Photo Credit: TheDialog
The ACMA Mobility Foundation (AMF), an initiative of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), on 26 October has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Germany’s Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft to strengthen research and development (R&D) in the Indian auto components industry.
The agreement, announced during the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) in New Delhi, aims to foster applied research and innovation to help India’s automotive industry address challenges related to sustainability, circularity, carbon neutrality, and road safety.
Focus Areas of Collaboration
The MoU establishes a framework for collaborative research between AMF and Fraunhofer Institutes, focusing on new product development, process innovations, and sustainable production practices. The following areas will receive particular attention:
- R&D Cooperation: Fraunhofer will work closely with Indian automotive companies to develop competitive technologies, improve manufacturing processes, and drive product innovation.
- Sustainable Practices: The partnership will promote sustainable production methods, road safety initiatives, and the adoption of circular economy principles.
- Technical Support: German technical experts will engage with Indian manufacturers to enhance processes and introduce pre-competitive technologies across the industry.
Industry Leaders Speak on the Partnership
Vikrampa Singhania, Director of AMF and Managing Director of JK Fenner (India), highlighted the significance of the agreement. “This is a significant milestone for the Indian auto component industry. Collaborating with Fraunhofer, a world leader in applied research, will strengthen our efforts to drive innovation, enhance product quality, and accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility solutions,” he said.
Vinnie Mehta, Director and Secretary of AMF, emphasized the value of Fraunhofer’s expertise. “This partnership will enable Indian companies to tap into Fraunhofer’s vast knowledge in applied research, helping them meet global standards while fostering innovation at a competitive cost,” Mehta noted.
Fraunhofer’s Contribution to India’s Auto Ecosystem
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, one of Europe’s largest applied research organizations, operates 76 institutes and manages over 3.4 billion euros in annual research funding. The Fraunhofer Traffic and Transportation Alliance, comprising 18 institutes, will play a key role in supporting the partnership with specialized research and development services.
Dr. Johann Feckl, Director and Head of Precompetitive Research and International Relations at Fraunhofer, praised the natural synergy between India and Germany in the mobility sector. “Fraunhofer excels in applied research along the entire mobility value chain, from materials to manufacturing and mobility concepts, while India offers strengths in manufacturing and skilled manpower. This partnership reflects our longstanding commitment to working together,” he remarked.
Anandi Iyer, Director of Fraunhofer India, highlighted the long-standing relationship with ACMA. “Fraunhofer has been actively working with the Indian automotive industry for 16 years. This partnership will allow us to address India-specific challenges, create proof of concepts, and scale solutions rapidly by combining German engineering with Indian ingenuity,” Iyer added.
Strengthening Indo-German Collaboration
This MoU not only enhances innovation but also strengthens trade and technology relations between India and Germany. It will contribute to building a sustainable talent pool of skilled researchers, aligning the industry with global best practices. The agreement will remain in effect for an initial period of three years, with potential extensions based on mutual agreement.
About ACMA Mobility Foundation
AMF is an initiative of ACMA that promotes inclusive growth and innovation in the Indian automotive sector. The foundation focuses on building a sustainable and collaborative mobility ecosystem by leveraging diverse strengths across the industry.
About Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is one of Europe’s leading applied research organizations, specializing in areas such as automotive technology, materials science, electro-mobility, and smart cities. With a global network of research institutes, Fraunhofer provides cutting-edge solutions to industries worldwide.
