Taiwan-headquartered Innolux Corporation is set to acquire Japanese electronics major Pioneer Corporation from EQT for USD 1.1 billion. As per the understanding, CarUX, a subsidiary of Innolux Corporation, focussing on smart cockpit solutions, will create strong synergies with Pioneer’s existing capabilities to continue on its global expansion trajectory.

Pioneer, a Japanese leader in automotive sound and navigation systems, has been an engineering powerhouse since its founding in 1938, known for its robust research and development and industry-leading manufacturing. The company provides in-car navigation and audio electronics to both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the consumer aftermarket, alongside various hardware and software solutions for the automotive sector.

Since its 2019 acquisition by EQT, Pioneer has undergone a significant transformation to restore its financial health and ensure long-term growth. This effort has yielded strong results, with the company achieving double-digit EBITDA margins and substantial free cash flow for the fiscal year ending March 2025. EQT’s strategic initiatives included strengthening corporate governance, appointing a new leadership team and implementing strict cost and capital discipline, all of which substantially boosted profitability and cash generation.

The Japanese company has successfully refocused on its core expertise in automotive audio, introducing a new amplifier technology platform and securing major projects from clients both domestically and internationally. The company has also expanded into new growth areas by leveraging its existing technologies, launching Mobility Services (software-led navigation utilising proprietary Japan-specific map data) and Mobility AI Connectivity (AI-based dash cameras for global markets). Furthermore, Pioneer demonstrated resilience during challenging periods like the Covid-19 pandemic and semiconductor shortages, thanks to enhanced operational efficiencies and the strategic divestment of non-core assets.

Shiro Yahara, President and CEO, Pioneer, said, “EQT has been instrumental in helping us drive transformation and innovation while preserving our DNA as a global leader in automotive technology. We look forward to this next chapter of growth with CarUX, building on the solid foundation that EQT helped us establish. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to partnering with CarUX to continue our product innovations and accelerate our global expansion.”

Sanjay Dhawan, Chairperson of the Board and Independent Director of Pioneer, said, “The automotive industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation, with digital content in vehicles rising from 27 percent to 40 percent and software playing an increasingly central role in cars. Under EQT’s ownership, Pioneer has embarked on a transformative journey – embracing innovation to lead in this new, software-defined era of mobility. This innovation has created substantial value across the board, benefiting customers, employees and shareholders alike.”

Shane Predeek, Partner, EQT Private Capital, said, “We are proud to have helped revitalise one of Japan’s most iconic brands and reposition it for long-term success. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for Pioneer, and we believe that there are synergies with CarUX and its parent company, Innolux, that will greatly benefit the business and its future potential. At EQT, we are committed to being responsible stewards of our companies – ensuring they are handed over to owners who can continue the momentum we’ve built and support their next phase of growth. This transaction also reflects EQT’s growing momentum in Japan, where we continue to execute on our strategy of building stronger, more resilient businesses with global ambition.”

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Chennai-headquartered JK Fenner (India), part of JK Group, recently marked its 70th anniversary on 2^nd September 2025, celebrating decades of innovation and growth.

The event was attended by Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, as the Chief Guest, Vikrampati Singhania, MD, JK Fenner, also attended, along with customers and guests.

Founded in 1955, JK Organisation took over Fenner in 1987. Since then, JK Fenner has grown from a manufacturer of V-belts to a provider of belt, sealing and fluid transmission solutions. At present, JK Fenner operates nine plants, with five in Tamil Nadu. The company has investments in the state and renewable energy assets of 9.75 MW. Its R&D centres and a team of over 120 specialists support OEMs.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, said, “I congratulate JK Fenner India for its glorious journey over these seven decades. With contributions from companies like JK Fenner (India) Limited, Tamil Nadu has built a strong industrial base. Today, our state’s growth rate has soared to 11.19 percent. The company has supported, more than 10 lakh people, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. I assure you that the Tamil Nadu Government will always support local companies in expanding their global reach.”

Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman, JK Fenner, said, “This milestone is not just a number, it is a legacy, a testament to seven decades of resilience, innovation, and excellence. From one facility in Madurai, we now operate nine state-of-the-art plants, and tomorrow we will proudly roll out our 75 millionth belt from our Automotive plant in Madurai, underscoring our leadership in power transmission solutions. Tamil Nadu has always been at the forefront of India’s industrial revolution, attracting world-class investments, and we at JK Fenner are proud to have contributed to this ecosystem and thank the government for its support to the industry and manufacturing sector in particular.”

Vikrampati Singhania, said, “It is both a privilege and a joy to celebrate 70 years of JK Fenner with our extended family of employees, partners, customers, and well-wishers. This milestone is not just ours, but the collective achievement of countless hands and minds who have propelled us forward. From humble beginnings in Madurai, we have grown into a trusted partner across automotive, industrial, agriculture, railways, and defence sectors. Looking ahead, our focus will be on driving future mobility, advancing sustainability, and expanding our global footprint through innovation, digitalisation, and world-class engineering.”

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German technology major Continental has announced the sale of its ContiTech Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business to Regent, as part of its strategy to narrow the focus of its ContiTech group on industrial clients.

OESL, which develops and manufactures hose lines and bearing elements for both internal combustion and electric vehicles, employs over 16,000 people and generated approximately EUR 1.9 billion in sales in fiscal year 2024.

This is in line with the company's plan, outlined at its Capital Market Day in June, to establish four strong and independent business units.

Philip Nelles, Member of Continental’s Executive Board and Head of the ContiTech group, said, "The decision to sell OESL is part of our broader strategy to intensify our focus on our industrial business. Going forward, ContiTech will be a standalone specialist for material solutions with a strong focus on industry. Given the dynamic market environment, concentrating on industrial business is the cornerstone of our strategy. Following the sale of OESL, ContiTech will generate around 80 per cent of its sales with industrial customers. Our customer portfolio is highly diversified, both by industry and by region."

Michael A. Reinstein, Founder and Chairman, Regent, added, “With its attractive product portfolio and extensive automotive expertise, OESL has a strong foundation and excellent growth prospects. As a long-term, strategically oriented owner, we will work closely with management to drive the transformation to sustainable, future-oriented mobility solutions and harness OESL’s potential to enhance value. This will create meaningful opportunities for our employees around the world.”

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Indian-origin lubricant manufacturer NDTH Energy has significantly advanced its global standing with the Volvo VDS-3 approval for its EnerG G Force XL engine oil. This prestigious certification confirms the lubricant's compliance with some of the most stringent international performance standards for heavy-duty engines, specifically in areas like extended oil drain intervals, superior engine wear protection and enhanced fuel efficiency for commercial vehicles.

This achievement is a major endorsement, positioning NDTH among a select group of global lubricant companies and greatly strengthening the product's acceptance worldwide. It follows another notable milestone for the company, which was the first from the country to secure the demanding Mercedes-Benz MB 229.51 and MB 229.52 certifications for its fully synthetic engine oil. These accomplishments collectively underscore the company's consistent ability to develop products that meet exacting original equipment manufacturer specifications.

Complementing its innovation in lubricants, NDTH Energy has also formed a strategic partnership with German additive specialist GAT GmbH. This collaboration has introduced the GAT X EnerG line of automotive care products, including fuel system cleaners and engine flushes, to the Indian market. This initiative supports the national Atmanirbhar Bharat mission by elevating domestic capabilities in the automobile sector.

Navkaran Singh Sethi, Founder, NDTH Energy, said, “This achievement is a proud moment for NDTH Energy as an Indian-origin brand making its mark on the global stage. The Volvo VDS-3 approval underscores our commitment to engineering excellence, quality and sustainability while showcasing the capability of Indian manufacturers to meet the most rigorous international standards.”

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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."

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