Mahle Advances Strategic Overhaul With Streamlined Operations And Focus on Electrification, Thermal Management

Mahle Streamlines Group Structure

Mahle is taking a significant step in its transformation by refining its corporate structure to enhance agility and efficiency under its 2030+ strategy. The changes involve merging business units to strengthen the core areas of electrification and thermal management, both structurally and operationally. As part of this restructuring, Mahle will acquire the remaining 25 percent minority stake in its thermal management subsidiary, Mahle Behr GmbH and Co. KG, cementing its commitment to this strategic area. The group management board reduced from seven members to four, effective 1 January 2025.

Starting in 2025, Mahle consolidated its five business units into three. Four existing units merged to form two new entities, aligning related production technologies to accelerate internal collaboration and establish a more cohesive operational framework.

“Mahle is doing its homework for the transformation,” said Chief Executive Officer Arnd Franz. He added, “Through these far-reaching changes, we will make our business ready for the future. We are accelerating the implementation of our group strategy which will position us as an innovative and sustainably profitable shaper of future mobility.”

Chairman of the Mahle Supervisory Board Dr. Heinz K. Junker said, “Through the reorganisation and the resulting streamlining of the Management Board, we will significantly improve the integration of our group and be able to make more effective use of synergies.”

The company’s Chief Exectuive Officer emphasised that this reorganisation would not only improve internal cooperation but also provide new opportunities for locations historically tied to combustion engine technologies, enabling them to apply their expertise to emerging, future-oriented sectors. This restructuring is also expected to create a high-performance production network while delivering cost savings.

The new powertrain and charging business unit will integrate the former engine systems and components and electronics and mechatronics units. This move will leverage Mahle’s extensive experience in engine systems to advance its electrification strategy, focusing on efficient electric motors and intelligent charging solutions. A key success in this area is the development of the electric compressor, one of the company’s most prominent products.

Similarly, the thermal and fluid systems business unit will combine the former filtration and engine peripherals and thermal management units. By integrating filtration expertise into its thermal management capabilities, Mahle aims to deliver competitive, future-oriented technologies to the market. The company’s dedication to thermal management is further demonstrated by its full acquisition of Mahle Behr GmbH & Co. KG, completing a process that began with its initial stake in 2010.

The aftermarket division with its established product range and growing focus on electrification and digitalisation will continue as a standalone unit under the new name lifecycle and mobility.

Franz will remain management board chairman and CEO while also assuming the role of statutory Labour Director, as human resources will no longer be a separate function on the board. Dr Beate Bungartz, the current labour director, stepped down on November 29, 2024. Markus Kapaun will continue as Cheif Financial Officer. Jumana Al-Sibai, currently responsible for the thermal management unit, will lead the new thermal and fluid systems business unit. Martin Weidlich, previously in charge of filtration and engine peripherals departed the company on November 29, 2024.

Georg Dietz, presently heading the engine systems and components unit, will lead the new powertrain and charging business unit. Additionally, Martin Wellhoeffer, currently overseeing the electronics and mechatronics unit, will transition to the thermal and fluid systems unit as Chief Operating Officer.

With its restructured organisation, Mahle aims to strengthen its position in electrification and thermal management while ensuring a more agile and cost-effective approach to future challenges. 

“Following several major acquisitions in the thermal management field, this step will successfully complete the integration of this business in the Mahle Group,” said Franz.

Commenting on the development, Junker said: “On behalf of the Mahle supervisory bodies, I would like to thank the management board members Dr. Beate Bungartz and Martin Weidlich, who are now leaving the group, for their excellent and dedicated work. In his five years with Mahle, Weidlich has performed great services both for the filtration and engine peripherals business unit and in his group responsibility for operational excellence, production and purchasing. Over the past two years, Bungartz has successfully continued the development of our human resources organisation and has initiated the transformation dialogue with employee representatives in Germany. Bungartz and Weidlich have my best wishes for their personal lives and careers in the future. Equally, the supervisory bodies and I would like to thank Wellhoeffer for his considerable commitment as a management board member. Under his leadership for almost two years, the electronics and mechatronics business unit has significantly expanded the competences of Mahle in the fields of efficient electric drive systems and intelligent charging. We are convinced that Wellhoeffer will forge ahead with the operational excellence and transformation as COO of what is to be our largest business unit in the future."

