Safety and emission reduction, though not paramount, are gaining traction in the Indian commercial vehicles space. Wabco India, which has been acquired by ZF, is bullish on the market which is being driven by regulations and trends. According to P Kaniappan, Managing Director, WABCO India Ltd, the new independent Commercial Vehicle Control Systems division with ZF will offer better value and service to the Indian customers in the local context. The company keeps focusing on bringing its global capabilities to cater to new regulations and demand for advanced driver assistance, braking, stability control, suspension, transmission automation and aerodynamics to improve safety, efficiency and connectivity of commercial vehicles.

ZF Friedrichshafen completed its USD 7 billion acquisition of commercial vehicle technology supplier Wabco Holdings amid the pandemic last year. The integration is still underway and is expected to finish in early 2022. As part of the process, the company’s initial focus was to ensure seamless business continuity with customers and to assure employees that the acquisition is another part of the business. “From day one, we had communication with all our employees, giving them the rationale and logic of this merger with the customer centricity approach for which we are known in India and globally,” said P Kaniappan, Managing Director, WABCO India Ltd.

The acquisition is expected to create a powerhouse in the commercial vehicle space, offering better value and service, catering to demand for safety, dynamics controls, air suspension systems, fuel efficiency, emission reduction, fleet management and connectivity.

Wabco, which will be the 10th division of the Germany-based technology company, will operate as the independent Commercial Vehicle Control Systems division within ZF.

“We are updating our customers on the integration process, which is taking place at a global level. The integration process is very structured and professionally aligned internally,” added Kaniappan.

Wabco is the leading global supplier of braking control systems and other advanced technologies that improve commercial vehicles’ safety, efficiency and connectivity. Wabco is present in India for more than 60 years. Powered by its vision for accident-free driving and greener transportation solutions, Wabco India provides industry-leading solutions in the autonomous, connected and electric (ACE) domains to the commercial vehicle industry in India.

Currently, Wabco India Limited is a world-class manufacturer and local market leader in advanced braking systems, conventional braking products and related air assisted technologies and systems in India. Headquartered in Chennai, Wabco India has five manufacturing facilities, an advanced technology development centre, a vehicle testing facility and a nationwide aftermarket distribution and services network. Wabco India is committed to the long-term success of its customers by leveraging Wabco’s robust global technology portfolio.

Though Kaniappan agrees that the integration would have been a smoother ride if the pandemics had not caused subsequent lockdowns, he said the employees’ safety and health have always been paramount for the company. “Yes, the focus could have been much more intense (on the integration), and the timeline could have been shorter. But by the time we started the integration, the pandemic was already affecting the world. So that’s the reason we had to stretch the integration deadline.”

Wabco is betting high on all its product range considering the new regulations related to safety, emission, fuel economy and total cost of ownership. According to Kaniappan, Wabco braking system will remain the main growth driver for the company. India has been traditionally the drum brake system market. However, with the growing emphasis on safety and new mobility, the Indian auto industry is slowly moving on to the air disc brake (ADB), which offers better safety, service, comfort and overall cost. The ADB offers a shorter stopping distance, consistent brake performance and very high mechanical efficiency. The prime advantage of ADB is in weight reduction; the single-piston allows to deliver the same performance with a significantly lower number of components, which in turn minimises parts failure. The company launched disc brake systems for the bus segment, mainly for the front axle. “Within our brake system, the company also aims to improve the efficiency of the braking system that consumes energy,” added Kaniappan.

He also added that the increased axle load norm demands improvement in the braking system. As a result, the company has upgraded all its braking system products to support the customers, which involves upsizing the compressors or optimising the size of the compressors, upgrading the air management system products, and in some cases, changing the actuators and other elements of the braking system to handle the higher axle load requirement.

Commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and multi-axle vehicles account for a third of road accidents in India. About 84 percent of accidents occur owing to loss of control.

India is also in the process of making electronic stability control (ESC) mandatory soon. The draft notification has been issued for the ESC for buses, which is expected to come into force by April 2023. It aims to achieve higher standards of safety for all categories of vehicles. Wabco India has already been supplying Electronic Stability Control (ESCsmart) for trucks and buses. The ESCsmart improves vehicle stability during highly dynamic driving manoeuvres. ESCsmart provides yaw control on low friction road conditions and roll stability control on high-friction road conditions. It operates independently of driving and load conditions and delivers outstanding control quality due to self-adapting capabilities on the road.

In addition, Indian customers are now testing and evaluating some advanced emergency braking systems for collision avoidance, which immediately assists and alerts the driver. The Wabco executive expects autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which has collision warning systems and collision mitigation systems, will soon be introduced in India. “The technologies available with both companies are to be localised at an appropriate time,” he added.

