Union Minister for Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, visited the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar today. During his visit, the minister toured the state-of-the-art facility, which is a testament to India’s growing prowess in automotive innovation and safety standards. 

The minister was given an in-depth overview of ICAT’s advanced laboratories, testing tracks and cutting-edge technologies including crash tests, acoustic rooms for reverberation studies and fuel flow testing mechanisms.                          

During his visit, he laid the foundation stone of Electrical and Electrical Lab and Centre of Excellence for Advanced Automotive IT Services (AAITS) in the presence ICAT Director Saurabh Dalela and other senior officials. 

Speaking to the media after the visit, Kumaraswamy said, “It is my pleasure to be here on my first visit to ICAT, an institution that represents India's drive towards automotive excellence. ICAT’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its advanced laboratories and testing infrastructure, are a testament to India’s capabilities in automotive innovation.” 

The minister highlighted the crucial role ICAT plays in ensuring road safety through rigorous testing procedures. “Witnessing these facilities and tests today has given me a profound perspective on the rigorous efforts undertaken here to ensure the safety of every individual who travels on our roads. It showcases the complexity and commitment behind each test,” he added. 

Kumaraswamy commended the ICAT team for their invaluable contributions to the automotive sector, emphasizing their role in advancing sustainability, safety, and innovation. “ICAT is not just a testing and research facility; it embodies the shared vision of the ministry and the government to drive the future of mobility in India,” he said. 

The minister also noted ICAT’s significant contributions to government initiatives such as the FAME scheme, PM eDrive, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. He underlined the importance of ICAT’s involvement in promoting indigenous manufacturing and global competitiveness in the automotive sector. 

“ICAT stands as a symbol of India’s automotive aspirations, contributing significantly to our transition to electric mobility and sustainable transportation. The Ministry of Heavy Industries remains committed to supporting ICAT in every possible way to ensure its continued growth and success,” Kumaraswamy assured. 

The Indian automotive industry, which contributes over 7 percent to the nation’s GDP and employs millions, is expected to witness robust growth in the coming years. The minister emphasized that ICAT’s technical expertise, research and homologation services would play a pivotal role in ensuring that this growth is sustainable, safe, and competitive on a global scale. 

Concluding his visit, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed the Ministry of Heavy Industries’ commitment to fostering innovation, creating policy frameworks, and building infrastructure to position India as a global leader in automotive technology. 

“Together, we can make India a global leader in automotive technology and innovation, ensuring safer, better vehicles for Indian and global customers alike,” he said.

Pune-headquartered tier 1 supplier Varroc has appointed Liselott Kilaas as an Independent Director to its Board of Directors.

At present, Kilaas serves on the boards of multinational companies and has a proven track record of steering businesses through dynamic and complex environments. She holds a MBA from IMD Business School and Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics.

This move the company shared is part of strengthening its leadership with global expertise and diverse perspectives.

Tarang Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Varroc, said, “We are delighted to welcome Liselott Kilaas to our Board of Directors. Her vast experience and strategic insights will be invaluable in driving Varroc’s growth and enhancing our global competitiveness.”

Liselott Kilaas, said, “I am honoured and excited to join Varroc’s Board as an Independent Director. I look forward to contributing my expertise to support the company’s growth and strategic vision.”

American powertrain major BorgWarner has announced that it has elevated Chandrasekar Krishnamurthy as the Global Director of Product Management for BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems, effective 1 March 2025.

The company shared that the elevation is part of its future growth strategy, which aims to realign focus on its product family to drive competitiveness in cost, technical maturity, time to market, and compliance.

In his new role Krishnamurthy will be responsible for leading the product management team by accelerating product industrialisation readiness. Developing competitive product platform solutions in collaboration with other functions.

He will also focus on aligning product roadmaps with sales strategy, along with delivering competitive and compliant solutions on time. In addition, he will also contribute to engineering efficiency initiatives and continuously improve engineering development framework and product safety/security compliance.

Tier 1 automotive supplier Tata AutoComp Systems (Tata AutoComp) has announced that it is set to acquire International Automotive Components Group Sweden AB (IAC Sweden), a leading supplier of automotive interior systems and components.

The Swedish company currently operates three facilities in Lassby, Fargelanda and Skara is a key supplier to Volvo Cars, Volvo Trucks and Scania. It specialises in plastic moulding, high-precision painting and assembly of interior components with an estimated turnover of USD 800 million.

Tata AutoComp aims to strengthen its presence in Sweden and enhance the company’s relationships with key European OEMs in both the passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle segments.

The acquisition presents strong synergy opportunities, allowing Tata AutoComp to leverage advanced manufacturing capabilities, cutting-edge technology and well-established customer relationships in the premium automotive space.

The transaction is subject to European regulatory approvals.

Arvind Goel, Vice Chairman, Tata AutoComp Systems, said, “We are delighted to welcome IAC Sweden into the Tata AutoComp family. This acquisition aligns with our long-term vision of expanding in global markets and strengthening our relationships with European OEMs. IAC Sweden has a strong legacy of delivering high-quality interior solutions, and we look forward to working together to drive innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. This move reinforces our commitment to driving sustainable, high-quality, and customer-centric automotive solutions across geographies.”

Manoj Kolhatkar, MD & CEO, Tata AutoComp Systems,  said, “This acquisition is a pivotal step in Tata AutoComp’s journey to enhance our global presence and technology portfolio.”

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), in collaboration with Guidance Tamil Nadu, the investment promotion and single-window clearance arm of the Government of Tamil Nadu, hosted a landmark event in Chennai on 20 March 2025, titled Unveiling India’s New Automotive Hub: Where Wheels of Progress Turn.

The summit convened senior government officials, global and Indian automotive leaders, and key stakeholders to explore Tamil Nadu’s rise as India’s next major automotive and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub.

Dr TRB Rajaa, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce, was the Chief Guest at the event. “Tamil Nadu is not just attracting investments; we are shaping the future of mobility – cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive. With a skilled workforce, progressive policies, and a strong focus on sustainability and women’s empowerment, Tamil Nadu is poised for its next big leap,” he said.

Shradha Suri Marwah, President of ACMA and CMD of Subros, noted, “The state has long been a pioneer in industrial transformation. It’s no surprise that Tamil Nadu is now a magnet for domestic and global automotive players, hosting over 400 auto component manufacturers. Events like these foster collaboration between industry and government to drive growth and innovation.”

Darez Ahamed, Managing Director, Guidance Tamil Nadu, called Thoothukudi as ‘India’s New Automotive Hub,’ highlighting the state’s strategic emphasis on EV manufacturing, industry-academia partnerships, and investor-friendly infrastructure.

A key highlight was an exclusive fireside chat with senior leaders from VinFast Auto, moderated by Vinnie Mehta, Director General of ACMA. Sang Yu Won, Purchasing Head, and Prakalathan Tirupathi, Project Head of VinFast India, outlined their vision for EV innovation and emphasised Tamil Nadu’s pivotal role in their India strategy, along with expectations from the local supply ecosystem.

Other prominent speakers included Vikrampati Singhania, Vice President of ACMA and MD of JK Fenner; Sriram Viji, Chairman of ACMA Southern Region and MD of Brakes India and Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairman of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.