Gulf Oil Lubricants Records Highest-Ever Quarterly Performance, Plans INR 550 Million CAPEX

Gulf Oil

Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited, a Hinduja Group company, has announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, reporting its highest-ever quarterly volume, revenue, and EBITDA. The company achieved double-digit volume growth, which was more than three times the industry growth rate. Consolidated quarterly revenue exceeded INR 10 billion for the first time.

On a standalone basis, the company's revenue from operations was INR 9.96 billion, a 12.57 percent increase YoY, with a Profit After Tax of INR 9.6 billion, up 9.81 percent YoY. Consolidated revenue reached INR 1.01 billion, an increase of 13.69 percent YoY and PAT grew by 12.90 percent to INR 951.7 billion, . The company's EV charger subsidiary, Tirex, also saw significant growth, with its revenue for the quarter increasing by over 163 percent.

Strategic Developments and Outlook

The Board of Directors has approved an INR 550 million capital expenditure (Capex) plan to increase manufacturing capacity by 70 percent, from 140 million litres to 240 million litres. This expansion will be spread over two years and is a key strategic initiative to support the company’s growth ambitions. The Silvassa plant's capacity will increase by 55 percent to 140 million litres, while the Chennai plant's capacity will double to 100 million litres.

Ravi Chawla, Managing Director and CEO, Gulf Oil, said, “The year began on a strong note, delivering yet another market leading performance achieving double-digit volume growth of 11% during the quarter, clearly over 3x the industry growth rate. This underscores the strength of our brand and continued trust of our consumers. Our EV charger subsidiary, Tirex, continued to perform well and closed the quarter with over 163 percent growth in topline catering to broader customer base."

Manish Gangwal, CFO, Gulf Oil, added, "We are quite excited to see our consolidated revenue crossing INR 10 billion as we concluded the quarter with highest-ever volume, revenue and EBITDA, driven by strong strategic execution resulting in profitable, volume-led growth.” He also noted that the company's operating profit for the quarter was Rs. 126.58 crores, a growth of 8.9% over the same period last year.

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."

Minda Corpo Reports INR 650 Million Net Profit For Q1 FY2026

Spark Minda

Minda Corporation, the flagship company of tier 1 supplier Spark Minda, has announced its financial results for Q1 FY2026 with revenue of INR 13.86 billion, up 16.2 percent YoY, EBITDA of INR 1.56 billion, EBITDA margin of 11.3 percent and a net profit growth of 4.7 percent at INR 650 million.

The tier 1 supplier attributes the growth to its strong product portfolio, expanding customer base and a focus on product premiumisation.

During the period, Minda Corporation also entered into an agreement with Toyodenso to establish a 60:40 joint venture in India for manufacturing and selling of advanced automotive switches.

It aims to provide end-to end solutions for automotive switches across two-wheelers, passenger cars and other automotive segments in India. The new JV has already received orders from customers in India with a greenfield plant to be set up in Noida. The operations are expected to commence in H2 of FY2027.

Furthermore, Minda Corporation also inked a collaboration with Qualcomm to co-develop Smart Cockpit Solutions.

Ashok Minda, Chairman and Group CEO, Minda Corporation, said, “The first quarter of FY26 witnessed a strong performance, supported by resilient demand across key vehicle segments. Leveraging our focus on operational excellence, technology integration, and customer-centric initiatives, we continued to strengthen our market position. As we progress through the year, we remain focused on expanding our market reach, enhancing exports, and delivering sustainable value to our stakeholders through consistent execution and strategic initiatives.”

BorgWarner Bags New Order To Supply E-Motor To Chinese Automaker

BorgWarner

American tier 1 supplier BorgWarner has announced that it has bagged a new order from a major Chinese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for its electric motors.

As per the understanding, BorgWarner will supply a platform-based design, compatible across a full range of NEV applications, including battery electric and hybrid models. It also incorporates BorgWarner’s innovative ultra-short hairpin welding process, which reduces end-turn height for a more compact structure and significantly improves space utilisation.       

