Tier 1 suppliers Valeo has announced that based on the successful joint development with a European OEM on the magnet-free electric motor technology (EESM – Externally Excited Synchronous Motor), it is now extending its portfolio of magnet-free electric motors towards upper segment vehicles together with component major Mahle.

The partners have joined forces to develop an innovative magnet-free electric axle system, targeting upper segment electric vehicles with peak power ranging from 220 kW to 350 kW.

The iBEE system (inner Brushless Electrical Excitation), is a cutting-edge technology that aims to revolutionise performance and efficiency of magnet-free electric motors. Valeo and Mahle signed a Joint Development Agreement to combine both Valeo’s expertise in electric motors, highly efficient inverters and associated motor control laws and the expertise of Mahle on magnet-free rotor with its Mahle Contactless Transmitter (MCT) technology.

They are working on an innovative cooling concept in order to achieve an outstanding continuous to peak power ratio. Moreover, the carbon footprint is expected to be reduced by more than 40 percent versus a permanent magnet electric motor of equivalent power. The testing of the first prototypes will be completed by the end of 2024.

Xavier Dupont, Valeo Power Division CEO said, “This cooperation with Mahle is a perfect match. Mahle develops the EESM rotor and their brushless excitation system. Based on our power electronics know-how, Valeo provides a dedicated control of this electric motor and brushless system embedded in our inverter. This partnership allows Valeo to complete its EESM portfolio towards upper segment and is key to support the evolution of the automotive industry towards more innovative sustainable solutions.''

Martin Wellhoeffer, Member of the Mahle Group Management Board said, “In this project two front runners of electrification are joining forces. The new e-axle will benefit from Mahle’s expertise in contactless transmitter technology. Together we will be setting a new benchmark in packaging and efficiency for EESM based e-axles and taking the next step for our customers towards future mobility.”

Valeo's first EESM development is based on cooperation with a European OEM launched in 2022 in order to create a new magnet-free electric motor generation (EESM). The initial targets of the project were double; first to get an all-in-one architecture with a new stator and cooling technology in order to increase by 30 percent the power density compared to the current motors equipping the current OEM’s vehicles on the road. Secondly, to shrink its carbon footprint by 30 percent versus an electric motor equipped with magnets (PMSM). A validation phase for more than 6 months was successfully ended with results level over the initial expectations in terms of power and efficiency especially thanks to Valeo inverter expertise.

The performances match the level of permanent magnet electric motors for B/C segment vehicles with all benefits of a magnet-free technology (no rare earth and lower carbon footprint)

As part of its electrification strategy Mahle has been focusing on developing electric drive systems. Its contactless transmitter technology for magnet-free electric motors is testament to the company’s strong expertise in this field. Thanks to its high maturity level it is a key enabler for the next evolution of EESM-based e-axles.

Avoiding the use of rare earth materials does not only positively contribute to the sustainability of e-mobility, but is also advantageous in terms of costs and resource security. The key feature is the inductive and thus contactless and wear-free power transmission allowing motor operation at benchmark efficiency level.

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Tier 1 automotive supplier Marelli has appointed Frederick ‘Fritz’ Henderson as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He succeeds David Slump, who remains on the board of directors until the company concludes its Chapter 11 restructuring. Following Henderson’s interim tenure, the company’s lenders intend to appoint Laurent Favre as the permanent Chief Executive Officer.

The company has also announced the appointment of Roberto Fioroni as Chief Financial Officer and Helen Redfern as Chief Human Resources Officer, with both scheduled to join on 1 May 2026.

Fioroni and Redfern move to Marelli from Dowlais Plc, where they served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief People Officer respectively. Fioroni replaces Alanna Abrahamson in the finance role.

Henderson’s career includes tenures as the Chief Executive of General Motors and Suncoke Energy, as well as the non-executive Chairmanship of Adient. His appointment is intended to provide stability as Marelli completes the final months of its financial reorganisation. The new leadership team will focus on the company's strategic roadmap and its transition into a growth phase following the legal proceedings.

Dinesh Paliwal, Executive Chairman of the Board, said, “These appointments are designed to transition Marelli’s leadership team as we seek to complete our restructuring. Fritz’s operating experience and automotive expertise will be invaluable to Marelli as we work through the final months of this process. The Board thanks David Slump for his contributions to the company’s operational and commercial restructuring and for guiding the business through a critical period under Chapter 11, ensuring continuity and stability across our global operations. We are grateful for his leadership, discipline and commitment to Marelli and its stakeholders.”

Frederick Henderson, stated, “Marelli is distinguished by its exceptional technology, long-standing customer relationships and tremendous global talent. As Marelli’s Interim CEO, my focus is on ensuring stability and continuity while translating the company’s strengths and potential into sustainable performance and long-term value. In the near term, my priorities are to finalise our strategic roadmap and support a successful emergence from Chapter 11. I am also pleased to welcome Roberto Fioroni as CFO and Helen Redfern as CHRO. Their experience and capabilities will further strengthen Marelli and support the company through this important transition and into its next phase of growth.”

David Slump, commented, “As Marelli finalises its strategic roadmap and prepares for its next phase of growth, now is a natural time to transition leadership. I’m proud of our team’s achievements over the past four years, particularly the steps taken in innovation and technology, and I am optimistic that Marelli will continue to build on its legacy following emergence from chapter 11. I want to thank Alanna for her leadership and contributions and wish her the best in future endeavours.”

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KRAIBURG TPE has introduced an innovative material solution built upon its well-established THERMOLAST K product line, specifically engineered for automotive sealing applications. This new variant combines proven performance traits with enhanced ecological benefits, incorporating a recycling content that exceeds 50 percent derived from both post-industrial and post-consumer sources. Despite this high proportion of recycled material, the compound does not compromise on the stringent quality, functional reliability and processability standards demanded by the automotive sector.

