Kinetic Communications (KCL), a subsidiary of Kinetic Group, has opened an automated controller manufacturing line at its Pune facility.

The line was inaugurated by Padmashri Dr. Arun Firodia, Chairman, Kinetic Group, Deepak Shikarpur, Director, Kinetic Communication and Ajinkya Firodia, Vice-Chairman, Kinetic Group.

The set-up integrates Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and automated assembly controlled by Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems.

It will manufacture Motor Controller Units (MCUs), which manage electric vehicle battery and motor functions, including acceleration, braking and energy efficiency. It also produces Power and Driver Board Assemblies and Complete Controller Box Assemblies, capable of placing up to 40,000 components per hour.

The line has a current capacity of 300 units per shift, totaling 180,000 units annually across two shifts.

Ajinkya Firodia, said, "The new fully automated controller line marks a significant stride toward Industry 4.0-driven smart manufacturing. It’s a high-throughput, precision-engineered facility that brings intelligence, speed and scalability to our operations. Every stage is data-driven and benchmarked to global quality standards. This is more than a technological leap – it’s a statement of our commitment to innovation and operational excellence.”

Deepak Shikarpur, Director, Kinetic Communications, added, "This facility is a true reflection of Make in India at its most advanced. With its automation, precision and capability to manufacture smart, feature-rich motor controller units, it positions India on the global map for next-generation EV electronics manufacturing.”

The KCL plant uses 3D Solder Paste Inspection (SPI), Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and In-Circuit Testing (ICT). Through-hole components are soldered using lead-free dualwave technology. Poka Yoke mechanisms and connected HMI/PLC systems reduce human error and ensure traceability. End-of-Line (EOL) testing and Pre-Dispatch Inspection (PDI) are also conducted.

Incoming Quality Control (IQC) aligns with JESD22 reliability standards, with all components undergoing performance testing and suppliers required to meet RoHS and REACH compliance. KCL aims for Zero PPM defects, increased productivity and enhanced quality.

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Jaipur-based automobile spare parts aggregator start-up Garaaz has raised INR 45.5 million in a seed round led by GVFL.

The start-up aims to deploy the funds to expand its operations in other states, strengthen local distribution, partnerships, on-ground teams, invest in technological innovation (R&D) and hire key talent across technology, sales, marketing and operations.

Incepted in 2019, the startup was founded by Shaleen Agarwal with an aim to bring together multi-brand garages that can seamlessly discover, compare and purchase spare parts from a catalogue of over 8 million units spanning 25 leading car brands. The start-up enables parts discovery, inventory lookup, orders & schemes, account management, orders & CBO, sales & schemes, branch management, workshop management to distributors, OEMs and resellers as well as manufacturers.

Mihir Joshi, Managing Director, GVFL, said, “India has come a long way in terms of online markets. Today, we can buy EV motorcycles on e-commerce platforms. However, the spare parts ecosystem for the auto industry is highly fragmented, with thousands of small distributors, middlemen and local suppliers leading to inefficiencies and a lack of standardisation, making it highly unreliable. Garaaz is addressing the issue by connecting key stakeholders – brands, distributors/retailers, and workshops – while fostering trust and transparency in a traditionally unorganized and complex market.”

Shaleen Agarwal, CEO & Founder, Garaaz, said, “At Garaaz, we’re not just delivering spare parts – we’re powering the heart of India’s workshop economy. Every order, every delivery, every connection is backed by a tech backbone that scales trust, transparency and efficiency across the aftermarket. Our mission is simple: make spare parts accessible, intelligent and instant – with technology so seamless, it feels invisible.”

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ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India, a leading component supplier in the country, has appointed Paramjit Singh Chadha as its new Managing Director.

A seasoned automotive engineer, Chadha comes with over four decades of extensive experience working across roles and companies. He begun his journey with Maruti Suzuki India and went on to work with brands such as Kalyani Brakes, Bosch Chassis Systems, Continental Brakes and Knorr-Bremse.

In his last role, he led several projects on ESG, manufacturing excellence and digitalisation within the ADM Group as its President and MD. His expertise is particularly strong in safety-critical components, such as brake systems for various vehicle segments.

Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the Board, Board of Management ZF Group commented, said, “P Kaniappan’s leadership, strategic vision, and commitment have been instrumental in establishing ZF’s strong foundation and continued success in the Indian market. I am delighted to now welcome Paramjit to the ZF Group and I am confident that his rich experience, knowledge and proficiency will prove to be an invaluable asset to the company”.

Akash Passey, President, ZF Group India, noted “We are very happy to welcome Paramjit Chadha as the Managing Director of ZF CVCS India. His experience and expertise in the regional automotive ecosystem will lend positively to the growth of the CV business in the region and will bring in an exciting new chapter for the ZF Group. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to P Kaniappan, whose remarkable legacy and unwavering dedication have laid a strong foundation for our presence in India.  Thank you for your outstanding service."

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive engineering and components supplier Remsons Industries has signed a Strategic Technical License Agreement with Brazil-based AUSUS Automotive Systems do Brasil.

As per the understanding, Remsons will collaborate with ASUS Brazil to license proprietary technologies, enabling the development and manufacturing of high-quality products tailored to the local market.

The move aims to introduce advanced technologies for supporting the automotive and electronics industries in Brazil.

Rahul Kejriwal, Executive Director, Remsons, said, "We are excited to partner with ASUS Brazil to bring our technological expertise to the Brazilian market. This collaboration is a significant step towards supporting local OEMs and strengthening the industrial ecosystem in Brazil."

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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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