MAHLE Appoints Automotive Veteran Dr. Michael Macht As New Supervisory Board Chairman

Dr. Michael Macht

MAHLE, a leading automotive supplier, has announced a significant leadership transition. At a Supervisory Board meeting on 25 September 2025, Dr. Michael Macht was elected as the new Chairman, a role he will officially begin on 1 January 2026. He will succeed Professor Dr.-Ing. Heinz K. Junker, who is retiring after nearly three decades with the company, first as CEO and more recently as Chairman.

The appointment of Macht, a seasoned veteran of the automotive industry, comes as part of a carefully planned succession process. Junker, who has served on the Supervisory Board for 10 years, has been preparing Macht for the role over the last few months. Macht is no stranger to MAHLE, having been a member of its Supervisory Board since 2020.

“It has been a great honour for me to serve MAHLE for almost three decades, first as CEO and then as Supervisory Board Chairman. Following the successful reorganisation, I see the group well-positioned for the future with its strategy MAHLE 2030+ and a clearly defined product portfolio. I would like to thank the entire workforce, the Management Board and my direct colleagues for the trust they have placed in me for many years and to wish the company a good future in challenging times. I would also like to thank my successor Dr. Michael Macht for his willingness to take over as Chairman and wish him a sure hand in the performance of this demanding task,” said the departing Chairman of the Supervisory Board Professor Dr.-Ing. Heinz K. Junker.

Arnd Franz, Chairman of the Group Management Board and CEO, MAHLE, said, “Prof. Heinz K. Junker, who is now leaving MAHLE, is a personality who has been closely connected with this company. On behalf of the MAHLE workforce and the Management Board, I would like to thank him for his extraordinary passion and the dedication with which he has shaped our company over three decades. With farsightedness and untiring commitment, he has made a key contribution to the success of MAHLE and most recently guided the company through its transformation with extreme care. I would like to thank him for his close cooperation and his confidence in our Management Board. Even in challenging times, we could always rely on his expertise and support. For his future, he has the sincere best wishes of the entire MAHLE team.”

Boris Schwürz, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, MAHLE, said, “On behalf of the employee representatives, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Prof. Heinz K. Junker for the many years of trustful cooperation. We wish him all the best for the future. We look forward to constructive cooperation with Dr. Michael Macht to position MAHLE for the future in these challenging times.”

This strategic plan, which focuses on electrification, thermal management and sustainable internal combustion engines, was largely shaped under Junker’s leadership. He also oversaw the company's largest acquisition to date, the purchase of the former Behr Group, which significantly bolstered Mahle’s thermal management business.

Macht brings a wealth of experience to his new position. A mechanical engineer by trade, he began his career at Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG in 1991, rising through the ranks to become its CEO in 2009. From 2009 to 2014, he also served on the Board of Management of Volkswagen. His extensive background in the automotive sector makes him an ideal successor to guide Mahle through the ongoing industry transformation.

Dr. Michael Macht, said, “On behalf of the entire MAHLE Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Prof. Heinz K. Junker and to express my sincere appreciation for his work as Chairman. In his many years as Chairman, he has guided the Supervisory Board through demanding phases with considerable commitment and expertise and a calm hand, laying the foundations for the future-oriented development of the company. He has my best wishes for the future.”

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.”