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 A major player in the automotive industry, Schaffler Group has an-nounced that it would set up a state-of-the-art research and development centre in India for the Asia Pacific region. The company has announced that it will also modernise its existing plants and add new product lines. This is in addition to investing in human resource capital by increasing the staff strength of 2,089 by 10 per cent over the next three years. Consisting of renowned brands, LuK, INA and FAG, the Schaeffler Group is a leading manufacturer and supplier of ball and roller bearings, clutch and clutch releasing systems, and engine and transmission components in India.
Operating a clutch manufacturing plant that include the LuK India facility in Hosur, the group manufactures engine and transmission elements at INA India in Pune and ball and roller bearings at FAG India facility at Vadodara. Manufacturing over 110 million parts per year for the Indian market through three local production facilities, Schaeffler Group's products are found on almost all the new generation vehicles in India.
Says Anil Shah, President, Schaeffler India, “Our three brands have established strong relationships with the automotive markets in India. Schaeffler India’s approach and commitment towards appropriate technology is proven by the fact that it enjoys significant market share in low-cost and compact-class cars manufactured in India. To strengthen our position further, we will expand to reach our medium and long term goals.”
With every one out of four new cars produced in the world carrying a LuK clutch, LuK India, as a group entity, enjoys full access to the technology, expertise and management system of the Schaeffler Group. LuK India, through its clutch manufacturing plant in Hosur, supplies automotive and tractor clutches to almost all the major Indian manufacturers like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Suzuki, Ashok Leyland, Ford India, Toyota, Swaraj Mazda, Mahindra Tractors, New Holland, John Deere, International Tractors, Same, Tafe and Escorts. Working on advanced concepts like reduction in fuel consumptions and emissions, improved driving comfort, hybridisation, cost and space savings, LuK India plans to manufacture latest technology products like hydraulic clutch release systems in India for the Indian market and will also introduce high performance friction material for the Indian market.
The other Group company, FAG Bearings India was established in 1962 and manufactures approximately 46 million bearings comprising ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, hub bearings and spherical roller bearings. Second largest bearing company in the country, with its deep manufacturing and technology competence, FAG Bearings exports to Europe, US and Asia from its facility at Vadodara, and has received recognition from European and US customers like Daimler, Volvo, Volkswagon, Renault, Voith, Otis and General Dynamics. In the Indian market, FAG was the first Indian bearing company to introduce advanced hub bearings for passenger cars and is today a prominent supplier to passenger car industry in this product range. FAG’s advanced system solutions for wheels, power train and engine accessories support the automotive industry’s need for higher levels of integration, increased safety, driving comfort and environmental protection. INA India, situated in Pune, is an automotive supplier of precision components for engines, transmissions and chassis applications. With an estimated production volume of 65.8 million pieces in the year 2009, INA India supplies valve train components, chain drive elements and transmission cages. Further expansion programme run by the company include clutch release bearing and water pump bearing to meet requirements of auto OEMs like Maruti Suzuki Powertrain India, Tata Motors, Hyundai, Ford, Fiat, Mahindra & Mahindra and General Motors.
Having a aftermarket division that services the needs of diverse clientele, the Schaeffler Group in India achieved positive sales turnover results for 2009 despite the economic downturn.
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Polo at the 10th Auto Expo
Having bought a 20 per cent stake in Suzuki Motor Corporation for US$ 2.5 billion, the Volkswagen Group will be displaying the Polo at the 10th Auto Expo along with the range of automobiles it sells in India. Commenting on the strategy, Prof Jochem Heizmann, on the sidelines of the roll out, revealed that the plan is now to work out a synergy for hybrid and electric car projects. Speaking to a select group of media, Heizmann added it was too early to provide the details. He explained that a hybrid car could definitely be in the offing since it combines a conventional internal combustion engine propulsion system with an electric propulsion system and this is what makes it more fuel-efficient. Suzuki Motors, according to him, would be an ideal partner since it has a fuel cell technology programme. Asked about the need for such a tie-up, and Prof Heizmann explained that driving such partnerships is that globally auto companies are considering alternative fuel technologies to be able to reduce carbon emissions so as to comply with stringent environmental regulations. “This involves huge costs and sharing of technology and therefore joint ventures help,” he added. On Suzuki’s strong presence in Asian markets helping Volkswagen, Prof Heizmann explained in affirmative. He stated, “Considering the fact that Suzuki has already established niche markets in Japan and India, the venture, looking at the global scenario, will also derive benefit from Volkswagen’s presence in Europe, China and South America.” Stressing that there has been no change in the design, reliability and quality standards of the Polo when compared to the one in Europe, Heizmann said that Volkswagen would keep exploring new areas. “It is equally important to experiment with new technologies to make cars more reliable and environment-friendly,” he quipped. |
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