German tier 1 supplier Continental’s Gurgaon plant has attained a new production milestone of producing 10 million Electronic Brake Systems (EBS) and 100 million Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS), two components integral to the safety of a vehicle. 

The EBS portfolio comprises Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for passenger cars and Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) for both, passenger cars and two-wheelers. It provides directional stability and steerability of the vehicle whereas, ABS aims to avoid locking of the wheels and keeps the vehicle steerable during braking. Additionally, the signals from the WSS are required for control systems like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

The company states that over 1.3 million people loose their lives in road accidents worldwide every year and more than 50 million are injured. In India, 53 accidents and 19 deaths occur every hour, or an average of 1,264 accidents and 42 deaths daily due to road crashes, according to a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways report in 2023. To enhance road safety in the country, ABS technology was made mandatory in 2019, followed by a proposal for ESC in 2022 by the government.  

Sukhdeep Sandhu, Head of Safety and Motion, Continental Automotive India said, “Safety is non-negotiable. At Continental, we have consistently brought relevant technologies to the market for our customers, helping make vehicles and thereby our roads safer. Our expertise in active and passive safety systems is a key driver in reducing the number of traffic-related fatalities, injuries, and road accidents”.

“Localisation is at the core of company’s strategy in India. Supported by legislations which have played a huge role in ensuring vehicular safety, we have been able to localise both production and R&D, ensuring greater value to our customers in the market. Customers in India are proactive in their adoption approach towards safety technologies”, he added.

Continental’s ‘Vision Zero’ is focussing on ensuring zero road fatalities, injuries and crashes, through technologies, components and systems and ongoing innovations.

The tier 1 supplier is also one of the largest manufacturers of WSS in India. Apart from catering to leading OEMs in India, these components are also exported to other Asian and European regions.

Anudeep Garg, Head of the Gurgaon plant, Continental Automotive India said, “We are proud to achieve this milestone and continue to focus on localisation. As a Tier 1 supplier, we follow global manufacturing standards and have adopted several advanced technologies to create a digital shopfloor. Additionally, industry 4.0 technologies enable us to not only maintain product quality and enhance efficiency but also to effectively streamline our supply chain. We aim to increase the manufacturing capacity of EBS and WSS in double-digit percentages in the next three years for both passenger vehicles as well two-wheelers.” 

Continental’s ‘in the market, for the market’ approach has seen its entire value chain from R&D to design and production being localised. This way Continental is focusing on enabling easy access to safety products by adapting globally proven technologies to suit the local market. Wide-scale production offers economy of scale and ensures cost advantage, thereby contributing to increased democratization of safety features in vehicles across segments in India.