Varroc Reports INR 1.69 Billion PAT For FY2025

Varroc

Pune-headquartered tier 1 supplier Varroc Engineering has announced its financial results for FY2025, with revenue of INR 81 billion, up 8 percent YoY.

The company reported profit after tax of INR 1.69 billion, which was down 46 percent YoY, as compared to INR 3.15 billion for same period last year. This the company attributed due to an exceptional item worth INR 1.47 billion on the back of restructuring of subsidiaries and exit from its joint venture in China.

For Q4 FY2025, the company reported revenue of INR 20.99 billion, up 11 percent YoY, profit after tax of INR 1.03 billion.

Tarang Jain, CMD, Varroc, said, "India has now become the 4th largest economy, and the GDP had a steady growth of 6.2 percent in Q3 FY2025. Softening of Inflation in the last few quarters and interest rates reduction globally encouraged our Central Bank to reduce Repo rate by 50 basis points. Weak growth in consumption, on top of global and regional conflicts and uncertain tariff regime, may impact discretionary spending which can have impact on automotive Industry. However, we remain confident about the medium-to-the-long-term growth prospects of automotive industry.”

He revealed that in FY2025, the company filed 25 patents of which more than 10 patents were already granted to Varroc, bringing the total filings to more than 120 for the company.

“We continue to strengthen our balance sheet and return ratios. The net debt of the company in FY2025 was reduced by INR 2,348 million and as a result the net debt to equity was reduced to below 0.5x at the end FY2025 from 0.64X at the end of FY2024. The absolute net debt figure was INR 7,480 million. ROCE (before tax) for FY2025 was 20.8 percent and free cash flow generation was also healthy at INR 3,116 million or 3.8 percent of revenue before growth CAPEX in land,” he added.

IN FY2025, the company also won new business wins estimated to add INR 11,734 million in revenue, with electric vehicle constituting more than 55 percent of it.

“It is more heartening to see business wins in our overseas operations also, which will improve profitability from FY 27 onwards. Our continuing focus on revenue growth, improvement in gross margin, control on fixed cost and optimization of capex and working capital will enable us to generate healthy free cash flows in the future also,” concluded Jain.

Samvardhana Motherson Reports INR 38 Billion Net Profit For FY2025

Samvardhana Motherson

Samvardhana Motherson International (SAMIL) has announced its financial results for FY2025, demonstrating significant growth across key metrics.

The company reported consolidated revenue of INR 1,136 billion, up 15 percent YoY. Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 17 percent to INR 108.77 billion, while Profit After Tax (PAT) saw a substantial 40 percent jump, reaching INR 38.03 billion.

Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman, Motherson, said, "Our performance underscores the resilience and adaptability of our business. With a booked business value exceeding USD 88 billion, encompassing both automotive and non-automotive sectors, we have established a robust foundation for future growth."

He further congratulated the Motherson team for an ‘exceptional performance’ over the past five years, achieving record sales and integrating 23 acquisitions despite global volatility, all while maintaining a strong focus on free cash flow and reducing the leverage ratio to its lowest point in five years.

The company also highlighted its strategic advancements, including outpacing the industry by approximately 15 percent through content growth and mergers and acquisitions. Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) improved to 17.2 percent at a consolidated level, even amidst expansions. Net Debt to EBITDA stands at a comfortable 0.9x. Capital expenditure for the year was INR 44.33 billion, calibrated to market dynamics.

Furthermore, 14 greenfield projects are underway, with nine expected to commence operations in FY2026.

Philipp von Hirschheydt To Take Additional Role Of CFO At Aumovio

 Philipp von Hirschheydt

Aumovio, the automotive business of Continental Group, will see Philipp von Hirschheydt, presently CEO, take on the additional duties of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This comes on the heels of Karin Dohm’s decision not to take on the intended role of CFO due to personal reasons.

