Musashi India’s Strategic Pivot To Drive EV Innovation, Global Growth

T Murrali
05 Dec 2024
07:00 AM
3 Min Read

The company’s Bengaluru facility is emerging as a pivotal hub for EV unit assembly, setting global benchmarks and shaping best practices.


Musashi India
Two-wheeler EV unit

As the global automotive landscape shifts toward sustainable mobility, Musashi India, a subsidiary of Japan’s Musashi Seimitsu Industries, is aligning its operations to cater to the evolving demands of electric vehicles (EVs). Building on the eight-decade legacy of its parent company, Musashi India is emerging as a key player in the mobility sector, harnessing its manufacturing expertise and innovative capabilities to meet the demands of both domestic and international markets.

Expanding Horizons: A Dual Focus On Domestic & Global Markets

Musashi India’s operations primarily cater to the domestic market, reflecting its strong commitment to India’s burgeoning automotive and EV sectors. However, as the company diversifies its EV technologies, it is actively eyeing international opportunities, particularly in high-potential markets across ASEAN and Africa.

“We aim to establish a stronger global presence by leveraging our expertise and competitive offerings,” Naoya Nishimura, CEO of Musashi India & Africa Region, told Mobility Outlook. This strategic shift, aimed at complementing domestic operations, shows the company’s ambition to unlock growth avenues beyond Indian shores.

Musashi India
Clockwise from left bottom: Bawal facility, Bengaluru plant and Naoya Nishimura

Driving EV Innovation Through Strategic Collaborations

A significant milestone in Musashi India’s journey is its recent partnership with Log9, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, which aims to become a comprehensive system supplier for EVs. By focusing on advanced powertrain assemblies, including gears, shafts, and differentials for electric four-wheelers, as well as tailored EV units for two- and three-wheelers, the company is positioned to offer high-quality, innovative solutions that address critical challenges in the EV market.

In the two-wheeler EV segment, the company is addressing issues such as limited battery life, inadequate charging infrastructure, and subpar e-Axle units. Its side-mount e-Axle units offer improved reliability and performance, while proprietary battery technology enhances durability and efficiency, setting new benchmarks.

Customer-Centric Manufacturing Excellence

Musashi India’s manufacturing philosophy combines cutting-edge technology with a customer-centric approach. Its plants integrate advanced manufacturing techniques, modular production lines, and Industry 4.0 principles. These facilities are equipped to handle a diverse range of components, ensuring flexibility without compromising on quality.

By embedding sustainability into its operations—through energy-efficient practices and responsible waste management—the company is not only meeting current industry demands but also setting the stage for future growth. “Our focus on flexibility and automation ensures that we can produce customised solutions while maintaining efficiency and precision,” Nishimura reiterated.

Global Collaboration, Knowledge Sharing

As Musashi India emerges as a key hub for EV unit assembly, its Bengaluru facility is playing a critical role in shaping global best practices. The team’s expertise in advanced manufacturing techniques and operational efficiency is influencing processes across Musashi’s global operations. This exchange of knowledge reinforces the company’s philosophy of continuous improvement, or Kaizen, and highlights India’s growing significance in the global EV ecosystem.

Musashi India

From Precision Engineering To R&D Excellence

Musashi India employs sophisticated gear precision processes to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), ensuring smoother and quieter vehicle performance. Its rigorous testing protocols and advanced design methodologies contribute to the production of high-quality transmission systems for both ICE and EV segments.

The company’s R&D centre is focused on designing and developing E-Axle systems tailored for the Indian market. Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated tech centre to advance e-mobility solutions, which will support global operations and bolster India’s role in sustainable mobility innovation.

Paving The Road Ahead

Musashi India’s short-term strategy revolves around solidifying its position in the e-mobility space by introducing cutting-edge solutions like E-Axle systems for two-, three-, and four-wheelers. In the medium to long term, the company aims to expand its product portfolio to include advanced battery solutions, aligning with India’s push for green mobility and low-carbon transportation.

“Our mission is to drive sustainable growth by addressing the unique demands of the Indian automotive market and contributing to the global shift toward e-mobility,” Nishimura stated.

With a focus on innovation, customer-centric manufacturing, and global collaboration, Musashi India is poised to lead the charge in transforming the automotive landscape. By aligning with industry trends and leveraging its expertise, the company aims to shape the future of mobility while reinforcing its significant presence in the EV ecosystem.

Also Read:

Musashi Begins Production Of EV Two-Wheeler E-Axles In India

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