The ACMA Mobility Foundation (AMF) has entered into a significant partnership with Germany's Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft to boost research and development in the Indian automotive components sector. This strategic collaboration is expected to provide a strong platform for industry-driven research, enabling the Indian auto components sector to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. By leveraging Fraunhofer’s expertise in applied research and AMF’s extensive industry network, the partnership will focus on developing innovative products, refining process technologies, and implementing sustainable production methods. The goal is to support the broader mobility industry’s transition towards carbon neutrality and to improve safety standards.
The cooperation will target three primary areas. The first is research and development, where Fraunhofer Institutes will engage with Indian companies to foster innovation in new product development and process improvement. Second, Fraunhofer’s technical experts will offer guidance to enhance manufacturing techniques and integrate environmentally friendly production methods. Finally, the partnership will explore projects related to sustainability and road safety, focusing on the principles of a circular economy and pre-competitive technologies that can be adopted widely across the industry.
Vikrampati Singhania, Director of AMF and Managing Director of JK Fenner (India), highlighted that collaboration with Fraunhofer would drive innovation, improve product quality, and accelerate the shift towards sustainable mobility. This agreement underscores AMF’s commitment to developing a future-ready automotive sector in India.
Vinnie Mehta, Director and Secretary of AMF, noted that access to Fraunhofer’s expertise would help Indian firms meet international standards and foster innovation at competitive costs. This is particularly relevant as the industry seeks to align with global expectations for technology and environmental responsibility.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, which operates 76 research institutes globally and receives over 3.4 billion euros annually in research funding, is set to play a key role in this partnership. The Fraunhofer Traffic and Transportation Alliance, comprising 18 specialised institutes, will be at the forefront of providing research and development services to the Indian automotive ecosystem.
Anandi Iyer, Director of the Fraunhofer Office in India, pointed out that Fraunhofer has been working closely with India's automotive industry for the past 16 years, with ACMA as a trusted partner. This MOU is expected to enhance collaboration on India-specific challenges, leading to faster development of new processes and products and their subsequent market launch.
The agreement will be effective for an initial period of three years, with opportunities for extension based on mutual agreement. This collaboration is anticipated to strengthen trade and technological ties between India and Germany while building a skilled pool of researchers and technical experts who are well-versed in global best practices.
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