Shriram Pistons & Rings Limited (SPRL), one of India’s leading auto component manufacturing companies, is all set to acquire TGPEL Precision Engineering Limited, formerly known as Timex Group Precision Engineering Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary, SPR Engenious Limited (SEL), to consolidate and strengthen its position in the manufacturing of high-precision injection moulded components.

With a debt-free, cash-free enterprise value of INR 2.2 billion, the proposed acquisition aligns with SPRL's long-term strategy to invest, diversify and expand its product portfolio in areas unrelated to ICE powertrains, solidifying its position as the industry leader. The transaction is pending customary approvals and conditions and is anticipated to be finalised by the end of December 2024.

TGPEL was founded in 2008 and has two modern production facilities in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. TGPEL's position in a variety of industries has allowed it to develop steadily year after year. TGPEL is well-equipped to design and develop high-tech precision moulds, manufacture high-precision injection moulding components, and manufacture tools internally. The company mainly provides OEMs and other automakers with injection-moulded goods and moulds. It is anticipated that TGPEL's sound financial metrics would add value to SPRL's overall consolidated financials.

Krishnakumar Srinivasan, MD & CEO, SPRL, said, “With this strategic investment, SPRL aims to consolidate its product portfolio beyond the current pistons, rings, engine valves, electric powertrain and precision plastic injection moulded parts. With its state-of-the-art mould development facility and setup for manufacturing of high-precision injection moulded parts, TGPEL will be able to service the domestic and global customers requiring precision moulded parts for automotive and other industrial applications. TGPEL has expertise to develop complex parts for various applications. By integrating SPRL’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities and strong reach with large customer base, there is scope for lot of synergies, which will help TGPEL to offer wider range of products and services to the growing Indian automotive market. This deal will only strengthen SPRL’s presence in the high-precision plastic injection moulding business, thereby ultimately benefitting our customers while creating long term value for all our stakeholders. This acquisition combines strong, technology-led manufacturing teams, allied in their pursuit of excellence to deliver world class manufacturing and moulding technology, which will enhance relationships with existing customers while creating additional opportunities for growth and expansion.”

Norway-headquartered automotive component supplier Kongsberg Automotive has inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Faridabad, India.

The Norwegian company is a leading supplier of driver and motion control systems, fluid assemblies and industrial driver interface products. It primarily caters to on-highway, passenger cars, off-highway and aftermarket segments.

The company has established its presence in 17 countries globally, employs over 4,700 people in 32 locations and clocked EUR 788 million revenue in 2024.

The new facility primarily manufactures Drive Control Systems (DCS) products – steering columns, cable gear shifters, shift towers and shift-by-wire shifters, among others. Furthermore, the new facility will allow Kongsberg Automotive to expand its production capability for Flow Control Systems (FCS) products.

Robert Pigg, Executive Vice-President of Drive Control Systems, Kongsberg Automotive, said, “This relocation represents a significant step in Kongsberg Automotive’s ongoing journey toward growth and enhanced manufacturing excellence in India.”

The new facility is spread across 6,947 square metres, as compared to its previous plant in the same locality.

CK Holdings-owned Italian automotive tier 1 supplier Marelli has won three accolades at the 2025 Automotive News PACE Awards.

The company won awards for Innovation Partnership Award for Digital OLED Taillights, PACE Award for Digital OLED 2.0 Technology and PACEpilot Award for Electromechanical Suspension.

The first award jointly received by Marelli and Audi for their collaboration on the Digital OLED Taillight, featured on the 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron. The award highlights successful supplier-OEM partnerships in commercialising advanced technologies.

The second-generation Digital OLED Taillight allows drivers to personalise their vehicle with up to eight light signatures via the MMI or myAudi app. It also enhances safety through proximity indication and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, displaying warning symbols in critical situations.

Frank Huber, President, Marelli’s Lighting business, said, “This award reflects our commitment to co-creating innovations with partners like Audi.”