It was in 2016, when Continental set up assembly lines in Gurugram for Antilock Brake Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems for two-wheelers and passenger cars. In 2018, it commenced production for ABS and ESC Electronic Control Units (ECU) at its Bengaluru plant. In the subsequent year, the company achieved the production milestone of one million ABS and ESC ECUs at its Bengaluru plant, and in 2020, reached a milestone of 50 Million Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS) at its Manesar plant. Additionally, Continental entered into a joint venture with Japanese firm Nisshinbo Holdings in 2022, to localise machining for valve blocks for Electronic Brake Systems (EBS) in India. 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd has achieved a significant milestone in its manufacturing journey with the completion of 10 years of operations at its Chennai Factory. Reinforcing its role as a critical production base for both domestic and global markets, the company also celebrated the roll-out of its five millionth two-wheeler from this state-of-the-art facility—an Aerox 155 Version S that marked the milestone.
 Over the past decade, the Chennai plant has become a cornerstone of Yamaha’s global operations to serve both Indian customers and export markets. It currently manufactures Yamaha’s hybrid scooter range including the RayZR 125 Fi and Fascino 125 Fi, along with the performance-oriented Aerox 155 Version S. From an export standpoint, the facility also produces the FZ series, the Saluto range, and the Alpha scooter—reinforcing the factory’s role in delivering Yamaha's trusted quality to diverse global markets. More than 30% of the factory’s total output is exported, reflecting its manufacturing strength and global relevance.
Speaking on the occasion, Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “The Chennai factory holds strategic importance in Yamaha’s global manufacturing network. It exemplifies our unwavering focus on people, processes, and products—driven by skilled employees, synchronized operations, and a strong commitment to global quality standards. As one of Yamaha’s most modern manufacturing facilities worldwide, it has supported India’s mobility aspirations while reinforcing its role as a trusted exporter to global markets. As we celebrate the roll-out of the 5 millionth two-wheeler, I extend my deepest appreciation to our dedicated employees, vendor partners and passionate customers who have made this journey possible. We will continue to progress, and Chennai factory will keep playing a major role in addressing the evolving customer demands in Indian and overseas markets.”
Spread across 177 acres, the Chennai factory operates with a unique integrated model—109 acres dedicated to IYM and 68 acres to co-located vendor partners—enabling seamless synchronization under a unified ‘One Factory’ concept. This approach has enhanced manufacturing efficiency, speed, and supply chain integration, making the facility one of Yamaha’s most advanced in the world.
Over the last decade, the Chennai manufacturing facility has been consistently upgraded to support Yamaha's evolving premium product strategy—producing high value-added motorcycles and scooters with small to midrange engine displacements. With India’s stringent emission regulations, Yamaha Motor Company Ltd. identified an opportunity to position this plant as a global export hub, delivering products that meet the highest standards of performance and compliance. Today, the factory supports Yamaha’s portfolio across segments—ranging from premium models for Indian customers to those tailored for markets in Europe, Latin America, ASEAN, and beyond. With its focus on quality, digital systems, and sustainable technologies, the facility is well-prepared for the future of smart and eco-friendly manufacturing.
Demonstrating Yamaha’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, the plant houses an installed solar power capacity of 4450 kW, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and supporting green manufacturing practices. The facility incorporates state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technologies for zero-water discharge and recycle/reuse of wastewater. It is also designed for maximum use of sunlight, and the buildings are compatible with solar power system installation. All common utilities are centrally located to minimize distribution loss and ensure centralized management, making it a model of sustainable industrial planning.
As Yamaha celebrates this dual milestone, the Chennai plant stands as a testament to the brand’s long-term commitment to make-in-India as a strong manufacturing and development hub of world-class two-wheelers. This achievement marks a significant step forward in strengthening Yamaha’s motorcycle business in Indian market with the unwavering support and loyal partnership of our enthusiastic customers who continue to inspire us at every step to push the limits of innovation and performance offering unique and enriching experiences worldwide.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German automotive brand Audi Sport is partnering with Fraunhofer Institutes IAO and IPA to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics can improve automotive production processes at its Bollinger Hofe site, a key pilot facility for the carmaker’s 360factory strategy.

The collaboration focuses on optimising the manual picking process – where vehicle components are retrieved from logistics containers to supply the assembly line –through a real-world laboratory set up at the facility. The trials aim to reduce errors, ease physical strain and improve supply efficiency by integrating advanced technologies into everyday operations.

The project began with a comprehensive needs analysis, during which employees wore eye-tracking smart glasses to identify cognitively demanding tasks. This data will guide the deployment of tailored AI and robotics solutions in production.

Alexander Muller, Head of Logistics at Audi Sport, said, “Low-volume production at Bollinger Hofe, such as the Audi e-tron GT family, is ideal for testing. The high degree of vehicle customisation makes the picking process especially complex.”

Researchers are testing computer vision systems and mobile robots equipped with 3D sensors and various grippers. Real customer orders serve as test scenarios, allowing the team to assess technology performance in realistic conditions.

“We are bringing research directly into the plant, and workers are actively involved in evaluating the technologies,” Muller added.