Dr Stefan Demmerle, Vice-President, BorgWarner Inc and president & General Manager, PowerDrive Systems, said, “We are pleased with the continued progress of our electric motor business in China. Our partnership with this customer spans nearly a decade. BorgWarner remains committed to delivering smarter, more efficient motor solutions as we work together toward an electrified future.”

Furthermore, to meet rising demand from the Chinese automotive industry, BorgWarner is expanding its motor operations and early this year it signed a MoU with the Wuhu municipal government to establish a new manufacturing base for electric drive systems.

Once on stream, the facility will feature intelligent manufacturing lines capable of producing multiple motor platforms on shared lines, increasing motor capacity and laying a solid foundation for scaled delivery.

ACMA Hosts Inaugural STEER 2025, Setting the Course For India’s Automotive Aftermarket

ACMA - Steer

ACMA Hosts Inaugural STEER 2025, Setting the Course For India’s Automotive Aftermarket

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) recently held the inaugural STEER 2025, a national aftermarket confluence designed to chart a course for the future of India’s automotive components industry.

The event, convened on 8th August, saw participation from leading government and industry voices, including Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA, Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA and Ramashankar Pandey, Chairman, ACMA Aftermarket Sub-Committee.

In his keynote, Joshi praised ACMA’s commitment to consumer empowerment and highlighted the government’s Right to Repair initiative, stating that it would help make genuine spare parts and repair information more accessible and encourage sustainability and affordability while strengthening India’s presence globally.

Throughout the day, delegates engaged in lively discussions on sectoral challenges and opportunities around safety, technology adoption, skills development, market access and supply chain resilience. Actionable recommendations emerged to help advance the aftermarket in line with evolving consumer expectations and international trends.

According to data presented by Ernst & Young, India’s auto component sector has experienced robust growth, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12 percent from FY2018 to FY2024. The aftermarket segment itself expanded at around 8 percent CAGR over this period.

In FY2024, the industry’s turnover reached INR 6,147 billion, with exports climbing to INR 1,760 billion and constituting around 4 percent of India’s total national exports. The sector currently contributes approximately 2 percent to India’s GDP and provides employment to nearly five million people, highlighting its importance as one of the country’s largest employers.

Exports have become a significant driver, fuelled by strong domestic demand, supportive government incentives and India’s integration within the global ‘China+1’ supply strategy. Lower manufacturing costs give Indian exporters a competitive edge, with average factory wages 50-75 percent lower than those in China, allowing for 20-30 percent savings on labour-intensive components. Government schemes such as the Auto PLI Scheme have further boosted export growth, offering sales-linked incentives of 8–18 percent for advanced and electric vehicle components. Engine parts remain the largest export category, though substantial shares are also held by sectors such as suspension, braking, body/chassis, transmission and electronics.

Global opportunities abound in both developed and emerging markets. Key targets for Indian suppliers include Latin America, Indonesia, Poland, the UAE and Africa. Brazil’s automotive aftermarket alone is valued at USD 12,091 million (CY23), while Indonesia’s stands at USD 7,759 million, offering significant scope for further growth. Indian mechanical and consumable parts, particularly for two-wheelers, commercial vehicles and tractors, enjoy a reputation for quality in many of these regions; for instance, Nigerian purchasers are willing to pay up to 25 percent more for critical Indian spares compared to cheaper Chinese alternatives.

Trade agreements such as the India-UAE CEPA have facilitated access to high-growth markets by removing import duties, while bilateral pacts with African nations support expansion into West and East Africa. In Africa, car ownership remains relatively low at 40 per 1,000 people – far less than the global average – indicating substantial growth potential for automotive aftermarket products over the coming decade.

At STEER 2025, speakers emphasised strategies for further accelerating India's export momentum, including building stronger online and e-commerce presence, innovative branding, tailored product offerings, collaborative supplier initiatives, streamlined logistics and enhanced market access through local partnerships. ACMA reaffirmed its commitment to close collaboration with government and industry stakeholders, placing consumer empowerment and sustainability at the core of its vision to enhance India's reputation as a globally competitive supplier.