German tier 1 supplier ZF will introduce the next generation of its range extender technology for electric vehicles (EVs), with volume production beginning in 2026.

A range extender combines a combustion-powered generator with an electric motor, producing energy for the vehicle battery once its charge drops.

Dr Otmar Scharrer, Senior Vice President R&D, Electrified Powertrain Technology at ZF, said, "Although the all-electric range of passenger cars is around 500 km on average, range anxiety still influences a wide range of buyers when choosing their next vehicle. These (range extenders) represent a real alternative to larger – and thus more expensive – batteries or plug-in hybrids."

The German supplier has gained experience with range extenders, including supplying systems for the iconic London taxi. Now, it is advancing the technology with two new systems: the electric Range Extender (eRE) and electric Range Extender plus (eRE+).

Both designs are highly integrated and flexible across performance levels, 400V or 800V architectures and semiconductor types. The eRE combines an electric motor, integrated inverter, dedicated software and a planetary gearset. The eRE+ adds an intelligent clutch and differential, enabling it to serve as a generator or a secondary drive. Output is scalable: 70–110 kW for the eRE and 70–150 kW for the eRE+.

Dr Scharrer, added, "The new interest and the increased demand for range extenders shows that the potential of this technology is far from exhausted – in particular for model platforms that are already designed for battery-electric drivelines. Behind our solutions is a system and platform concept. This means that we are optimally equipped to respond to all customer and market requirements with shorter development cycles."

Compared to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), range extenders offer lower additional costs, faster development, simpler platform integration and easier supply chain management — especially attractive for newer automakers with little combustion engine expertise.

China is currently leading with ‘Range Extended Electric Vehicles’ (REEVs) covering over 700 kilometres, thanks to such technology.

"This is where we find it convenient that there is a wide range of BEV platforms that can be supplemented by range extenders," said Scharrer.

The company is also seeing growing interest in the U.S. and European market.

"The market for all-electric vehicles has not developed as much as predicted a few years ago," Scharrer observed. "For this intermediate phase, range extenders can be the ideal solution."

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Tier 1 supplier Uno Minda has announced its financial results for Q4 FY2025 and FY2025. The company reported strong growth across the year on the back of strong performance across its key product segments, including switches, lighting, seating, casting, sensors, controllers and EV products.

For Q4 FY2025, the revenue came at INR 45 billion, up 19 percent YoY, as compared to INR 37 billion for the same period last year. The EBITDA came at INR 5.2 billion, up 11 percent, profit after tax at INR 2.66 billion, a relatively flat growth, as against INR 2.65 billion last year.

For FY2025, Uno Minda posted consolidated revenue of INR 167 billion, a robust growth of 20 percent, as against INR 140 billion last year. The EBITDA grew by 18 percent at INR 18 billion, profit after tax at INR 9.3 billion, up 9 percent, as against INR 8.5 billion last year.

Ravi Mehra, Managing Director, Uno Minda Group, said, “FY2025 has been a defining year for Uno Minda, marked by strategic progress and solid execution. We undertook several high-impact initiatives – including expansion into new product segments like Sunroof, the launch of new ventures like 4W EV products with Inovance Automotive and StarCharge, and the execution of our planned capital expenditure – to strengthen our growth platform. Our commitment to innovation and operational excellence continues to be the cornerstone of our success. We remain confident in our ability to outperform industry growth and create sustained value for all our stakeholders.”

Sunil Bohra, CFO, Uno Minda Group, said, “We continue to deliver strong quarterly and annual performance, with full-year revenue growing by 20 percent. This growth was broad-based across key segments such as switches, lighting, alloy wheels and emerging technologies like sensors, ADAS and EV products, and was further supported by the successful commissioning of four major expansion projects. Looking ahead, with around 12 new capacity expansion projects currently underway, we remain confident in sustaining our growth momentum and creating long-term value.”

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Tier 1 supplier Minda Corporation, the flagship company of the Spark Minda Group, has appointed Ajay Agarwal as its new President – Finance & Strategy.

With more than two decades of experience, Agarwal is a Chartered Accountant and Lawyer. He has executive experience across industries, with a proven track record in driving business and financial performance, executing complex transactions and supporting scalable business models. In his last role, he served as the President for Finance & Strategy at Vedanta and has also worked at KPMG and PwC in the past.