It was on 23 April 2025, German technology company Continental Group revealed the new identity for its Automotive Business – Aumovio at the Auto Shanghai Show 2025.

Stefan E Buchner, Designated Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Auomovio, said, "We deeply regret her decision, but at the same time, have the greatest understanding and respect for her choice. Together with our strong team, we will consistently continue on the path we have begun and lead Aumovio into the future with responsibility and foresight."

The announcement is said to have no impact on the planned spin-off, with Aumovio on track to be listed on stock exchange in September 2025. The company stated that during the transition the existing Finance and Controlling team will take on additional responsibilities to ensure a seamless spin-off.

Bosch Reports INR 20 Billion Profit For FY2025, Targets Annual Growth Of Upto 8% Till 2030

Bosch

German technology and services major Bosch has announced its financial performance for Q4 and FY2025. The company reported revenue of INR 49 billion in Q4 FY2025, up 16 percent YoY and profit after tax of INR 5.54 billion, up 11.1 percent YoY.  It attributed the performance on the back of a buoyant automotive market, particularly within the tractor and passenger car segments.

During the period, Bosch’s Mobility business sector's product revenue grew by 14.9 percent QoQ, driven by increased sales in the off-highway and passenger car segments. The Beyond Mobility business sector saw a flat growth of 1.7 percent.

Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of the Bosch Group in India and Managing Director of Bosch, said, "Amid a challenging business environment, we concluded FY2024-25 with strong revenue growth and increased sales across businesses. Sustained demand in the off-highway and passenger car segments contributed to our performance this quarter. This development reflects our agility in adapting to dynamic market needs and our continuous focus on customer centricity."

For FY2024-25, revenue from operations climbed by 8.1 percent to INR 180 billion, bolstered by increased sales in the off-highway segment and the Mobility Aftermarket business. The profit after tax came at INR 20 billion, which was 11.1 percent of the revenue.

Within the Mobility business sector, product sales for the fiscal year increased by 7 percent, predominantly due to growth in the overall passenger and tractor segments. Domestic sales for this sector also rose by 6.2 percent. The Powertrain Solutions division experienced a 5.8 percent sales increase, driven by the tractor segment and increased export sales. Meanwhile, the Mobility Aftermarket division saw an 8.4 percent rise, thanks to heightened market demand for diesel components and filters. The Beyond Mobility sector recorded a 4.4 percent increase in sales, propelled by the consumer goods segment.

Bosch Limited also announced a strategic decision to divest its 6.97 percent shareholding in Nivaata Systems (Routematic), having achieved its goals for the initial investment made in 2020.

Future Outlook

Sharing his perspective on the company’s performance for FY2026 and beyond, Mudlapur, said, "India is poised to become a leading automotive powerhouse with high levels of engineering and manufacturing excellence. In the coming years, we expect substantial growth in India as a strategic market, with an accelerated shift towards digitalisation, electrification and sustainable mobility. At Bosch, we are fully geared to lead this change and remain committed to being the preferred technology partner for OEMs in India and the world over."

The company anticipates continued growth in non-mobility areas through sustained infrastructural investments, reinforcing its position as a multi-sector technology leader.

The broader Bosch Group is forging ahead with its ambitious Strategy 2030, aiming to solidify its competitive standing. Despite a challenging market environment last year, which saw sales revenue decrease by 1.4 percent to EUR 90.3 billion (0.5 percent adjusted for exchange-rate effects), the group remains focused on its long-term objectives. EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) from operations stood at EUR 3.1 billion (2023: EUR 4.8 billion), with an EBIT margin from operations of 3.5 percent.

Stefan Hartung, Chairman of the Board of Management of Robert Bosch, affirmed: "In the 2024 business year, we achieved important improvements in terms of costs, structures, and portfolio. We are sticking to our ambitious targets in order to continue to grow and strengthen our financial independence. Our Strategy 2030 gives us the orientation we need, especially in times of global turbulence, to become one of the top three providers in our core markets in five years’ time at the latest.”

Going forward, Bosch has outlined its financial targets of attaining 6 percent and 8 percent annual average growth until 2030, assuming a normal inflation rate of between 2 percent and 3 percent.