Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (BHTC), one of the world's technology leaders in the field of automotive displays/HMI solutions, climate control and thermal management, has announced the launch of its state-of-the-art fully integrated manufacturing facility in Pune. The company said in a statement that the new facility was inaugurated in the presence of Michael Jaeger, CEO, BHTC Group; Sudeesh Karimbingal, Managing Director, BHTC India; Kolja Kress, Group CFO & Board Member of BHTC India; Bernd Kuhlhoff, Executive Vice President Sales, BHTC Group; and Dr. Ralph Trapp, Executive Vice President Research & Development, BHTC Group. 

The Pune facility is spread over an area of 120,000 square feet and employs around 300 people, the release said. 

The company has already invested about EUR 10 million in India and has committed another EUR 8 to 10 million of investment until 2023. The new facility will cater to the increasing demands of local and global customers. 

The facility in Pune already specialises in end-to-end product development and manufacturing of advanced HMI and Climate Control Panels for leading automotive OEMs in India and across the globe. The company has upgraded its manufacturing capability and capacity to produce world-class products out of India. The facility houses advanced testing and validation centre, global R&D centre, global IT and shared services, all under one roof.  

Opening of their new facility underscores the strategic importance of India as one of the key pillars of BHTC’s global R&D network, the release said. BHTC’s engineers in India are already working on latest technologies and innovations for our local and global customers. With the expansions, BHTC aims to accelerate the global development activities in the coming months and ramp up its R&D strength to about 300 very soon.  

Kress said, “BHTC is building on our long-term commitment to the Indian market. State-of-the-art facility will serve local and global customers of BHTC. 120,000 square feet integrated facility would house world class SMD manufacturing, advanced testing and validation centre, global R&D centre, global IT and Shared services, all under one roof. New facility will strengthen our local manufacturing capabilities, design and development of innovative climate control and HMI solutions.” 

Karimbingal said, “We are proud to introduce our new facility in Pune and be part of the ‘Local for Global’ initiative by the Indian government. The investment in the new facility not only meets the increased demand for our products but is also having a positive cascading effect on employment generation and skilling at the same time. We are very well positioned to achieve our 2025 strategic goal – to be the market leader in India for Automotive HMI and climate control products. We aim to outperform the industry by growing over 15% CAGR next 5 years based on the already bagged strong order book. We see a growing demand for BHTC’s Display solutions in India with the augmenting demand for connected vehicles with increasing dependency on navigation systems, infotainment systems, and growing awareness of in-vehicle safety and comfort among Indian consumers.” (MT)

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California-based e-mobility company Faraday Future Intelligent Electric has commenced the trial production phase of its new FX Super One electric MPV at its Hanford facility.

The phase will focus on validating production processes, workflows and quality standards. Factory engineers and staff are also undergoing training to prepare for full-scale production. The next stage will involve engineering validation, including safety testing.

Unveiled in Los Angeles on 17 July, the FX Super One features Faraday Future’s Super EAI F.A.C.E. interface and its 6x4 Embodied AI Agent architecture. The model is positioned as a premium alternative to traditional large SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade.

The company has invested around USD 300 million in its 1.1 million-square-foot Hanford facility, which could be scaled up to produce over 30,000 vehicles per year with further funding and permits. The plant may also support multi-model assembly lines.

Faraday Future recently secured USD 105 million in new funding, expected to cover most of the FX Super One’s launch costs.

Founded in 2014, the company aims to disrupt the automotive industry by creating a user-centric, technology-first and smart driving experience.

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German tier 1 supplier Schaeffler has developed a hands-free access sensor that allows users to open and close vehicle trunks or sliding doors with a foot motion, without needing to press a button or use a remote. Based on Doppler radar technology, the system enables keyless and contactless vehicle access.

According to Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis, Schaeffler AG, “With the expanded portfolio of the Powertrain & Chassis Division, Schaeffler is positioning itself as a new provider of innovative sensor solutions for body applications. The hands-free access sensor is an example of Schaeffler’s growing, complementary product range following the merger with Vitesco Technologies – and marks another step toward our goal of becoming the world’s leading Motion Technology Company.”

The sensor activates when a person enters the radar field beneath the rear of the vehicle. It detects foot movements and analyses both speed and direction within a 60-centimetre range. Artificial intelligence is used in the calibration process, adapting the system to different vehicle models to improve detection accuracy and reduce false triggers.

