Donald Trump’s Liberation Day Tariffs Does Not Cover Autos & Auto Parts Says ACMA

Auto components

The United States President, Donald Trump, announced a new set of tariffs as part of its ‘Liberation Day’ initiative on 2 April 2025. This new rate of tariffs is part of Trump’s administration to boost national production and what he claimed is to resolve ‘trade imbalances.’

A statement issued by ACMA India mentioned that as per an order by Trump on 26 March 2025, Section 232 charges 25 percent tariffs, but there is no mention of ‘Autos & auto parts and steel & aluminium articles.’

The industry body stated that the detailed list of auto components that will be subject to 25 percent import tariff in the United States was awaited.

Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM, said, “Commenting on the recent announcement by US Govt on Reciprocal Tariffs, it is to be noted that autos are not covered in this order since they are already subject to Section 232 tariffs at 25 percent, announced earlier in President Trump’s order on March 26, 2025.  We don't expect any significant impact on the Indian automobile industry since there are limited exports to US, but we will continue to monitor the situation."

Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA and CMD, Subros, said, “ACMA remains hopeful that the ongoing bilateral negotiations between the Indian and U.S. governments will lead to a balanced resolution that benefits both economies. We believe that the strong trade relationship between India and the United States, especially in the auto components sector, will encourage continued dialogue to mitigate the impacts of these measures. ACMA is committed to engaging with all stakeholders to ensure the long-term interests of the Indian auto component industry.”

A statement from the White House mentioned that President Trump was working to level the playing field for American businesses and workers by confronting the unfair tariff disparities and non-tariff barriers imposed by other countries.

‘For generations, countries have taken advantage of the United States, tariffing us at higher rates. For example: The United States imposes a 2.5 percent tariff on passenger vehicle imports (with internal combustion engines), while the European Union (10 percent) and India (70 percent) impose much higher duties on the same product.’

For FY2024, India exported USD 6.79 billion worth of auto components, which translates to 27 percent of the total exports from India. On the other hand, India’s automotive component imports from the United States was valued at USD 1.63 billion or 7 percent of the total imports.

Saurabh Agarwal, Partner & Automotive Tax Leader at EY India, stated, “With US automotive tariffs rising, India's electric vehicle sector has a prime opportunity to capture a larger share of the US market, especially in the budget car segment. China's 2023 auto and component exports to the US stood at USD 17.99 billion, while India's were only USD 2.1 billion in 2024, highlighting the potential for growth. To accelerate this, the government should enhance the PLI scheme by including more auto components, opening it to new players, and extending it by two years."

Arun Agarwal, VP – Fundamental Research – Automobiles, Kotak Securities, said, “US has imposed 25 percent tariffs on imported cars, light trucks and select auto parts sourced from outside of North America. Further, almost 150 auto parts will face tariffs at similar rate. This move could result into increase in car prices in the US and cost pressure for component suppliers. In the event of car prices going up, the US car market may witness a steep volume decline and that can impact revenue for component players supplying parts to the US car/light truck industry. Further, margins of suppliers may come under pressure as they may need to partly absorb cost pressures. We believe there will be some impact, which the suppliers will have to bear, leading to negative implications on margins. Having said that, it needs to be seen on how higher tariffs are absorbed across the supply chain that includes customers, OEMs and suppliers. The extent of impact for Indian players will also depend on the US-India bilateral agreement over the next few months.”

Schaeffler

Schaeffler, a motion technology company, will showcase its range of electrified powertrain technologies at the 13th Schaeffler Automotive Symposium in Buhl this June.

The event, themed ‘Beyond Driving. Innovation made by Schaeffler.’, will highlight solutions for the entire spectrum of drive systems, including battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and range extender applications (REEV).

In the battery electric segment, the company focuses on highly integrated and scalable systems. The key developments include system integration, which combines e-axles, drive units and software to create efficient overall systems. Scalable inverter solutions platforms with X-in-1 functionality designed for faster time-to-market and lower costs. Enhancing electric motors and bearings – such as current-insulated variants – through material efficiency and modern manufacturing. Lastly, streamlining development using new approaches to reduce product complexity and accelerate market readiness.

For the hybrid and range extender architectures, Schaeffler will present technologies designed for diverse hybrid topologies, ranging from P1 to P3 systems. These solutions include:

  • Dedicated Hybrid Transmissions: An all-in-one platform for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles that integrates software and mechanical components.
  • Range Extenders: Systems that utilise internal combustion engines more efficiently to support the ongoing transition to electric mobility.
  • Seamless Integration: High-performance actuators and sensors used to make engine operation quiet and clean for vehicle occupants.
  • Platform Compatibility: Designs that can be integrated into existing vehicle architectures while meeting cost and performance requirements.

Matthias Zink, CEO, Powertrain & Chassis, Schaeffler, said, “With our Powertrain technology cluster, we will be showcasing Schaeffler’s extensive development capabilities in the powertrain segment at the Schaeffler Automotive Symposium. We offer all customers the entire spectrum of powertrain technologies – from components to functionally integrated systems.”

Thomas Stierle, CEO, E-Mobility, Schaeffler, added, “Our expertise in mechanical engineering, electronics and software enables us to develop scalable system solutions. Thanks to a consistently integrated approach, Schaeffler is developing electric powertrains that optimally combine efficiency, a compact footprint, functionality, sustainability and industrialization.”

