German automotive supplier Continental AG’s ContiTech arm will be focusing on its industrial segment in India, noted Chief Executive Officer of ContiTech Groupe, Phillip Nelles, during a visit to Kolkata.

Speaking to Motoring Trends exclusively, Nelles said, “ContiTech is doubling down on industrial applications, seizing opportunities amid India's multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and energy investments. With sweeping transformations underway, the company aims to cement its position as a leader in material-driven solutions. Our strategy is to focus on industrial sectors such as commercial vehicles, railways, construction and construction machinery, where we can deliver the highest impact.”

Picking up the sentiment, Hannes Friederichsen, Head of BA Industrial Solutions APAC, Continental AG, said, “We specialises in rubber, thermoplastic materials and rubber-metal bonded components, ensuring system-critical reliability for industrial clients. If a conveyor belt fails, it’s not just an inconvenience – it’s a system-critical disruption. That’s where we add real value.” 

The parent company recently announced plans to spin off its automotive division and Contitech’s OESL. While industrial applications remain the core focus, the company acknowledges that the automotive sector operates on a different business model, requiring a distinct strategic approach.

In focus

ContiTech's core industries in India include mining, ports, energy, cement, highway vehicles, heavy trucks and construction machinery. Additionally, the company has a plant in Pune for its surface solutions vertical, producing foils and surfaces for vehicle interiors and living environments. Having already established a strong presence in Europe and the Americas, the company is now investing in APAC, with India playing a central role in its regional strategy. 

The company operates a conveyor belt plant in Kalyani and another facility in Sonipat for power transmission belts and air springs. While specific investment figures were not disclosed, ContiTech plans to expand operations in both Sonipat and Kalyani, potentially diversifying the product portfolio in these locations.

“We’ve been laying the groundwork for major investments and are now scaling up with an expanded product portfolio and localised operations. In the commercial vehicle segment, we are focusing on air springs for trucks, trailers and buses, driven by increasing demand for comfort and tyre wear reduction. Additionally, we are exploring rubber-metal bonding systems for heavy-duty applications. The Pune facility remains a key part of this growth strategy, supporting increasing production volumes,” said Friederichsen.

The company is also eyeing opportunities in the motorcycle segment, particularly in seat coverings. As it expands, it plans to bring advanced technologies from its European and US operations into India, focusing on design, functionality and sustainability. 

“Sustainability is a growing priority, and we have the expertise to integrate recycled materials into our products. We’re also enhancing functionality with features like embedded buttons and translucent surfaces for interactive displays while ensuring that vehicle interiors reflect modern design trends,” noted Nelles.  

The company’s future innovations span beyond the cockpit, extending to seating, interior coverings and mid-arm components.

Another area of expansion is predictive maintenance services, aimed at identifying early warning signs for component replacement or repair. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce downtime and operational costs for industrial customers.

Additionally, ContiTech is actively involved in air springs for high-speed trains and metros. With India’s rapid rail infrastructure development, ContiTech is transferring its expertise to support high-speed and metro train projects.

Smart surface solutions

ContiTech is adapting its smart surface solutions portfolio for the Indian market. Commenting on the same, Friederichsen said, “Leveraging our material expertise, advanced design capabilities and expertise in living solutions, we're empowering our customers to design the car interior of the future. This includes the development of functional surfaces that bring the comfort and aesthetics of home interiors to future car interiors. Moreover, we're committed to sustainability, as evident from our first carbon-neutral product, XPRESHN - Carbon Neutral. We've also developed a comprehensive sustainability toolbox for our PVC products, catering to the diverse needs of our customers. Last year, we launched our Benova Eco Protect Line, a testament to our dedication to reducing environmental footprint.”

“In the commercial vehicle segment, our easy-to-clean surfaces, equipped with the staynu technology, are designed to enhance the well-being of truck drivers. By providing attractive cabin solutions, we are contributing to a better driving experience. In the Asia-Pacific region, we are observing a strong preference for translucent materials and super soft materials. We're well positioned to cater to these requirements, with a broad range of products that are generating significant interest among our customers,” he added. 

Alluding to the significance of his visit to Kolkata, he noted, “We have been in the Indian market for many years and we are constantly scanning the market to identify opportunities to grow. Kalyani plant remains in focus for us to expand Indian operations, and as we follow the principle of ‘in the market, for the market’, we are evaluating opportunities of extending our local product portfolio too.”