Production of the sensor began in Europe at the end of 2024 for major automotive manufacturers.

Leif Reinhold, Head of the Powertrain Solutions Business Division at Schaeffler, responsible for the company’s sensor portfolio, said. “Schaeffler’s hands-free access sensor is a key component in the vehicle for intuitive access and also highlights our expanded sensor expertise in the market. We have been producing the hands-free access sensor in volume since the end of 2024 – in Europe, for major European automotive manufacturers. We also see additional growth potential in North America and China.”

Operating at a 24 GHz frequency, the sensor maintains performance in various weather conditions and temperatures ranging from –40 to 105 degrees Celsius. It connects to vehicle systems via a LIN interface and is suitable for various body styles including SUVs, minivans and sedans.

The sensor can be mounted either on the bumper or the chassis and is compatible with vehicles fitted with or without a trailer hitch. Installation involves a single screw-in component, removing the need for extra clips, brackets or antenna runs.

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In a clear signal of its strategic intent to diversify and future-proof its business, Maruti Suzuki India’s Board of Directors have agreed to amend its Memorandum of Association (MoA) to enable expansion into a wide array of new-age mobility, sustainability and technology-driven segments.

The amendments go beyond just manufacturing and selling passenger vehicles, and now includes buses, vans, lorries, motorcycles, scooters and other motor-powered vehicles, as well as amphibious vehicles and those capable of travel on land, sea, air or any combination thereof. The scope also covers the production and sale of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), along with all associated components, accessories and technologies.

Additionally, the company may establish and operate facilities for testing, training and data processing to support its manufacturing and technology-driven activities.

The amended charter outlines a significantly broadened scope, allowing the company to manufacture and deal in a comprehensive range of vehicles – from traditional automobiles to drones, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and amphibious vehicles. This move opens up potential entry into emerging sectors such as aerial mobility and defence-grade UAV systems.

A key focus area is the electric mobility ecosystem. Maruti Suzuki India plans to develop and operate EV charging and battery swapping infrastructure, as well as engage in trading and distribution of alternative fuels such as compressed biogas and hydrogen. This aligns with India's push towards decarbonisation and adoption of cleaner transport.

On the sustainability front, Maruti Suzuki India aims to build capabilities in recycling and repurposing end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) and industrial scrap, including metals, plastics and e-waste. It also plans to trade in carbon credits and renewable energy certificates, suggesting a move to integrate environmental instruments into its business model.

The amendments also allow Maruti Suzuki India to offer consultancy and R&D services in vehicle engineering, testing and certification, while supporting clients and regulators with testing grounds and infrastructure. Additionally, it can now provide supply chain, logistics and IT services – potentially transforming into a full-spectrum mobility and services enterprise.

With this expansive update to its foundational objectives, Maruti Suzuki India is preparing to transition from a conventional automotive business into a multifaceted mobility and sustainability-focused organisation, capitalising on upcoming opportunities in electrification, circular economy and next-gen transport.

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Continental's Automotive group sector will officially debut as the new, independent company Aumovio at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich this September. The newly formed technology and electronics firm, which consolidates Continental's automotive expertise into a more agile structure, will showcase its innovations from 9 September to 12 September.

Under the leadership of CEO Philipp von Hirschheydt, Aumovio will present its technologies in four themed areas: safe, inspiring, connected and autonomous. The company's goal is to shape the future of mobility by focusing on key technologies.

Highlights from Aumovio's exhibition will include:

Green Electric Caliper: An energy-saving brake module designed for electric vehicles, which is lighter than conventional calipers and doesn't require hydraulic fluid. It is designed to increase a vehicle's range, lower costs and minimise carbon emissions.

Next-Generation Corner Module: A compact chassis unit that integrates the engine, brake system, steering, and suspension. This system's ‘by-wire’ architecture and 150-degree wheel-specific steering are optimised for software-defined vehicles, offering greater manoeuvrability and design freedom.

Xelve System: A scalable, modular hardware and software system for assisted and automated driving (Level 2 to Level 4). The system is customisable for a wide range of vehicles and includes functions for automated parking and AI-supported driving.

Road to Cloud Platform: An integrated platform that provides a complete infrastructure for manufacturers to develop and operate software-defined vehicles, including standardized operating systems, over-the-air updates and cybersecurity.

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