Sundram Fasteners Crosses INR 60 Billion Consolidated Income In FY2026

Sundram Fasteners

Sundram Fasteners has announced that it achieved its highest ever annual revenue, EBITDA and profits in FY2026. The company surpassed the INR 60 billion consolidated income milestone during this period.

For FY2026, the company’s consolidated income reached INR 63.68 billion, EBITDA at INR 1.07 billion and net profit of INR 5.92 billion.

In Q4 FY2026, the income came at INR 15.29 billion, up 12 percent YoY, domestic sales grew by 14 percent at INR 10.28 billion, net profit of INR 1.79 billion, up 34 percent YoY.

In FY2026, Sundram Fasteners incurred INR 4.04 billion in capital expenditure to expand capacity for existing business lines and new projects.

Growth was supported by momentum in non-auto segments, including wind energy, aerospace and railways. In the automotive sector, sales were bolstered by the North American Class 8 truck market and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales.

Arathi Krishna, Managing Director, Sundram Fasteners, said, “Our performance this quarter reflects the strength of our operational discipline and our unwavering focus on customer centricity. Despite a challenging global environment marked by geopolitical uncertainties, we have delivered all-time high results driven by robust domestic demand and improved efficiencies. We continue to see strong momentum in our non-auto segments such as wind energy, aerospace, and railways, which provide significant headroom for future growth. Additionally, new business wins across geographies have enabled us to further expand our global footprint. The uptick in North American Class 8 truck and ICE vehicle sales has supported growth in our automotive portfolio, while our strategic shift to directly engage with OEMs outside India in the fasteners division has enhanced both margins and market access, even amid broader industry sluggishness.”

EVs Contribute 39% Revenue Share For Sona Comstar In FY2026

Sona Comstar

Tier 1 automotive supplier Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar) has announced its financial results Q4 FY2026 and FY2026, reporting its highest levels of revenue and profitability to date.  The company recorded growth in its electric vehicle segment, with revenue from battery electric vehicles (BEVs) contributing 39 percent share for FY2026.

For Q4 FY2026, the revenue grew by 47 percent YoY to reach INR 12.72 billion, EBITDA at INR 3.11 billion, up 32 percent YoY, PAT at INR 1.92 billion, an uptick of 17 percent YoY. Interestingly, revenue from battery electric vehicles program reached INR 3.59 billion, marking a 22 percent YoY increase.

During the quarter, the company secured four driveline programs. This included three orders from European manufacturers, marking the first time the firm has won three such contracts in a single quarter. These programs include:

  • North American BEV Program: An order from a European manufacturer to supply gears, adding INR 2.2 billion to the order book.
  • European BEV Program: A contract from a luxury manufacturer for assemblies, valued at INR 1.4 billion.
  • Hybrid Platform: An INR 1.2 billion order from a European client for assemblies.
  • Indian BEV Platform: An INR 1 billion order to supply assemblies for the Indian market.

For the full financial year, Sona Comstar recorded revenue of INR 44.75 billion, up 26 percent as compared to FY2026.  EBITDA for the year stood at INR 11.07 billion with a margin of 24.7 percent. The company expanded its portfolio by adding nine new electric vehicle programs and three customers, bringing its total to 67 programs across 35 customers.

Vivek Vikram Singh, MD & Group CEO, said, “Q4 FY26 was our strongest quarter financially and an important step forward in our strategic and technology roadmap, with new customers added in Europe and two new railway products commercialised. We delivered our best-ever quarter, with the highest revenue, EBITDA, PAT, BEV revenue and BEV revenue share. Revenue grew by 47 percent YoY, primarily driven by growth in EV traction and suspension motors, differential gears, differential assemblies along with consolidation of railway business. BEV revenue grew 22 percent YoY and BEV revenue share reached an all-time high of 39 percent. During the quarter, we won four driveline orders which includes three EV programs and one hybrid program. For the first time, we won three orders from European OEMs, and this is our first EV program win from Europe in almost four years. The hybrid program wins reinforce our view that hybrids are an opportunity for us, not a risk.”

Schaeffler India Reports INR 3.19 Billion Profit For Q1 CY2026

Schaeffler

Tier 1 component and technology company Schaeffler India has announced its financial results for the Q1 CY2026, maintaining double-digit growth momentum across its primary business segments.

For Q1 CY2026, the company reported an 18.8 percent YoY uptick in revenue at INR 25 billion with a net profit margin of INR 3.19 billion, up 19.3 percent YoY.

The company attributed the robust results to strong performance in Automotive Technologies and Vehicle Lifetime Solutions, which fuelled stable earnings quality to increased localisation and improved capital efficiency.

While revenue grew significantly compared to the same period last year, it saw a marginal decline of 5.1 percent compared to the preceding quarter (Q4 CY2025).

Harsha Kadam, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased to report continued strong growth momentum across all our business segments. Automotive Technologies, Vehicle Lifetime Solutions, and Exports delivered robust double-digit growth, driven by successful business wins in our key focus areas. Despite ongoing supply chain challenges and inflationary headwinds, we successfully maintained the quality of our earnings. This reflects the effectiveness of our strategic focus on localisation and capital efficiency. We remain fully committed to achieving our financial and operational targets, capitalising on market opportunities and delivering consistent value to our stakeholders.”