Bernd Bienzeisler, Head of the Cognitive Service Systems Research and Innovation Center KODIS at Fraunhofer IAO, noted, “This is a new chapter in industry-science collaboration. The direct feedback from employees working in real environments makes the insights particularly valuable.”

The project forms part of the broader AI25 initiative, a collaboration launched by Audi, Fraunhofer and other partners to accelerate the digital transformation of automotive production. Bollinger Hofe plays a central role within this ecosystem, which is anchored in the Heilbronn region’s Innovation Park for Artificial Intelligence (IPAI).

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kinetic Watts and Volts, the e-mobility arm of Kinetic Group, has inaugurated its new 87,000 sqft plant at Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra.

The new facility the company shared is designed to be future-ready and will integrate advanced automation, precision assembly lines and sustainability practices. The plant will also leverage digitalisation and automation across operations.

Incorporated on 27 September 2022, Kinetic Watts and Volts is focussing on the electric vehicle segment. The subsidiary has non-exclusive rights to the Kinetic brand for a period three-years starting 2025. Till date, Kinetic Engineering and other promoters have invested INR 428 million in the subsidiary with an additional INR 290 million to be infused soon, which takes the total investment to INR 718 million.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice-Chairman, Kinetic Group, said, “This facility represents our commitment to shaping the future of mobility with world-class manufacturing excellence. It’s a proud moment for Kinetic Watts and Volts and for the entire Kinetic Group as we set the stage for a new era of innovation, sustainability, and electric mobility from India.”

The company aims to not only introduce products for the Indian market but also explore export opportunities.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Schaeffler India, a leading motion technology company, has officially opened its fifth manufacturing facility in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in the company's growth strategy, with the new plant dedicated to producing advanced powertrain and chassis components, alongside futuristic technologies.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Georg F W Schaeffler, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Family Shareholder, Schaeffler, Eranti Sumithasri, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Schaeffler India, Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis, Schaeffler and Dharmesh Arora, Regional CEO Asia Pacific, Schaeffler.

The 16,500 sqmt facility, part of a larger 108,000 sqmt land plot, is envisioned as a central hub for the production and expansion of conventional and electrified powertrain technologies. This includes planetary gear systems, hybrid transmission components and emerging innovations primarily for the Indian market. Phase 1 of the facility is expected to be fully operational by the Q4 CY2025.

The new manufacturing site is set to significantly increase Schaeffler India's transmission component capacity. It will also play a crucial role in the company’s expansion strategy for new products and advanced technologies, contributing to its long-term global growth objectives.

Matthias Zink, said, “India is a key market for Schaeffler. The new facility is a significant step in our efforts to expand our global manufacturing footprint and further localisation in the region. It supports our long-term growth vision and positions us to better cater to the rising market demands and grow with the Indian market.”

Harsha Kadam, Managing Director and CEO, Schaeffler India, added, “The inauguration at Shoolagiri exemplifies our commitment to expanding our capacities and competencies in India, enabling us to better meet the evolving needs of our customers. With the expansion of our production facilities, we are well-positioned to cater not only to the present local markets but also future needs as we transition towards e-mobility. We remain committed to the country’s ‘Make In India’ initiative, while embracing sustainable practices. It also underscores the Schaeffler Group’s focus towards India as a strategic growth driver.”

This new facility complements Schaeffler India’s four existing manufacturing plants and three R&D centres across the country. The company has demonstrated strong commitment to its Indian operations, investing INR 17 billion over the past three years (2022-2024), exceeding its initial commitment of INR 15 billion. These investments have fuelled the expansion of new product lines for powertrain solutions, e-mobility solutions and large and medium-sized bearings for industrial applications.

In 2023, Schaeffler India further strengthened its presence in the digital automotive aftermarket with the acquisition of KRSV Innovative Auto Solutions (Koovers), a B2B e-commerce platform.

“As the industry continues to evolve against an increasingly complex environment, we remain committed to strengthening capabilities in India with our ever-evolving motion technology portfolio to seize emerging opportunities and retain our competitive edge,” concluded Kadam.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!