Wabco India also offers solutions to make air suspension intelligent. The company’s air suspension with electronic control air suspension technology (ECAS) is an alternative to the steel-spring suspension. It improves fuel economy, increases ride comfort, enhances passenger safety and improves vehicular stability. With this technology, the vehicle can sense the road and distribute the load, and the whole system can be raised or lowered to give reduced drag and roll-over protection. Usually, on bumpy roads, air depletes in the suspension; however, ECAS can ignore small humps on the road and air depletion will occur only during the heavy bumps. “With the ECAS, we can reduce air consumption, resulting in saving fuel. As every vehicle goes through a bumpy road, the air depletes. Our electronic control can programme the system so that it does not deplete, and it improves the fine balance of the compressor running. Plus, it can also raise and lower the height of the vehicle’s suspension. This fuel-saving technology will find its place due to CAFÉ norms. This technology is also progressively coming into the Indian market, and we are working with some customers,” added Kaniappan.

Tyres are the only component that touch the road, which influences the safety and fuel efficiency of the vehicle as well. Inappropriately aired tyres impact the fuel economy and tyres’ life and could also cause accidents. As per a report, over 30 percent of truck breakdowns were caused by tyre failure. Wabco India’s OptiTire, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), helps maintain tyre pressure at the recommended level and detects slow punctures early. This also helps in improving fuel efficiency, rolling resistance and reduction in CO2 emission. The company is also working on getting TMPS sensors localised to make the technology competitive in the country.

The AIS 140, standards published by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), mandates a vehicle-tracking device and an emergency button in all existing and new public-service and commercial vehicles. Wabco India also finds business opportunities in the vehicle tracking space.

Fleet management is also another area where Wabco sees more considerable opportunities as the fleets are now realising the importance of the total cost of ownership through such programmes. In addition, Wabco offers its connected vehicle programme for OEMs.

Wabco India also launched fleet management solutions or connected vehicle programme. The company has already strengthened its connected vehicle solutions after the acquisition of Transics. The company has developed a solution in India for the Indian market in the local context. It has partnered with a few customers and is powering its connected vehicle solutions by providing end-to-end solutions from hardware, firmware and software. This includes advanced fuel management, uptime monitoring, trip monitoring and route management, vehicle diagnostics, track and trace of fleets, helping improve fleet logistical efficiency and the safety and comfort of passengers and drivers.

For the aftermarket, WABCO acquired AssetTrackr. Asset Trackr offers global capabilities with a value proposition for the Indian market. The company is now leveraging its aftermarket and using the aftermarket network, service centres to promote Asset Trackr as another significant new revenue stream.

Demand for OE commercial vehicles has been slackening for two years. In FY20, commercial vehicle sales plunged 29 percent , followed by over 20 percent in FY21. As a result, the company is banking on its reach and product offering in the aftermarket business. Wabco India’s aftermarket business grew over 50 percent in the first three months of this calendar year.

Taking a lesson from the pandemic that has severely impacted commodity prices, Wabco explores the chances to procure steel, aluminium from the prime producers in the local market to have stability in supply. “We have learned a lot during recent times. We can anticipate the things in a much better way and can have better preparedness, flexibility and agility which will help us to face any potential headwinds that are going to come,” added Kaniappan. (MT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Vedanta Aluminium has deployed its first cohort of 30 women crane pilots at the Bharat Aluminium Company  (BALCO) unit in Korba, Chhattisgarh. The group includes 20 Pot Tending Machine (PTM) pilots and 10 beam-raising operators, marking a shift toward women-led operations as the facility enters the ‘million tonne club’.

The pilots operate in a smelting environment, executing tasks for stable metal production. These responsibilities include: anode changing & covering, tapping of molten aluminium and beam raising activities across all potlines.

The deployment followed a training programme involving classroom instruction, simulator sessions and on-the-job exposure. Currently, beam-raising activities at the plant are led by women designated as Beam Raising In-Charge in each room.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to automate core manufacturing roles and make them gender-agnostic. Vedanta Aluminium has previously implemented:

• Jharsuguda: India’s first fully women-operated potline.
• Lanjigarh: An all-women team managing the digital command centre at the alumina refinery.
• Logistics: An all-women locomotive crew for in-plant rail operations.

BALCO also integrates transgender professionals into functions such as forklift operations and security, supported by policies including financial assistance and paid leave for gender reaffirmation.

Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Automation and advanced technologies are reshaping how modern aluminium operations function across all our units. This transformation is creating space for a new generation of highly skilled professionals to lead critical, technology-enabled roles. At Vedanta Aluminium, we are proud to see women stepping confidently into these specialised positions across our operations. This milestone at BALCO reflects our commitment to building a future-ready workforce while fostering greater participation of women in core manufacturing.”

Naaz Fatima, a PTM pilot, commented, “Working as a PTM pilot is both challenging and deeply rewarding. What I value most is that the company trusts us with these critical operations and invests in our growth. It feels empowering to know that our work directly contributes to BALCO’s progress and that we are shaping a new future for women in industrial roles.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

KKR, Allfleet India and PMI Electro Mobility Solutions have announced definitive agreements for a strategic partnership. KKR-managed funds will commit up to USD 310 million to scale Allfleet’s electric bus platform and enhance PMI Electro’s manufacturing capabilities.

As part of the transaction, KKR will acquire a majority stake in Allfleet and a minority stake in PMI Electro. This represents the eighth investment globally under KKR’s Global Climate Transition strategy and its first in India.