The second award was won jointly by Marelli and OLEDWorks for the Digital OLED 2.0 rear lights on the Audi Q6 e-tron. The technology uses 60-segment OLED panels, controlled via a high-speed CAN-FD bus, enabling dynamic light signatures and improved safety features.

The system reduces mechanical complexity, increases energy efficiency and supports advanced animations. Steve Muench, Head of Marelli Lighting North America, and David DeJoy, CEO of OLEDWorks, accepted the award.

Lastly, Marelli was recognised for its Fully Active Electromechanical Suspension, which received a PACEpilot Award for its potential to transform future mobility. The oil-free system uses four actuators to adjust suspension in real-time, improving comfort and efficiency while reducing motion sickness.

Antonio Ferrara, President, Marelli’s Ride Dynamics business, said: “This award acknowledges our commitment to advancing vehicle dynamics for electric and autonomous vehicles.”

Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s only and the world's largest integrated zinc producer, has launched Zinc Freight Bazaar, a digital-first logistics management system aimed at empowering customers, enhancing experience and simplifying the overall logistics process.

Zinc Freight Bazaar, which was created with a strong emphasis on user experience, makes it possible for clients to make knowledgeable logistical decisions and supports efficient production planning. The platform is designed to satisfy its users' complex needs. The platform offers a number of associated logistics service providers, real-time tracking, a logistics planner and a bidding mechanism. Customers had to switch between many systems for shipment monitoring and logistics coordination in the traditional zinc procurement process, but this new platform provides a simplified, end-to-end digital solution that enables business teams to easily acquire vital metals.

As a vital component of galvanisation, zinc protects steel from corrosion and supports vital sectors including electronics, renewable energy, infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, defence and electric mobility. London Metal Exchange (LME)-registered premium products such as Special High-Grade Zinc, High Grade Zinc, Asia's first low carbon ‘green’ zinc EcoZen, Prime Western Zinc, Continuous Galvanizing Grade Zinc, Special High Grade Jumbo Zinc, High Grade Jumbo Zinc, Hindustan Zinc Die Casting Alloy 3, Hindustan Zinc Die Casting Alloy 5 and Special High-Grade Lead are among the products offered by Hindustan Zinc.

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “At Hindustan Zinc, we have always prioritised a customer-first approach to enhance the critical metal buying experience. With the integration of digitalisation, we are taking a decisive step forward in delivering a seamless, tech-enabled experience. This platform simplifies procurement and reinforces our commitment to building a future-ready supply chain. As India’s economy continues to expand, the role of zinc in infrastructure development becomes increasingly vital. This platform will empower manufacturers with improved production planning while providing a unified solution for logistics management.”

ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions, a division of German tier 1 supplier ZF Group, has recently secured a multi-year business order from one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers for supply of AxTrax 2 Electric Axles.

As part of the understanding, ZF will supply its AxTrax 2, an integrated and modular electric axle for medium duty buses, which the company said provides a more efficient, high-performance solution. The contract covers a supply of several thousand units over multiple years.

The AxTrax 2 electric axle is designed to replace the engine, transmission and conventional axle to electrify a commercial vehicle. It is part of ZF’s modular e-mobility kit, which integrates in-house developed components into an innovative axle-based solution that is efficient, compact and lightweight in design.

Akash Passey, President, ZF Group in India, said, “ZF Group has an established presence in India's commercial vehicle sector, consistently leading the charge in pioneering advanced technology solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in mobility. This business nomination highlights our pivotal role in delivering innovative mobility solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of our OEM partners.”.

P Kaniappan, Senior Vice-President – CVS Division (India), ZF Group, added, "AxTrax 2 represents evolution of our journey towards market leadership and sustainability for the next generation of mobility in India. This milestone reinforces ZF Group’s position as the industry leader in e-mobility while delivering significant advancements for both our customers and the Indian market."