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Mumbai-headquartered JNV Group (formerly Sujan Group) has announced the strategic appointment of Sandeep Jad as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its Automotive business.

Jad brings around three decades of experience in the automotive and mobility sectors, having held various cross-functional leadership roles with prominent multinational and Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). His domain expertise encompasses Strategic Sourcing, Project Management, Operations, Process Excellence and Quality Management.

JNV Group operates as a vital industrial partner to global automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, offering solutions across cars, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers and the agricultural sectors. The company operates 20 manufacturing facilities in India and 3 dedicated technical centres.

The Group's automotive sector business framework comprises a diverse network of operating companies including – Sujan ContiTech AVS, Polyrub CooperStandard FTS, WBTL India, JNV Gold, Polyrub Plastics, Mega KLC Polymer Technologies, CGS and Intrenio.

Vijay J Sujan, Director, JNV Group, said, “I am thrilled to welcome Sandeep Jad to the JNV Group. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the group evolves with a new portfolio and moves into new areas such as mechatronics. Our vision includes diversifying into braking systems, including ADAS, as well as suspension products and solutions. We aim to create enduring value for customers and be among the Top 50 companies in the automotive parts vertical.”

Sandeep Jad, added, “I am excited to join JNV Group at a time when Indian automobile industry is going through big technological transformation. As we look to the future, my priority will be to build upon the legacy and at the same time focus on delivering greater value to our customers by offering them best technologies and a range of new products.”

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JK Fenner (India) has announced the appointment of Jegapriyan Govindarajan as the company's new President. Based out of Chennai, he will report directly to Vikrampati Singhania, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director of JK Fenner.

Govindarajan comes with nearly three decades of industrial and automotive sector experience to the role, with a professional track record of leading business transformations and profitable growth across both domestic and multinational organisations.

Prior to joining JK Fenner, Govindarajan served as the Managing Director & General Manager (India) at Garrett Motion Technologies India. His previous executive leadership stints include tenures as Managing Director at Tecumseh Products Company and Valeo Lighting Systems India.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Madurai Kamraj University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from XLRI, Jamshedpur.

JK Fenner operates a robust manufacturing and research network across India, consisting of 9 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and 4 advanced R&D centres. The company's domestic distribution channels establish an all-India market presence, complemented by an international export footprint that spans more than 50 countries.

The company supplies specialised mechanical and industrial components to critical sectors such as steel, cement, power, textiles, agriculture, and automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Its core product portfolio encompasses – Oil Seals & Hoses; Gearboxes & Geared Motors; Pulleys & Belt Tensioners; Front-End Accessory Drive (FEAD) Systems and Moulded Rubber Products.

Moving forward, JK Fenner is expanding its technical and engineering frameworks to target emerging industrial sectors. The company's long-term strategy focuses on developing components tailored for the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, integrating AI and digital technologies into its operations and increasing corporate focuses on environmental sustainability.

Vikrampati Singhania said, “I am confident that Govindarajan will provide strong and adept leadership and steer JK Fenner on a new growth trajectory.”

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FORVIA Clarion Electronics has been awarded four distinct vehicle display supply contracts spanning China, India and South America. The business wins underscore the company's regional footprint and its ongoing commercial relationships with prominent domestic and international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across China, India and Europe.

The engineering and development phase for these display programs is scheduled to run from Q2 of 2026 through Q4 of 2027. Mass production and delivery will utilise the company's localised, ‘local-for-local’ manufacturing strategy to maximise operational efficiency and maintain proximity to assembly lines in major automotive markets.

The newly secured business covers multiple digital cockpit and vision technologies, reflecting the ongoing transformation of vehicles into software-defined, connected platforms. The awards comprise large-format display solution, which are designed to provide an immersive, digitally enhanced cockpit experience to satisfy consumer demand for higher-resolution interior interfaces. An advanced digital mirror display program aimed at enhancing driver safety, visibility and vehicle aerodynamics. Two additional display implementations tailored to modular and scalable vehicle platforms across diverse price segments.

As vehicle cockpits evolve, global automakers are increasingly demanding integrated, cost-effective display electronics that offer flexibility and customisation without compromising scalability. These contract wins align with FORVIA’s broader IGNITE corporate strategy, which prioritises technological scaling, system integration capabilities and rapid innovation within the In-Cockpit Experience (ICX) domain.

