GLOBAL LEADER IN STEERING SYSTEMS ZF LENKSYSTEME STARTS MANUFACTURING IN INDIA

ZF Lenksysteme extended its commitment to the Indian market, by inaugurating its first fully-owned manufacturing facility for steering systems in India, today. The plant, situated at Phulgaon near Pune will help ZF Lenksysteme to step up its India presence and address its commitments to Indian OEMs by being there, local for local. Spread over the area of 10,000 sqm, the plant has the initial production capacity of 70,000 commercial vehicles steering systems and approximately 400,000 passenger car steerings which can be further ramped up, based on market requirements. The future work force is about 100 employees at full capacity. Mr. Michael Hankel, Chief Executive Officer, ZF Lenksysteme, said," This is an important step for ZF Lenksysteme to expand its operations in India.

We chose Pune as it gives us an opportunity to be present right at the centre of India's auto, it is home to world's second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, the world's largest forging company many other leading auto manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Daimler Chrysler, General Motors, Force Motors etc. Pune is also home to two very prominent automotive research labs, namely Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT). ZF Lenksysteme is a pioneer in steering systems globally. The company has been a trendsetter in the the field of steering systems for passenger cars as well as commercial vehicles and is widely regarded as an innovation leader.

ZF Lenksysteme already lists some of the biggest auto manufacturers in the country like Tata Motors, Volvo-Eicher Commercial vehicles, Ashok Leyland, Volvo India, Diamler India Commercial Vehicles Limited and Force Motors among others. The plant will help ZF Lenksysteme increase its footprint in India. Mr. Ronaldo Alves, Chief Executive Officer, ZF Lenksysteme India Pvt. Ltd. said, “We have already established our presence in the Indian Automobile industry through our world-class products and constant endeavour for innovation. This facility will help us strengthen our product portfolio in India. Our primary target is to achieve 80% localization in the next years. The company plans to produce its widely acclaimed products like Hydraulic Steering systems for Commercial vehicles as well as Electrical Power Steering systems for Passenger Cars at the plant.