ZF will explore new verticals, establish India as global sourcing hub: Suresh KV

Over the years, ZF Friedrichshafen AG has succeeded in localising highly technological products in India, and “this year on, we will focus on the ‘Make-in-India’ theme. We will be sourcing quality products for our global portfolio. We also hope to explore

Q: Automotive will continue to be a major area of focus over the next 2 to 3 years. Our efforts are to leverage the strengths of both the partners for a product portfolio that is growing rapidly.

Q:

How do the government policies and initiatives impact the commercial vehicle and the auto component sectors. How does the company plan to align its operations to such a dynamic environment?

Suresh: The Government has touched upon most issues. During the last 2 years a lot of corrections have been done. We are really looking forward to see the pace of implementation picking up in the next 3 years. As an organisation, we are trying to be flexible enough to adapt to all the upcoming changes, both in the products and the processes. With the experience and the skill of our workforce, we are confident of being ready for the future. The government has instilled confidence in the auto component sector. The assurance of positive policy changes and reforms are testimonials to it. Consumers today have evolved and so have their demands. This increase in demand of Indian consumers is going to play a huge role in pushing manufacturers to produce India made quality products to cater to their needs. A thrust on manufacturing guarantees creation of jobs and an improved infrastructure of the ancillary industries.

Q:

How do you see the restructuring and consolidation exercise contributing to growth? Are there any bold measures under way?

Suresh: The objective has been to bring in a more functional focus to improve our efficiencies in operations and predictability towards the customers. After having come under the same roof, we are now striving to bring in synergies within the functions, with a goal to move towards excellence in whatever we do.

Q:

How does ZF India plan to differentiate its product from competition in the future? Cases-inpoint are the manual transmission (EcoMid) and other chassis components like the V-link and Torque rod.

Suresh: Looking at the positive sentiments prevailing in the market and a good monsoon season gone by, we are positive that there will be growth in the automotive sector over the coming months. With all the above, we are working with a few business units and customers for analysing the growth in terms of volumes of the existing products as well as the new products. While those discussions are already under way, it would be a little premature