In close collaboration with long-term partner SaarGummi, an international automotive supplier, KRAIBURG TPE set out to create a more sustainable alternative that could seamlessly replace conventional materials in existing applications. The partnership began development work in 2023, focusing on increasing recycled raw material usage while preserving the high mechanical load capacity, resistance to various environmental factors and dependable industrial processing characteristics required for automotive components. Early-stage testing under comparable conditions confirmed that the new recycling-based variant met all relevant requirements and could be reliably integrated into standard production workflows.

The joint effort has yielded a thermoplastic elastomer solution featuring a recycling content of approximately 56 percent, composed entirely of post-industrial and post-consumer recyclates. This outcome enables a material option with significantly reduced resource consumption for demanding automotive uses, answering the growing need for sustainability across the entire value chain without sacrificing quality or manufacturing efficiency.

Alexander Mayer, Senior Business Development Manager, KRAIBURG TPE, said, “The first results have shown that we are on the right track with this development. Our aim was to design a materials solution that saves more resources while meeting the high quality standards of the automotive industry.”

Sebastien Roux, TPE Material & Process Specialist, SaarGummi, said, “The new material meets the requirements of our application and can be reliably combined with existing components. At the same time, the increased recycling content makes an important contribution to greater sustainability. It was possible not only to increase the recycling content but also to reduce the product carbon footprint (PCF) of the material compared to that of the previous variant.”

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European tier 1 supplier Marelli has announced it will present its latest in-cabin technologies at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, scheduled from 24 April to 3 May. The showcase focuses on the integration of electronics and interiors to support software-defined vehicles (SDVs) through unified computing and scalable architectures.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is a software-defined cockpit experience that centralises computing, artificial intelligence and human-machine interface (HMI) functions. Built on a QNX real-time operating system (RTOS), the system manages in-vehicle infotainment, cluster visualisation and cabin intelligence within a single architecture.

Key display at its booth includes –

MiniLED FALD Display: An ultra-thin Full Array Local Dimming screen designed for high contrast and sunlight readability, supporting curved pillar-to-pillar configurations.

HorizonView Display: A continuous 44.8-inch image projected across the base of the windshield. Powered by a Picture Generation Unit (PGU) capable of 12,000 nits, it provides a panoramic visual field intended to reduce driver distraction.

Marelli is also introducing a zonal electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture to centralise intelligence and reduce wiring complexity. This approach utilises an ‘edge node’ strategy to remove local microcontrollers (MCUs) from peripheral modules.

MCU-Free Modules: Door and seat modules shift window, mirror, and safety functions to the Zone Control Unit (ZCU) or central compute unit via low-latency protocols.

Zonal Audio: Multi-zone audio distribution is managed at the zonal level, utilising Ethernet-based amplifiers. This configuration eliminates the need for local digital signal processors (DSPs) in every speaker location.

Connectivity: The company will debut an Affordable 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) telematics solution. It offers 2.5 times lower latency than 4G at a similar cost, supporting over-the-air (OTA) updates and remote diagnostics.

The cabin experience is further defined by mechanical and lighting solutions designed for personalisation and space efficiency:

Cockpit Features: Motorised swivel speakers for directional audio, motorised vents for climate management, and retractable tables for workspace versatility.

Console Design: A multi-access console lid that opens from three sides and a detachable display mechanism for rear-seat passenger access to controls and entertainment.

Joachim Fetzer, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Marelli, said, “In the cabin of the future, technology must feel human – intuitive, responsive and seamlessly integrated. At Auto China, we will demonstrate how Marelli unifies compute, display, audio, and interior design into a coherent, software-defined experience enabled by deep local engineering and strong partnerships.”

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Bosch, the flagship entity of the Bosch Group in India, has announced its intention to acquire 100 percent of Bosch Chassis Systems India. The transaction is structured as a cash deal combined with the issuance of equity shares on a preferential basis.

The acquisition integrates the Vehicle Motion business into Bosch’s portfolio. This move is designed to unify the company’s mobility offerings, shifting from the supply of individual components to the delivery of integrated platform solutions.

Bosch Chassis Systems India specialises in automotive safety systems. Its product range includes:

• Active Safety: Antilock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and advanced braking systems.
• Passive Safety: Airbag electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors.
• Actuation Systems: Braking hardware for passenger cars, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

The realignment allows Bosch to expand its investment in safety and braking technologies alongside its existing operations in power solutions.

Following the acquisition, Bosch Chassis Systems India will operate as an independent entity, with its governance overseen by Bosch. The boards of the Bosch Group, Bosch and Bosch Chassis Systems India have approved the transaction. The deal remains subject to approval from Bosch shareholders, after which the unit will become a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Guruprasad Mudlapur, President, Bosch Group in India and MD, Bosch, said, “Adding Bosch Chassis Systems India, with a future-fit vehicle motion solutions business into Bosch Limited, demonstrates our organisational belief in enhancing the company’s growth trajectory through portfolio diversification. This transaction further solidifies our leadership presence within mobility, enabling us to utilise our strengths and deliver solutions backed by local research and development and local manufacturing.”

Sandeep Nelamangala, Joint Managing Director of Bosch and President of Bosch Mobility India, added, “In India, we expect the mobility landscape to evolve radically by 2030 and beyond with sustainable, safe and exciting technologies. To foster a customer- first mindset and pivot from supplying individual components to delivering future- ready platform solutions, it is imperative to unite our forces and adopt an integrated approach. This transaction empowers Bosch to drive growth with a wider portfolio and combined offerings across the mobility tech stack.”

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