Yves Dumoulin, Executive Vice-President, FORVIA Clarion Electronics, said, “These wins reflect the trust our customers place in our ability to deliver high-performance electronics across diverse regions, customer profiles and market. They demonstrate how our teams continue to execute with excellence while aligning fully with FORVIA’s IGNITE strategy, focusing our strengths, scaling our technologies, and accelerating innovation for In-Cockpit Experience (ICX). These achievements show that FORVIA Clarion Electronics is not only delivering today but building the foundation for long-term leadership.”

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Automotive component manufacturer Tenneco Clean Air India has announced its financial results for the Q4 and FY2026. The company, which supplies emission controls, powertrains and suspension systems to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), reported a value-added revenue (VAR) increase of 17.5 percent YoY for Q4 and 12.3 percent for the full fiscal year.

The company said it utilises value-added revenue as its primary performance metric to exclude pass-through substrate costs from its operations.

For Q4, value-added revenue reached INR 14,058 million, up from INR 11,963 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the quarter stood at INR 2,573 million, representing an 18.3 percent margin on value-added revenue. Profit after tax (PAT) for Q4 grew 19 percent YoY to INR 1,668 million, yielding an 11.9 percent margin.

For FY2026, total value-added revenue rose to INR 54,040 million compared to INR 48,904 million in FY2025. Full-year EBITDA reached INR 9,255 million, establishing a margin profile of 18.8 percent. Annual profit after tax concluded at INR 6,044 million, equivalent to a 12.3 percent margin, while return on capital employed (ROCE) increased to 94 percent from 57 percent in the prior fiscal year.

The company's revenue streams are divided across two core business segments:

• Clean Air & Powertrain Solutions: Generated INR 6,905 million in Q4 FY2026 and INR 49,180 million for the full fiscal year.
• Advanced Ride Technologies (ART): Generated INR 7,153 million in Q4 FY2026 and INR 24,885 million for the full fiscal year.

The total cumulative lifetime order book, excluding programs already in active commercial production, reached INR 124,000 million as of 31 March 2026. This order volume encompasses the revenue targets set by management for the fiscal year 2028.

During the fiscal year, Tenneco India secured several development contracts across its operating divisions, including the selection of its advanced suspension system for a vehicle platform by an Indian SUV manufacturer.

Additional contracts were signed with a Japanese passenger vehicle manufacturer for emission systems, a European commercial vehicle manufacturer for aftertreatment solutions and an Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer for an engine platform. The company also executed a technology proof-of-concept for a Euro VII emission control layout with a European truck manufacturer and secured a contract for bearing systems with a Japanese passenger car OEM.

To accommodate current order volumes, the company has approved a total capital expenditure allocation of INR 1,400 million. The investment framework funds the construction of two production sites: a greenfield manufacturing plant for Clean Air Systems located in North India, alongside a greenfield facility for Advanced Ride Technologies located in West India.

Arvind Chandra, Whole-Time Director and CEO, Tenneco India, said, “Over the past few years, the team has worked diligently to build a resilient, diversified and execution led business model. This was clearly demonstrated during the quarter and the year under review. Despite geopolitical headwinds since the end of February 2026 and the incremental overheads associated with becoming a listed entity, the team delivered a FY2026 double-digit topline growth at 12 percent and, more importantly, a strong operating performance with the highest-ever EBITDA margin at 18.8 percent. Supported by a strong and expanding order book, we continue to proactively scale our manufacturing capabilities to meet rising customer demand. In addition to the recently announced expansion in Northern India of INR 710 million, we plan to expand our manufacturing presence in Western India with an investment of INR 690 million, leading to a total of INR 1,400 million. These strategic capacity additions position us well to capture incremental growth opportunities, strengthen customer partnerships and support long term value creation. We recently completed a strategic Proof of Concept with a leading European Truck OEM for a Euro VII–compliant Clean Air solution, thereby strengthening capabilities in advanced emission technologies and readiness for future legislations. Also, we were honoured with the Zero-Defect Supplier Award by Toyota in the ART business, underscoring our commitment to operational excellence. In addition, we secured a strategic entry into the engine bearings business at a leading Japanese OEM, due to superior product technology, better quality and longstanding business relationship across other product verticals. Our H2 FY2026 order book addition stands at INR 60,254 million. Combined with the previously announced H1 order book, net of orders currently under production, the incremental lifetime order book reached INR 124,000 million as of March 31, 2026. This robust order book provides strong revenue visibility covering more than 100 percent of FY28 target revenues underpinning a healthy double-digit CAGR trajectory.”

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