expansion. Bain Capital will assist RSB in expanding its worldwide presence and investigating new prospects in developing markets thanks to its vast experience in the automotive and industrial industries.

R K Behera, Founder of RSB Transmissions, said, "As we celebrate 50 years of excellence, we are excited to begin this new chapter of growth with Bain Capital as our strategic partner. We’ve built a solid foundation over the past five decades, and with Bain Capital’s expertise and resources, we are confident in our ability to seize new opportunities and further strengthen our position as a global leader in our industry."

S K Behera, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of RSB, added, "This investment partnership represents a shared vision for the future of RSB. Bain Capital’s deep industry knowledge and global network will be invaluable as we work together to explore new markets, drive innovation and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers."

Pawan Singh, Partner at Bain Capital, said, "RSB has built a strong reputation for high-quality engineering and long-term relationships with key customers. We look forward to working closely with the Behera family and RSB’s management team to help the company reach new heights and become a more diversified global platform."

Tier 1 suppliers Valeo has announced that based on the successful joint development with a European OEM on the magnet-free electric motor technology (EESM – Externally Excited Synchronous Motor), it is now extending its portfolio of magnet-free electric motors towards upper segment vehicles together with component major Mahle.

The partners have joined forces to develop an innovative magnet-free electric axle system, targeting upper segment electric vehicles with peak power ranging from 220 kW to 350 kW.

The iBEE system (inner Brushless Electrical Excitation), is a cutting-edge technology that aims to revolutionise performance and efficiency of magnet-free electric motors. Valeo and Mahle signed a Joint Development Agreement to combine both Valeo’s expertise in electric motors, highly efficient inverters and associated motor control laws and the expertise of Mahle on magnet-free rotor with its Mahle Contactless Transmitter (MCT) technology.

They are working on an innovative cooling concept in order to achieve an outstanding continuous to peak power ratio. Moreover, the carbon footprint is expected to be reduced by more than 40 percent versus a permanent magnet electric motor of equivalent power. The testing of the first prototypes will be completed by the end of 2024.

Xavier Dupont, Valeo Power Division CEO said, “This cooperation with Mahle is a perfect match. Mahle develops the EESM rotor and their brushless excitation system. Based on our power electronics know-how, Valeo provides a dedicated control of this electric motor and brushless system embedded in our inverter. This partnership allows Valeo to complete its EESM portfolio towards upper segment and is key to support the evolution of the automotive industry towards more innovative sustainable solutions.''

Martin Wellhoeffer, Member of the Mahle Group Management Board said, “In this project two front runners of electrification are joining forces. The new e-axle will benefit from Mahle’s expertise in contactless transmitter technology. Together we will be setting a new benchmark in packaging and efficiency for EESM based e-axles and taking the next step for our customers towards future mobility.”

Valeo's first EESM development is based on cooperation with a European OEM launched in 2022 in order to create a new magnet-free electric motor generation (EESM). The initial targets of the project were double; first to get an all-in-one architecture with a new stator and cooling technology in order to increase by 30 percent the power density compared to the current motors equipping the current OEM’s vehicles on the road. Secondly, to shrink its carbon footprint by 30 percent versus an electric motor equipped with magnets (PMSM). A validation phase for more than 6 months was successfully ended with results level over the initial expectations in terms of power and efficiency especially thanks to Valeo inverter expertise.

The performances match the level of permanent magnet electric motors for B/C segment vehicles with all benefits of a magnet-free technology (no rare earth and lower carbon footprint)

As part of its electrification strategy Mahle has been focusing on developing electric drive systems. Its contactless transmitter technology for magnet-free electric motors is testament to the company’s strong expertise in this field. Thanks to its high maturity level it is a key enabler for the next evolution of EESM-based e-axles.

Avoiding the use of rare earth materials does not only positively contribute to the sustainability of e-mobility, but is also advantageous in terms of costs and resource security. The key feature is the inductive and thus contactless and wear-free power transmission allowing motor operation at benchmark efficiency level.