The ACMA Mobility Foundation (AMF), an initiative by the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft of Germany. This partnership aims to foster advanced Research and Development (R&D) collaboration to support the transformation of India’s auto component industry, addressing challenges such as carbon neutrality, circularity, safety, and environmental sustainability. The MOU was signed during the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) in New Delhi.
Goals of the Collaboration
This strategic partnership is designed to provide a robust platform for industry-driven research and innovation, enabling the Indian auto component industry to adapt and thrive in the evolving mobility landscape. Through this collaboration, AMF and Fraunhofer will leverage their expertise to drive advancements in technology, sustainability, and product innovation, enhancing the growth and competitiveness of the Indian automotive ecosystem.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Vikrampati Singhania, Director of AMF and Managing Director of JK Fenner (India), expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “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. This partnership underscores our commitment to shaping a future-ready automotive industry in India.”
Vinnie Mehta, Director and Secretary of AMF, highlighted the partnership’s role in elevating R&D capabilities within the sector. “This collaboration will enable Indian companies to tap into Fraunhofer’s vast expertise and experience in applied research, helping them meet global standards while fostering innovation at a competitive cost,” he said.
The Role of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is renowned for its significant global presence, supported by 76 research institutes and over 3.4 billion euros in annual research funding. The Fraunhofer Traffic and Transportation Alliance, comprising 18 institutes, will play a central role in this collaboration, offering specialized research and development services tailored to India’s automotive ecosystem.
Dr. Johann Feckl, Director and Section Head of Precompetitive Research and International Relations at Fraunhofer HQ, emphasized the natural partnership between India and Germany in the mobility sector. “Fraunhofer possesses excellent strengths in applied research across the entire value chain of mobility, from materials to manufacturing and mobility concepts. India’s strengths in manufacturing and qualified manpower complement this well. We are delighted to conclude this significant partnership with ACMA during the intergovernmental consultations,” he stated.
Anandi Iyer, Director of the Fraunhofer Office India, underscored the longstanding collaboration between Fraunhofer and the Indian automotive industry, noting, “Fraunhofer works closely with the industry to accelerate the innovation cycle, bringing new processes and products to market faster. Our partnership with ACMA over the last 16 years has been invaluable. It is exciting to see German and Indian industries collaborate on India-specific challenges, create proof of concepts, and scale solutions rapidly, combining German engineering and Indian ingenuity for a win-win alliance.”
Future Implications
This partnership is poised to enhance technology and trade relations between India and Germany, fostering a sustainable talent pool of skilled researchers and technical experts knowledgeable in global best practices. The MOU will be effective for an initial period of three years, with potential extensions based on mutual agreement.
