Valeo has received a contract from a global automaker to produce interior lighting systems using In-Mold Structural Electronics (IMSE) technology. The programme utilises solutions from TactoTek to integrate lighting and electronics into a single structure. This award brings Valeo’s total order intake for interior lighting to nearly EUR 1 billion since 2024, a figure that includes light lines, pixelated solutions and smart surfaces.

The project focuses on interior structures where electronics are embedded directly into finished parts. This method produces a flush surface and creates a structure that is thinner and lighter than traditional assemblies. The design reduces material usage and energy consumption while increasing the durability of the components. To support the contract, Valeo has commissioned an automated production line designed for the high-volume manufacturing of these integrated systems.

The collaboration with TactoTek provides the foundation for scaling smart surfaces into large-scale production. By replacing multi-part assemblies with unified structures, Valeo aims to meet industry demand for interiors that combine design and functionality. The new production line is intended to optimise processes for the industrialisation of IMSE-based solutions, which the companies claim offers cost competitiveness and flexibility for future design changes.

Maurizio Martinelli, CEO - Light Division, Valeo, said, “This award sets a new benchmark for next generation interior solutions. Valeo’s lighting expertise and industrial capabilities, combined with IMSE technology, are enabling us to bring highly advanced, smart interior systems into large-scale production. It also reflects our commitment to shaping the future of mobility in a way that brings lasting value to customers globally.”

Jussi Harvela, CEO, TactoTek, added, “Our cooperation with Valeo and the commissioning of a dedicated new production line mark an important milestone in the large-scale industrial adoption of IMSE technology, whose cost competitiveness and ability to support future design evolution were decisive factors in securing the award. This collaboration demonstrates how our vision for smart surfaces transforms into a scalable solution that serves leading automotive manufacturers.”

The integration of electronics into structural parts is a direction for the automotive sector as manufacturers seek to reduce vehicle weight and simplify interior architectures.

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American tier 1 supplier BorgWarner has secured two significant ‘conquest’ program awards in Asia, strengthening its position in both the combustion and hybrid powertrain segments. The contracts involve a latest-generation wet dual clutch for a Chinese OEM and a specialised variable cam timing (VCT) system for a Japanese OEM.

The awards were disclosed alongside the company’s Q1 2026 financial results, which highlighted a total of 12 new business wins across its global portfolio.

BorgWarner will supply its latest-generation wet dual clutch. The system uses high-performance friction materials and an optimised groove design to reduce drag torque, improving overall transmission efficiency and fuel economy. It features a new integrated wave spring for enhanced robustness and cost-effectiveness. Start of production (SOP) is planned for the second half of 2026.

Secondly, the company won a contract for a Torsional Assist (TA) Variable Cam Timing (VCT) system. This centre-bolt architecture simplifies internal oil passages compared to traditional oil-pressure systems, enabling faster cam phasing and more reliable lock-pin engagement – critical for the high-efficiency requirements of modern hybrid engines. The production is slated to begin in 2028.

Isabelle McKenzie, Vice President of BorgWarner Inc. and President and General Manager, Drivetrain and Morse Systems, said, “These new conquest awards reflect BorgWarner’s continued commitment to advancing efficient and competitive propulsion solutions. They demonstrate the resilience and growth potential of our propulsion business in Asia.”

The ‘conquest’ nature of these wins – securing business previously held by competitors – underscores BorgWarner's aggressive expansion in the Asian market. These announcements follow a string of recent successes in the region, including three eMotor awards in China and South Korea announced in April 2026.

While the company reported a slight organic net sales decline of approximately 1.5 percent to 3.5 percent for the full year 2026 due to volatile market conditions, these long-term contracts in the hybrid and SUV segments are expected to be key drivers for profitable growth through the end of the decade.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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