ACMA Annual Session Convenes Policymakers And Leaders To Discuss India's Role In Global Supply Chains

ACMA India

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) convened its 65th Annual Session in New Delhi, focusing on the theme ‘Navigating Geopolitical Challenges - Creating a Resilient Automotive Supply Chain in India’. The event brought together senior policymakers, global leaders, and industry captains, including Nitin Gadkari, H D Kumaraswamy, Piyush Goyal, and Maros Sefcovic.

In her opening address, ACMA President, Shradha Suri Marwah, emphasised the industry's resilience. She stated, “India’s auto component sector expanded beyond USD 80 billion in FY25, with exports crossing USD 23 billion – a testament to our growing reputation as a trusted global partner".

She also acknowledged the challenges ahead, adding, "Yet the road ahead demands greater resilience as we navigate geopolitical headwinds, technology disruption, and sustainability imperatives".

A key highlight was the release of an ACMA–McKinsey study, which projects the industry will reach USD 200 billion by 2030.

H D Kumaraswamy noted the government's strong policy push, saying, “Bold reforms such as the PLI scheme have already attracted over INR 295 billion in investments and created more than 45,000 jobs, far exceeding expectations".

At the valedictory session, Nitin Gadkari underlined the long-term vision for the industry. He stated, “Our goal is to make India the world’s leading hub for smart, safe, sustainable, and affordable mobility by 2030".

Piyush Goyal reaffirmed India’s growing role as a trusted global partner, asserting, “As global trade undergoes disruption, India and the EU are working towards a fair and balanced Free Trade Agreement that will strengthen our partnership for decades". H.E.

Maros Sefcovic stressed the importance of India-EU collaboration, adding, "A balanced Free Trade Agreement will be a win-win, unlocking greater market access, high-value investments, and new technologies for both regions". The session saw over 1,200 delegates in attendance.

JK Fenner

Chennai-headquartered JK Fenner (India), part of JK Group, recently marked its 70th anniversary on 2nd September 2025, celebrating decades of innovation and growth.

The event was attended by Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, as the Chief Guest, Vikrampati Singhania, MD, JK Fenner, also attended, along with customers and guests.

Founded in 1955, JK Organisation took over Fenner in 1987. Since then, JK Fenner has grown from a manufacturer of V-belts to a provider of belt, sealing and fluid transmission solutions. At present, JK Fenner operates nine plants, with five in Tamil Nadu. The company has investments in the state and renewable energy assets of 9.75 MW. Its R&D centres and a team of over 120 specialists support OEMs.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, said, “I congratulate JK Fenner India for its glorious journey over these seven decades. With contributions from companies like JK Fenner (India) Limited, Tamil Nadu has built a strong industrial base. Today, our state’s growth rate has soared to 11.19 percent. The company has supported, more than 10 lakh people, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. I assure you that the Tamil Nadu Government will always support local companies in expanding their global reach.”

Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman, JK Fenner, said, “This milestone is not just a number, it is a legacy, a testament to seven decades of resilience, innovation, and excellence. From one facility in Madurai, we now operate nine state-of-the-art plants, and tomorrow we will proudly roll out our 75 millionth belt from our Automotive plant in Madurai, underscoring our leadership in power transmission solutions. Tamil Nadu has always been at the forefront of India’s industrial revolution, attracting world-class investments, and we at JK Fenner are proud to have contributed to this ecosystem and thank the government for its support to the industry and manufacturing sector in particular.”

Vikrampati Singhania, said, “It is both a privilege and a joy to celebrate 70 years of JK Fenner with our extended family of employees, partners, customers, and well-wishers. This milestone is not just ours, but the collective achievement of countless hands and minds who have propelled us forward. From humble beginnings in Madurai, we have grown into a trusted partner across automotive, industrial, agriculture, railways, and defence sectors. Looking ahead, our focus will be on driving future mobility, advancing sustainability, and expanding our global footprint through innovation, digitalisation, and world-class engineering.”

Continental Sells ContiTech OESL Division To Regent

ContiTech OESL

German technology major Continental has announced the sale of its ContiTech Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business to Regent, as part of its strategy to narrow the focus of its ContiTech group on industrial clients.

