ZF continued its growth and expansion in India with the start of its new shock absorber production line at its regional headquarters based in Chakan, Pune. With a current annual installed manufacturing capacity of 0.7 million units, the supplier plans to increase it to three million units in three to four years.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Suresh KV, President of ZF India, said: “With the dynamic business environment of the country and initiatives like ‘Make in India’, ZF is focusing on significantly expanding its manufacturing capabilities in the country. With our wide array of products for commercial vehicles, we are already actively shaping the three megatrends in the Indian auto industry: Safety, Efficiency and E-mobility.”
The completely localized production line will manufacture a comprehensive range of shock absorbers for commercial vehicles and industrial applications as for trucks and buses, including cabin and axle shock absorbers. The production line will be established in the existing multi-product facility and will offer operational synergies with the current set-up – helping the company to optimally utilize its resources. Furthermore, manufacturing processes used in different global plant locations will be followed at this new production line.
Mr. Fredrik Staedtler, global head of ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Business, said: “The rapid development of India’s infrastructure, implementation of new norms for emissions and new vehicle loads, as well as the electrification of vehicles and scrappage policy, are all set to trigger a demand for the upgrade of commercial vehicles. As a systems solutions provider, ZF is well positioned to play a significant role in the growth of the Indian commercial vehicle sector as OEMs seek to introduce the latest technologies to their CV portfolio. For example, our 9-speed transmission technology for commercial vehicles is already BS-VI compliant.”
ZF offers transmissions, axles, chassis components and steering systems for commercial vehicles in the Indian market. The company makes steering systems with JV partner Rane TRW Steering Systems Ltd. and anti-lock braking (ABS) technology with JV partner Brakes India Private Ltd.