Upfront

We have a very good supplier base and we strategise everything with an inclusive approach: Robert Frittrang

We have a very good supplier base and we strategise everything with an inclusive approach: Robert Frittrang

German luxury carmaker BMW has increased the level of localisation in its cars assembled at the Chennai plant by upto 50%. The Managing Director of BMW Plant Chennai Robert Frittrang explained Bhargav TS on the strategy and the challenges faced during the localisation program. Edited excerpts: Q: Congratulations on achieving 50% localisation, so what is your next target? Frittrang: Always[Read More…]

by August 3, 2015 Upfront
“Sense, Plan, Act comprises integrated active and passive safety technologies that save lives and enhances vehicle dynamics”

“Sense, Plan, Act comprises integrated active and passive safety technologies that save lives and enhances vehicle dynamics”

Continental Automotive Components India (P) Limited develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tyre manufacturer and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated sales of approximately Euro 34.5 billion with its 5 divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tyre, and ContiTech. Continental[Read More…]

by June 30, 2015 Upfront
“Demand for castings may grow three-folds in next 10 years”

“Demand for castings may grow three-folds in next 10 years”

The Indian foundry industry produces various types of metal castings and cast components for applications in power, automotive, defense, railways, machine tools, agro machinery, tractor industry, earth moving and mining machinery, electrical machinery, oil and natural gas, etc. It is also instrumental in helping make vehicles lighter in weight. It generates revenue of USD 18 billion with exports of over USD 2 billion,[Read More…]

by June 30, 2015 Upfront
Our main goal is to expand the business in India – Takeshi Fujino

Our main goal is to expand the business in India – Takeshi Fujino

  Yokohama India, the fully owned subsidiary of Yokohama Rubber Company, recently commenced commercial manufacturing at its plant in Bahadurgarh, Haryana which is its first plant in the country. Takeshi Fujino, Managing Director, Yokohama India, spoke to J Srikant on the significance of the new plant for Yokohama Rubber Company globally and how it plans to grow its footprint in[Read More…]

by January 26, 2015 Upfront
We expect the industry to grow in early single digits: Ramesh Suri

We expect the industry to grow in early single digits: Ramesh Suri

Ramesh Suri, the newly elected President of Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), has taken over the reins at a time when the industry has probably bottomed out. Tasked with the responsibility of restarting the industry on the path to growth, the ACMA President tells J Srikant about his top priorities, the pain points of the industry that need[Read More…]

by January 8, 2015 Upfront
Systems aligned to adapt to market changes

Systems aligned to adapt to market changes

RSB Group, rich in both personal and professional culture, believes that winning the Deming Prize enabled it to imbibe the TQM approach in every breath of its activity to attain business excellence at all times. Chairman R K Behera shared his views with J Srikant, on the group’s plan going forward. Edited excerpts:   Q: How do you see the[Read More…]

by January 6, 2015 Upfront
Tyre makers must reduce impact on human health and bio-diversity

Tyre makers must reduce impact on human health and bio-diversity

Tyre manufacturers across the world are faced with several challenges including identifying materials that are not fossil fuel based. Michelin, on its part, is working on several new technologies. T Murrali caught up with Dominique Aimon, Vice President – Technical and Scientific Communication, Michelin Group recently to get his perspective on the challenges and Michelin’s solutions. Edited excerpts: Q: I[Read More…]

by October 29, 2014 Upfront
Continental wants to provide Safe and Intelligent Mobility for everyone, no matter where they live and work: Matthias Matic

Continental wants to provide Safe and Intelligent Mobility for everyone, no matter where they live and work: Matthias Matic

Continental Automotive Brake Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Continental, has recently relocated its hydraulic brake systems plant to a new production facility in Gurgaon. The plant’s new 7000 square metre production facility is capable of producing around 1.5 million calipers, boosters and drum brakes, to cater to increasing demand from OEMs. Matthias Matic, Global Head of Hydraulic Brake[Read More…]

by October 29, 2014 Upfront
The mid and long term prospects for Indian auto market is promising

The mid and long term prospects for Indian auto market is promising

Despite continuing slowdown in the auto industry, Halla Visteon Climate Systems India Limited (HVCSIL) is confident of growth and as supporting plans in place. The  Managing Director of the company Amit Gupta, who is also the South Asia Operations Director spoke to T Murrali to share his views of the company’s strategy. Edited excerpts:   Q: As the one responsible for HVCC South[Read More…]

by August 5, 2014 Upfront, Web Exclusive
Awards bring more challenges: Sat Mohan Gupta

Awards bring more challenges: Sat Mohan Gupta

Chennai headquartered Comstar Automotive Technologies Private Limited has won the prestigious Ford Global Supplier Excellence Award in ‘Silver’ category for the supply of starter assemblies. The CEO of the company, Sat Mohan Gupta shares his views with T Murrali on the journey towards this coveted recognition and the way forward. Edited excerpts:   Q: Congratulations on getting the Silver Medallion[Read More…]

by July 28, 2014 Upfront