Dhoot Transmission, backed by Bain Capital, has announced a partnership and merger with Pune-based FourFront. Under the agreement, FourFront will merge with a subsidiary of Dhoot Transmission to create an integrated automotive electronics and electrical manufacturing platform.

FourFront is a Tier-1 supplier providing electro-mechanical and electronic solutions to passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturers. The merger is intended to address the increasing electronics content in vehicles and the requirements of the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

The combined entity will leverage complementary capabilities in manufacturing and engineering. FourFront’s portfolio includes:

• Power Electronics: Components for voltage conversion and management in EVs.
• Electromechanical Switches: Interface solutions for vehicle cabins and systems.
• EV Products: Specialised hardware for electric drivetrains.

The platform aims to provide end-to-end solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across internal combustion engine and electric vehicle programmes. Bain Capital will provide global automotive expertise to support the scale of the platform and the adoption of technologies such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Rahul Dhoot, Managing Director, Dhoot Transmission Group, said, “This partnership is closely aligned with our strategy of building a differentiated automotive platform with strong capabilities in electronics and electrical systems. FourFront has developed trusted relationships with OEM customers and built meaningful expertise in power electronics. As part of the Dhoot platform, FourFront and its team will be well positioned to continue delivering the same level of quality and service levels to customers while benefiting from our scale, manufacturing depth, and long-term investment approach.”

Saahil Bhatia, Partner, Bain Capital, said, “India continues to be an economy with a strong long-term growth trajectory, supported by favourable demographics, rising domestic consumption, and sustained investment in manufacturing and infrastructure. Against this backdrop, we see a compelling opportunity to support platforms like Dhoot, and now FourFront, as they scale capabilities, deepen OEM partnerships, and build high-quality automotive solutions aligned with evolving technologies such as ADAS and increasing electronics content across vehicle segments.”

Shrikant Neurgaonkar, Chairperson and Managing Director, FourFront, stated, “Over the last 15+ years, FourFront has built very a strong foundation and is recognised for innovative solutions, superior design capabilities, and responsiveness towards customer demands. The partnership with Dhoot Transmission and Bain Capital will put us in a strong position to further enhance our product offerings and continue to invest in manufacturing facilities, R&D and people for the next phase of growth. We’re very excited to partner with Dhoot Transmission to create an electronics platform focused on technical and operational excellence.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kuraray Co., Ltd. has announced a global price increase for its GENESTAR heat-resistant polyamide resin, set to take effect from 1 April 2026. This decision is driven by sustained escalations in logistics, labour and facility maintenance expenses that can no longer be offset through internal cost-saving measures. The adjustment is considered necessary to secure ongoing product availability and uphold quality standards. The price will rise by a minimum of 10 percent across the board.

This material is extensively utilised in the automotive sector, particularly in engine compartments and thermal management systems for components like thermostat housings and coolant parts. Its strong fuel barrier properties also make it a preferred choice for fuel system tubing. Furthermore, its mechanical strength and wear resistance support its use in gear systems and bearings, while its high-voltage insulation capabilities are increasingly critical for various electric vehicle applications.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has taken part in JEC World 2026, the premier global composites exhibition, held from 10 to 12 March 2026 at the Paris Nord Villepinte Convention Center in Paris, France. The company’s participation focuses on its advanced carbon fibre-based composite technologies, applicable in the automotive sector, alongside other key industries such as aerospace, construction and renewable energy.

Having consistently attended this prestigious event since 2013, the company is using this year’s platform to showcase innovations that cater to both high-performance and large-scale industrial needs. A central part of its display includes high-strength 3K carbon fibre, notable for its enhanced tensile strength, making it suitable for demanding applications in automotive components, drones, aviation and civil engineering. To address the requirements of broader industrial markets, the company is also featuring its 48K Large Tow carbon fibre, designed for use in wind power and the automotive industry.

At its exhibition booth, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS is demonstrating the practical versatility of its materials by displaying finished products such as drones and high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, both manufactured using its carbon fibre. This approach underscores the material’s critical role in lightweighting and high-strength applications, including the growing field of hydrogen mobility.

Carbon fibre, which is both a quarter of the weight of steel and significantly stronger, is seeing rising demand for pressure vessels, automotive parts and wind turbine blades. As the first Korean company to domestically develop high-strength carbon fibre under the TANSOME brand in 2010, HS HYOSUNG has been operating its Jeonju plant since 2013 and is now expanding its production capabilities into China and Vietnam. Building on this foundation, the company aims to solidify its status as a global leader, particularly following its 2022 development of H3065, an ultra-high-strength carbon fibre over 14 times stronger than steel, intended for advanced aerospace and automotive sectors.

Jim Dal Lim, CEO, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS, said, “JEC World 2026 is an ideal platform to showcase our outstanding technologies to a global audience and discover future collaboration partners. Through this exhibition, we will expand cooperation with global customers and actively explore new business opportunities in the composites market.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Belgium-headquartered Dumarey Group (formerly Punch Group) has appointed Abhishek Agarwal as the Vice President – India, effective 1 March 2026. He joins the propulsion systems provider from HORIBA India, where he served as Head of Mobility and Energy.

Agarwal comes with over two decades of experience in the automotive and engineering sectors. Before his tenure at HORIBA India, he spent over 15 years at AVL India as Business Unit Head for Simulation Software. His career also includes roles at Eicher Engineering Solutions and Minda Industries.

His technical focus encompasses: engine and transmission development; control functions and ECU solutions; fuel injection systems and electric vehicle systems.

The Dumarey Group was founded in 1983 by Guido Dumarey as an international business providing engineering services, systems and components for the automotive and industrial sectors. The company’s technology portfolio includes vehicle powertrains, control systems, dual-fuel hydrogen engines and energy storage.

The group operates across ten locations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. With a workforce of 3,000 employees, it generates approximately EUR 1 billion in annual revenue.

Agarwal holds a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) Kanpur. He also earned an Advance Diploma in Business Administration from the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Advent HoldCo has confirmed it will not acquire the LANXESS stake in the ENVALIOR joint venture in 2026. This follows a tender submitted by LANXESS in September 2025. Advent cited financing conditions as the reason for the decision.

The tender and purchase periods for the shares in 2027 and 2028 remain in effect. LANXESS will continue its role in the joint venture. The company attributes the development of ENVALIOR to market recovery within the sector, synergies between the companies and consolidation among competitors.

LANXESS stated it remains financed despite the absence of sale proceeds in 2026. The company maintains a cash position and credit lines totalling more than EUR 1.35 billion. Repayment of the bond maturing in October 2026 is secured.

The company stated that it maintains access to debt capital markets and debt reduction remains its top priority.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!