In his new role he will be responsible for formulating strategies and developing the organisation structure to facilitate growth. Agarwal will also spearhead the financial function, including strategy, corporate planning, Merger & Acquisition, Joint Ventures, Investor Relations and various strategic growth initiatives.

Aakash Minda, Executive Director, Minda Corporation, said, “As Minda Corporation enters its next phase of growth, Ajay Agarwal’s appointment positions us strongly to scale with confidence. His commercial acumen, capital markets expertise, and strategic mindset will be key in shaping our financial platform to support innovation and expansion.”

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Switzerland-headquartered tier 1 supplier Autoneum signed an agreement to acquire all shares of Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Interior Parts Co, an automotive supplier for acoustic and thermal management in China.

Together with the recently completed acquisition of Jiangsu Huanyu Group, Autoneum's Business Group Asia is further expanding its customer base to include other major Chinese vehicle manufacturers such as FAW-Volkswagen, FAW-Audi, FAW-Toyota and Geely. The transaction is scheduled to close in July 2025.

The tier 1 supplier states that with around 30 million light vehicles produced annually, China is the world’s largest automotive market and with an expected increase to 31.5 million cars by 2030, it is also one of the most important growth markets for the automotive industry.

Established in 2011, Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Group operates four production facilities with around 240 employees in the immediate vicinity of local automotive manufacturers in the north, centre and south of China.

Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Group’s product portfolio is very similar to that of Autoneum and includes components such as floor insulators, wheelhouse liners, trunk trims, inner dashes, hoodliners and outer dashes. In FY2024, Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Group generated a preliminary revenue of around CHF 27 million, with a strong growth projected for the coming years. The purchase price is around CHF 16 million (excluding cash and cash equivalents and debt) and closing is expected in July 2025 following the necessary approvals by the authorities. It intends to continue operating the Group under the Chinese company names. From an organisational perspective, however, Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Group will be fully integrated into Autoneum’s Business Group Asia in order to fully leverage the synergies.

Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Group, like the Jiangsu Huanyu Group, offers access to local vehicle manufacturers in China. This will enable Autoneum to continue to expand and complete its customer base in this key market.

Eelco Spoelder, CEO, Autoneum, said, “The acquisition is in line with our corporate strategy Level Up and marks another important step in implementing our strategic pillar Accelerate global growth. By adding further local Chinese car manufacturers to our customer portfolio, this latest takeover, together with the acquisition of Jiangsu Huanyu Group, will bring us even closer to our medium-term target of generating 20 percent of Group revenue in Asia.”

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Tier 1 supplier Lumax Auto Technologies has signed an agreement to acquire the remaining 25 percent stake in IAC International Automotive India (IAC India) from the International Automotive Components Group (IAC Group).

It was in March 2023, Lumax had acquired 75 percent stake in IAC India and now plans to merge it with its operations. At present, IAC India is a key components supplier to OEMs such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki India, Volkswagen and Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles among others. Interestingly, IAC India is the sole supplier of integrated cockpits and door panels for Mahindra’s BE6 and XEV 9e.

IAC India has five manufacturing plants across the country including two in Chakan, Pune and one each in Manesar, Nashik and Bangalore. The company also has an in-house Engineering centre in Pune with key capabilities in product designing and engineering, dimensional engineering, product development, program management and tooling development. The Engineering centre has a team of 330 engineers and designers with Global experience catering to all tool development requirements from customers as well as from its global sister concerns.

Deepak Jain, Chairman, Lumax Group, said, “The consolidation will strengthen our strategic vision and enable future growth, building on the strong foundation to drive continuity, performance and scalability. This development marks a significant milestone in our journey towards long-term value creation and providing comprehensive solutions across lighting, plastics and interiors. It also reinforces its strategic position within IAC India and expands our footprint on major electric vehicle platforms of leading OEMs such as Mahindra & Mahindra, emphasising our commitment to the future of sustainable mobility.”

Anmol Jain, Managing Director, Lumax Auto Technologies, added, “This strategic move will further strengthen Lumax Auto Technologies’ foothold in four-wheeler automotive plastics. This further integration will allow for better cost optimisation and rationalisation of resources, potentially creating financial flexibility at the parent level to pursue future strategic, inorganic opportunities that align with our long-term vision.  In addition, it will accelerate innovation and enhance our value proposition per vehicle that is seeing a shift towards improved interiors in passenger vehicles.”

IAC Group will continue to support IAC India through a technology support agreement.

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