Eberspaecher’s strategy to become a key player in India’s HVAC and climate control sector, driven by sustainable solutions is outlined in an exclusive interview with KP Singh, Managing Director of Eberspaecher India, writes Upendra Kasbekar.

Q: Could you please share how Eberspaecher’s vision and strategy for the Indian market have evolved over the years?

A: Eberspaecher has been present in the Indian market for almost 15 years now. Over this period, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to the market and our customers. As the Indian commercial vehicle industry continues to evolve, we have adapted accordingly. Our approach involves continually enhancing our product portfolio to meet the changing requirements of the market. This includes introducing new technologies and solutions that cater specifically to the local needs. We have played a significant role in the growth of the bus segment and will continue to do so by aligning ourselves with market dynamics.

Q: What are some of the key strategic goals and plans that Eberspaecher has set for the Indian market in the coming years?

A: Our strategic focus for India revolves around expanding our production capabilities and enhancing our engineering presence. We are actively increasing our investment in local manufacturing and R&D to support the growing demands of the bus industry. Additionally, we aim to broaden our product range by introducing innovative solutions that address emerging customer needs. Given the rapid growth we have observed in the Indian market over the past few years, we are confident that our initiatives will enable us to contribute meaningfully to this growth trajectory. We remain optimistic about the opportunities ahead and are prepared to play a larger role in the industry’s evolution.

Q: Could you elaborate on specific expansion plans, such as setting up new manufacturing units or enhancing your R&D infrastructure in India?

A: While I cannot disclose all the specifics at this moment, I can assure you that significant investments are being made to strengthen our footprint in India. We are optimistic about the market’s potential and are committed to scaling up our operations accordingly. Our goal is to be recognised as one of the leading suppliers of bus climate control systems in India. We are already among the top players, and we intend to maintain and enhance this position by consistently delivering high-quality, innovative solutions.

Q: Eberspaecher is well known for its advanced climate control systems. Can you highlight any recent technological advancements or new product launches tailored for the domestic  and export markets?

A: Certainly. One of our key innovations is the AC-135 platform, which is designed for both conventional and electric buses. This product line includes a heat pump system, which we refer to as a reverse cycle system, specifically developed for electric buses. This system is tailored to meet the unique climatic conditions of India while also being suitable for export markets. From our Bengaluru facility, we serve customers not only in India but also in regions like the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and even China, where we collaborate with several leading bus manufacturers.

Q: Which export markets are significant for Eberspaecher’s growth strategy, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and African regions?

A: India serves as a strategic production hub for us, and from here, we cater to several international markets. Our primary focus outside India includes the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions. We have established strong partnerships with Chinese bus manufacturers, supplying them with advanced climate control systems. These collaborations have allowed us to grow alongside them in various markets. We remain committed to exploring further opportunities in Africa and other emerging markets, ensuring that our solutions meet diverse customer needs across geographies.

Q: With the increasing emphasis on digitalisation, how is Eberspaecher integrating advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into its products and services?

A: Digitalisation is a significant part of our future strategy. We have developed a platform called EC Connected, which enables real-time monitoring of the health of our systems. This platform allows operators to assess system performance and address potential issues pro actively. Although EC Connected is currently being trialled with customers in Europe and the Middle East, we plan to launch it in India soon. This will provide our customers with enhanced operational efficiency and predictive maintenance capabilities.

Q: Sustainability is a key topic in today’s industry. What initiatives is Eberspaecher undertaking to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to a greener future?

A: Sustainability is at the core of our corporate philosophy. As a group, we have set an ambitious target of becoming carbon-neutral across all our production facilities by 2030. We are taking concrete steps to achieve this goal, such as optimising our production processes and adopting eco-friendly practices. At this event, we are making a small but meaningful gesture by gifting plants to our customers, symbolising our commitment to the environment. While this is a small step, it reflects our broader objective of creating a sustainable future through responsible business practices.

Q: How do you see the automotive climate control industry evolving in India over the next few years?

A: The industry is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing demand for passenger comfort. The enthusiasm at recent fairs is a testament to the positive sentiment in the market. We believe that as the Indian bus market grows, there will be a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience for passengers. Eberspaecher is well-positioned to cater to this demand by offering state-of-the-art HVAC and climate control solutions. Our goal is to enhance the overall travel experience, ensuring that passengers enjoy a comfortable journey.

Q: Considering the current trends, which alternative fuels do you foresee playing a major role in the future of the bus industry?

A: The bus industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with electric mobility leading the way. However, we believe that other alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, will also play a crucial role in the future. While electric buses will dominate the market, we anticipate a multi-fuel ecosystem where different technologies coexist. At Eberspaecher, we are actively working on developing climate control systems compatible with various fuel types, including CFC-free refrigerants.

Q: What are the key challenges Eberspaecher faces, and how do you plan to overcome them?

A: The Indian market is indeed dynamic and presents its unique set of challenges. One of the primary challenges is the extreme climatic conditions, especially during summer. To address this, we have developed high-capacity units capable of delivering up to 50 kW for large buses. This ensures optimal cooling even in harsh temperatures. Additionally, we remain agile and responsive to market changes, ensuring that we are always prepared to meet customer expectations. ACI

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