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-based automotive components supplier Remsons Industries has secured its largest-ever single business win of USD 35 million order from Stellantis North America.

As per the understanding, Remsons will supply critical components for Stellantis’ vehicle platforms such as Jeep Wrangler and RAM. It is also expected to supply products for Smart car and three-wheeler for Stellantis Europe.  

Rahul Kejriwal, Executive Director, Remsons Industries, said, “This is not just a new project; it is a moment that defines our journey and reaffirms the faith that global automotive leaders place in our capabilities, quality, and commitment.”

Amit Srivastava, Group CEO, Remsons, added, “This milestone reflects the strength of our collective persistent efforts and unwavering commitment.”

For the last five decades, Remsons Industries has been supplying components for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, commercial vehicles and off-highway vehicles to OEMs in India. The company has set-up manufacturing facilities in Gurgaon, Pune, Pardi and Daman in India, also Stourport & Redditch in England (UK).

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Tata AutoComp Systems, a leading Indian automotive components manufacturer has joined forces with Katcon Global, a leading supplier for exhaust systems, thermal insulation and advanced materials components, to form a joint venture in Mexico.

The JV will focus on lightweight applications for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, agricultural tractors, off-road vehicles and specialised non-automotive segments.

This build upon a 13-year partnership between Tata AutoComp and Katcon in India, particularly in the field of exhaust systems and emission after-treatment solutions.

Arvind Goel, Vice Chairman, Tata AutoComp Systems, said, “This joint venture marks a significant milestone for Tata AutoComp, as it is the first time we are entering a partnership where we are contributing the core technology – what we see as a reverse model compared to our previous alliances. Our Composite Division, recently recognised with the prestigious Deming Award, brings proprietary technology, including patented formulations and in-house capabilities for composite compounds and sheet manufacturing. We are proud to lead the technology front in this forward-looking collaboration.”

Carlos Turner, CEO, Katcon, said, “By combining Katcon’s advanced composite technologies with Tata AutoComp’s deep industry expertise, we are well positioned to deliver innovative, lightweight solutions that address the evolving needs of the North American automotive market. This joint venture reflects our shared commitment to innovation and excellence and reinforces our focus on enabling the future of mobility through advanced materials.”

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Automotive component supplier Sterling Tools has announced its financial results for FY2025. The company’s consolidated total income for FY2025 rose by 10.6 percent YoY to INR 10 billion milestone for the first time at INR 10.38 billion. Adjusted EBITDA grew 13.8 percent YoY to INR 1,324 million, with margins improving to 12.8 percent and net profit increased by 5.3 percent to INR 583 million.

On a standalone basis, total income stood at INR 6,516 million, up 6.2 percent YoY and net profit came at INR 429 million, up 10.5 percent YoY, with an EBITDA margin of 14.5 percent.

Despite a strong annual performance, Q4 FY2025 revenues for its subsidiary Sterling Tools Gtake E-Mobility were impacted by Ola Electric’s shift to in-house motor production. In response, it has ramped up product and customer diversification. Key developments include a technology licensing agreement to manufacture rare earth/permanent magnet-free motors in India – offering an alternative to China-dependent supply chains.

Further, Sterling Tools Gtake E-Mobility plans to expand into integrated motor-controller solutions and additional power electronics products. Through another subsidiary, Sterling Tools, the company will begin production of HVDC contactors and relays by Q2 FY2026 in collaboration with Kunshan GLVAC. It is also in advanced talks to form a joint venture with South Korea’s MotiveLink to manufacture magnetic components in India.

Atul Aggarwal, Managing Director, Sterling Tools, said, "Agreements on the introduction of other Power Electronics products are in the pipeline and, at least one, will be announced in the near future. The company continues to also work on two-wheeler, three-wheeler and commercial vehicle customers to expand sales of its Motor Control Units. Through our subsidiary STML, we plan to begin production of HVDC Contactors and Relays by the end of Q2 FY2026, in partnership with Kunshan GLVAC Yuantong New Energy Technology. We are also in advanced discussions to establish a joint venture with MotiveLink (erstwhile Yongin Electronics) to manufacture magnetic components in India. These initiatives are expected to drive future growth. Looking ahead, the standalone business is expected to continue its stable growth trajectory, maintaining high single-digit growth. Collectively, these strategic moves will enhance our EV product portfolio, promote import substitution, and align with the government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. We remain committed to delivering long-term value through a combination of organic growth and strategic partnerships.”

Agreements on the introduction of other Power Electronics products are in the pipeline and, at least one, will be announced in the near future. The Company continues to also work on 2W, 3W and Commercial Vehicle customers to expand sales of its Motor Control Units. Through our subsidiary STML, we plan to begin production of HVDC Contactors and Relays by the end of Q2 FY26, in partnership with Kunshan GLVAC Yuantong New Energy Technology Co. Ltd. We are also in advanced discussions to establish a joint venture with MotiveLink Co. Ltd. (Erstwhile Yongin Electronics) to manufacture magnetic components in India. These initiatives are expected to drive future growth. Looking ahead, the standalone business is expected to continue its stable growth trajectory, maintaining high single-digit growth. Collectively, these strategic moves will enhance our EV product portfolio, promote import substitution, and align with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. We remain committed to delivering long-term value through a combination of organic growth and strategic partnerships.”

The company expects its core fastener business to maintain high single-digit growth while future-ready investments drive expansion in the EV segment.

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Delhi NCR-based automotive component manufacturer Sterling Tools, through its subsidiary Sterling Gtake, has inked a technology licensing agreement with Advanced Electric Machines (AEM), UK to enter the electric vehicle motor market.

As per the understanding, Sterling Gtake will develop, manufacture and market Rare Earth Magnet-Free traction motors for EVs in India.

The component supplier stated that by introducing a mature and commercially viable rare earth magnet-free technology, it will be able to offer its customers an alternative to the China dependent permanent magnet supply chain. 

It expects that the traction motors market will to grow to around INR 150 billion by 2030. Furthermore, Sterling Gtake will also explore joint development of integrated motor and controller solutions. 

Anil Aggarwal, Chairman, Sterling Tools, said, “Sterling’s foray into rare earth magnet-free motors demonstrates the Group’s commitment to being a technology leader and an industry pioneer. We are expanding beyond MCUs to being a complete solution provider and meeting the EV Industry’s growing demand for advanced technology. EV sub-systems are being increasingly consolidated into multifunction units and Sterling will also offer our customers integrated motor and controller solutions. The Sterling Group will continue to extend excellent technical and application support to its customers to help drive greater adoption of EVs in India.

“The diversification into rare earth magnet-free motors is in line with Sterling’s ambition to develop powertrain expertise to serve the Indian auto industry. Sterling Tools plans to further expand the local manufacturing of EV Solutions, strengthening India’s industrial supply chain. With the EV market poised for significant growth, this partnership is well-timed to capitalise on emerging opportunities while contributing to a sustainable future.”

Dr. James Widmer, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Advanced Electric Machines, said, “India’s automotive and zero-emission manufacturing market offers immense potential for growth and innovation. Through our partnership with Sterling Tools, we are bringing our proven expertise in magnet-free motors to Indian customers across a wide range of vehicle categories. Together, we can create high-quality powertrain solutions that cater to India’s growing need to reduce its tailpipe emissions, while also supporting the country’s self-reliance and sustainability goals.

This agreement is a culmination of a strong relationship between the two companies, and we have worked with SGEM over several years to understand the Indian market and develop the local supply chain.  We are now ready to hit the ground running and to contribute to India’s quest for sustainability.”

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