Established in 2022, Allfleet serves as the e-bus platform for PMI Electro, focusing on the ownership and operation of public transport fleets. The company is currently deploying over 5,000 electric buses under long-term service agreements with various state transport authorities across India.

The partnership will see an integrated model covering manufacturing led by PMI Electro, ownership and operations by managed by Allfleet and lifecycle support by technical maintenance and infrastructure management.

KKR’s investment is drawn from its Global Climate Transition strategy, which has committed over USD 44 billion to sustainability initiatives since 2010. The firm’s global portfolio in this sector includes transport electrification specialist Zenobe in the UK and solar developer Avantus in the US.

The capital will be used to expand Allfleet’s presence in Indian cities and support the national transition toward decarbonised urban mobility.

Neil Arora, Partner and Head, of KKR’s Climate Transition strategy for Asia-Pacific, said, “Transport electrification is a critical pillar of the energy transition, and India – with its scale, urbanisation trends and decarbonisation ambitions – represents one of the most significant opportunities for the sector globally. The differentiated combination of Allfleet’s proven, scalable platform and PMI’s manufacturing and service expertise stands out as a full-service solution in this market. We look forward to supporting Allfleet’s next phase of growth by working together with PMI and leveraging KKR’s global operational expertise and experience investing across climate transition.”

Aanchal Jain, CEO, PMI Electro and Director, Allfleet, said, “This investment by KKR marks a defining milestone in our journey and is a powerful endorsement of the integrated electric mobility platform we have built at Allfleet. PMI Electro’s vision is to create a scalable, reliable, and future-ready ecosystem that can transform public transport in India. As our cities grow and mobility needs evolve, clean, efficient, and accessible public transport will play a central role in shaping a more sustainable future.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Navi General Insurance has launched its motor insurance product, expanding its portfolio into the automotive sector. The offering provides a digital, app-led process for car and two-wheeler insurance with instant policy issuance and a zero-commission structure.

The company’s business model removes intermediary commissions traditionally associated with agent and dealer-led distribution. This direct-to-customer approach is intended to pass cost efficiencies to the policyholder.

Motor insurance currently accounts for approximately 30-35 percent of total premiums in the Indian general insurance market. The sector is supported by mandatory third-party cover requirements and increasing vehicle ownership.

The company’s service includes digital integration, comprehensive coverage options, electric vehicle-specific plans, add-on covers and underwriting & claims.

Vaibhav Goyal, Managing Director & CEO, Navi General Insurance, stated, “Motor insurance is one of the most widely held financial products in India, yet the buying and claims experience remains complicated. We see a tremendous opportunity to change that. As a digital-first, direct-to-customer insurer, we are cutting out commissions entirely, thus passing those savings directly to customers through competitive pricing. Simplifying finance for every Indian is at the heart of what we do at Navi, and with motor insurance, we're extending that promise to a product that touches millions of vehicle owners every year.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kordsa, a subsidiary of Sabancı Holding, presented its advanced material technologies to a global audience at the JEC World 2026 trade show in Paris. The company featured its latest breakthroughs in composite technologies tailored for the aviation, energy and automotive sectors. The event also served as a platform for Kordsa to communicate its sustainable growth strategy and technological transformation to an international network of stakeholders.

Held from 10 to 12 March 2026, JEC World is recognised as the premier global event for the composites industry. By convening the entire value chain, the exhibition enabled Kordsa to prominently display its expanding role and expertise in composite materials. The company’s presence was reinforced by its international subsidiaries, including US-based Fabric Development, Inc., Textile Products, Inc. and Axiom Materials, Inc., alongside Italy’s Microtex Composites Srl., demonstrating a unified approach shaped by evolving market demands.

Among the key innovations showcased were Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) technologies, carbon-reinforced prepregs, thermoplastic automotive interior components and structural body parts. These solutions are engineered to deliver high performance and reduced weight while simultaneously boosting production efficiency and minimising carbon footprint. For the aviation and energy industries, the company highlighted advanced composites designed to meet stringent demands for high-temperature resistance, durability and operational reliability.

Ergun Hepvar, CEO, Kordsa, said, “JEC World is one of the most important global meeting points in the field of composite technologies. On this platform, which brings together the entire value chain of the industry, we have the opportunity to closely observe both the current state of technologies and the trends that will shape the future. This year, we clearly saw that solutions focused on sustainability, lightweighting, high performance and production efficiency are becoming increasingly decisive. At the same time, we witnessed a transformation in customer expectations towards more integrated, agile and sustainable solutions. As Kordsa, we will continue to be an active part of this transformation and to develop value-creating solutions together with our customers.”

Emphasising that Kordsa differentiates itself in composite technologies by offering an end-to-end integrated structure, from R&D and serial production to supply chain and certification processes, Hepvar further added, “The increasing demand for advanced material solutions further strengthens our position in composites. We position composite technologies as one of our two strategic focus areas in Kordsa’s future. In this field, we adopt an approach that expands technological depth, product diversity and application areas simultaneously. Composite technologies stand out as a core area shaping both Kordsa’s present and future. Our goal is to deepen our capabilities here, build a structure that generates higher added value, differentiates itself and grows together with its customers.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!