OESL, which develops and manufactures hose lines and bearing elements for both internal combustion and electric vehicles, employs over 16,000 people and generated approximately EUR 1.9 billion in sales in fiscal year 2024.

This is in line with the company's plan, outlined at its Capital Market Day in June, to establish four strong and independent business units.

Philip Nelles, Member of Continental’s Executive Board and Head of the ContiTech group, said, "The decision to sell OESL is part of our broader strategy to intensify our focus on our industrial business. Going forward, ContiTech will be a standalone specialist for material solutions with a strong focus on industry. Given the dynamic market environment, concentrating on industrial business is the cornerstone of our strategy. Following the sale of OESL, ContiTech will generate around 80 per cent of its sales with industrial customers. Our customer portfolio is highly diversified, both by industry and by region."

Michael A. Reinstein, Founder and Chairman, Regent, added, “With its attractive product portfolio and extensive automotive expertise, OESL has a strong foundation and excellent growth prospects. As a long-term, strategically oriented owner, we will work closely with management to drive the transformation to sustainable, future-oriented mobility solutions and harness OESL’s potential to enhance value. This will create meaningful opportunities for our employees around the world.”

NDTH Energy Secures Volvo VDS-3 Approval For EnerG G Force XL Engine Oil

NDTH Energy Secures Volvo VDS-3 Approval For EnerG G Force XL Engine Oil

Indian-origin lubricant manufacturer NDTH Energy has significantly advanced its global standing with the Volvo VDS-3 approval for its EnerG G Force XL engine oil. This prestigious certification confirms the lubricant's compliance with some of the most stringent international performance standards for heavy-duty engines, specifically in areas like extended oil drain intervals, superior engine wear protection and enhanced fuel efficiency for commercial vehicles.

This achievement is a major endorsement, positioning NDTH among a select group of global lubricant companies and greatly strengthening the product's acceptance worldwide. It follows another notable milestone for the company, which was the first from the country to secure the demanding Mercedes-Benz MB 229.51 and MB 229.52 certifications for its fully synthetic engine oil. These accomplishments collectively underscore the company's consistent ability to develop products that meet exacting original equipment manufacturer specifications.

Complementing its innovation in lubricants, NDTH Energy has also formed a strategic partnership with German additive specialist GAT GmbH. This collaboration has introduced the GAT X EnerG line of automotive care products, including fuel system cleaners and engine flushes, to the Indian market. This initiative supports the national Atmanirbhar Bharat mission by elevating domestic capabilities in the automobile sector.

Navkaran Singh Sethi, Founder, NDTH Energy, said, “This achievement is a proud moment for NDTH Energy as an Indian-origin brand making its mark on the global stage. The Volvo VDS-3 approval underscores our commitment to engineering excellence, quality and sustainability while showcasing the capability of Indian manufacturers to meet the most rigorous international standards.”

Pavna Industries, Taiwan’s SMC Form JV For Electronic Components In India

SMC

Aligarh-headquartered automotive component maker Pavna Industries is forming a a 80:20 joint venture with Taiwan-based SmartChip Microelectronic Corporation (SMC).

As per the understanding, Pavna will undertake and carry on the business of inter-alia making electronic components for the automobile industry (ICE & EV) and other industries, including hardware for residential/commercial industries, aero and medical, among others in India.

The JV will leverage Pavna’s operational, manufacturing and procurement expertise, as well as its deep understanding of the Indian automotive market, to oversee and manage the operations in India.

On the other hand, SMC will contribute its present and future technical skills, innovations and R&D capabilities in automotive e-lock systems, EV components like motor controller, throttle body, dashboard for two-wheeler & three-wheeler, EV charging piles and e-locking solutions for residential and commercial applications. SMC’s engineering and product development expertise will ensure the JV remains technologically advanced and globally competitive.

Swapnil Jain, Managing Director, Pavna Industries, sai,d "This strategic partnership is an important milestone on our path to emerging as a mobility solutions leader in advanced technologies. By merging Pavna's manufacturing and market capabilities with SMC's state-of-the-art electronics knowledge, we expect to speed up the penetration of EV technologies in India as well as grow into new high-growth markets. With this partnership, we will also further enhance our capacity to serve domestic and global markets with innovative, dependable, and sustainable solutions."