Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar) has reported its financial results for Q1 FY2026, posting a 5 percent YoY decline in revenue to INR 8.50 billion. The Profit after tax stood at INR 1.24 billion, down 12 percent from the previous year, while EBITDA fell by 19 percent to INR 2.02 billion, with a margin of 23.8 percent.

During the period, the revenue from Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) dropped 25 percent YoY to INR 2.10 billion, accounting for 28 percent of the total revenue. However, EV programmes now contribute 75 percent of the company’s INR 262 billion net order book as of the end of the quarter.

Vivek Vikram Singh, MD and Group CEO, said, "Q1 FY2026 was a challenging quarter for us due to the convergence of multiple adverse factors, which are temporary and some have started to resolve already. We ended the quarter with a few large order wins, closing the quarter with an all-time high net order book. We have received a large order from a North American OEM to supply differential assemblies. This is our largest order win in the last two and a half years. We believe this is likely to be one of the most significant and successful EV launches in many years. We have strengthened our position as the leading supplier of drive motors for electric two- and three-wheelers in India by securing another order from our existing customer for their upcoming electric three-wheelers. We have recently signed a term sheet with JNT to form a JV in China. This JV marks a significant step in our strategy to expand into the rapidly growing Asian markets. With a robust order book already in place, we expect operations to commence later this year.”

During the quarter, the company secured two new EV programmes, bringing its total to 60 across 32 customers. Among the key developments was a new joint venture with China’s Jinnaite Machinery (JNT), signed on 20 July. Under this JV, Sona Comstar will invest USD 12 million, while JNT will contribute USD 8 million in assets and business. The JV aims to manufacture and supply driveline systems to automotive OEMs in China and globally, with operations expected to begin in the second half of FY2026.

Additionally, Sona Comstar received an INR 15.5 billion order from a North American OEM to supply differential assemblies for a new electric passenger vehicle platform, with production set to start in Q3 FY2028. A separate order from an Indian OEM for drive motors for electric three-wheelers added INR 2.6 billion to the order book, with production expected to begin in Q4 FY2026.

The company also completed the acquisition of the Railway Equipment Division from Escorts Kubota on 1 June 2025. The business has been fully integrated and its financials consolidated from that date.

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Imperial Auto Industries Limited has appointed James Gaylord as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of its subsidiary, Imperial Auto USA Corp. In his new role, Gaylord will lead Imperial Auto’s operations across the Americas and drive the company’s next phase of growth in the region. He will report to Vikram Wagh, Managing Director & CEO, Imperial Auto Industries Limited.

Gaylord's mandate would include expanding Imperial Auto’s presence into new markets across the American region while driving significant revenue growth over the coming years. He will also focus on strengthening the company’s product engineering and new product development capabilities in the Americas, while leading initiatives to localise the supply chain, enhance purchasing capabilities and build strategic partnerships with suppliers to support the company’s regional growth.

With nearly three decades of experience across the automotive and manufacturing sectors, Gaylord brings with him proven expertise in business development, operational excellence, transformation and growth. Prior to joining Imperial Auto, he served as the Global Sales Director at Gentex. He has also held leadership roles at organisations including Johnson Controls, ATI and Tenneco.
 

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JK Tyre & Industries Ltd launched four new OTR tyres at Bauma Conexpo India 2026. These include the 12.5/80-18 MPT 45 16PR TL for self-loading concrete mixers (SLCM) and backhoe loaders. The 16/70-20 MPT117 14PR TL for SLCM and telehandler applications. The 18-19.5 MPT117 18PR TL for SLCM applications, and the 12.00R20 JDO XD OTR 22PR 156/153F TT for mining tippers. The latest additions further strengthen JK Tyre’s premium OTR portfolio with application-engineered solutions developed for the evolving requirements of India’s construction, infrastructure and mining sectors.
 “India’s infrastructure and industrial growth is creating a growing need for high-performance, reliable and application-specific mobility solutions. At JK Tyre, we are committed to developing OTR solutions that address the specific needs of our customers and the demanding conditions in which their equipment operates. Our latest range combines durability, reliability and performance to help customers maximise equipment uptime and operational efficiency. As we continue to strengthen our premium OTR portfolio, we remain committed to delivering solutions that create value for our customers and support the growth of India’s construction, infrastructure and mining sectors,” said Srinivasu Allaphan, Director - Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.  
He pointed at the MPT 45 pattern and mentioned that it has been developed to deliver strong traction and stability, making it suitable for SLCMs and backhoe loaders operating across mixed terrain. “The MPT117 pattern has been designed for versatile construction and material-handling operations, offering strong grip, improved durability and reliable performance for SLCMs and telehandlers,” Allaphan explained. 
The new products have been developed keeping Indian operating conditions in mind and are designed to help customers maximise machine performance while improving operational efficiency. The focus is on durability, high load-carrying capability and extended service life. 

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The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex body representing component manufacturers in the country, has appointed Sriram Viji, Managing Director, Brakes India, as President for the 2026–27 term.

The industry body also named Anjali Singh, Executive Chairperson of ANAND Group and Gabriel India, as President-Designate. 

Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA, said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Sriram Viji and Mrs. Anjali Singh to their new roles. Their rich industry experience and strategic vision will guide ACMA as the sector navigates geopolitical uncertainty and the evolving mobility landscape. I am confident that their leadership will strengthen our engagement with Government and industry partners to diversify supply chains, improve access to critical raw materials and enhance India’s global competitiveness.” 

Sriram Viji, President, ACMA, said, “It is an honour to lead ACMA as India strengthens its position as a trusted partner in global automotive value chains. Our priority is to deepen local capabilities and accelerate investment in advanced technologies, R&D and innovation, while embedding sustainability across the industry. As electric, connected and new-energy mobility create fresh opportunities, we must move beyond adapting to change to shaping it. Together with our members, we will work to position India as a global hub for high-value manufacturing and next-generation mobility solutions.”

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German automotive supplier MAHLE has established an e-compressor production facility in Coimbatore, which it claims makes it the first company to manufacture the component in India.

The German firm has invested EUR 7 million in the site to produce e-compressors, which regulate thermal management, battery life, charging speeds and driving range in electric vehicles.

The production line has a capacity of over 300,000 e-compressors annually to supply domestic and international vehicle manufacturers. The launch creates 50 jobs, aligning with the Indian government's ‘Make in India 2.0’ manufacturing initiative.

The Coimbatore facility already produces starter motors, alternators, controllers and traction motors for two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Following the setup of an R&D facility in 2023 for product validation, MAHLE has outlined plans for women to represent 75 percent of the plant's total workforce by 2027.

The company entered India in 1958 through a piston manufacturing joint venture and now has expanded its operation across 15 locations in the country with 5,900 employees.

Ivan Lenehan, Vice-President, MAHLE Powertrain and Charging, India, China & East Asia, said, “India continues to play an increasingly important role in the global mobility transformation. This facility strengthens our presence in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets and reinforces our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.”

Milind Mhaiskar, MD, MAHLE Electric Drives India, said, “This production facility underscores our focus on localisation and customer-centric innovation. The success of this project reflects the dedication of our teams and our collaborative approach with business partners.”

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