Continental breaks ground for new plant in Pune
Continental has held the groundbreaking of its green field plant in Talegaon, Pune, dedicated to its powertrain business. Around 30 million euros (Rs 240 crore) are planned to be invested in infrastructure and buildings until 2020. Production start is scheduled for early 2020 for various drivetrain products including engine management systems, sensors and actuators as well as fuel and exhaust management components for passenger cars, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles.
Klaus Hau, Executive Vice President, Powertrain Components Business Unit, said, “India plays a central role in our global growth strategy. Due to the increasing stringent emission legislation in the automotive market, including two-wheeler market, we are expecting a growing demand for low-emission technologies. Through this investment, we are expanding our involvement in this important market, thereby ensuring that we will better satisfy the customers’ growing demand.”
Prashanth Doreswamy, Market Head, Continental India and Managing Director, Continental Automotive India, said, “This investment reinforces our commitment to the Indian market. Continental has been growing ahead of the market in India. To continue doing so, we need to invest both in technologies of tomorrow and expand our reach in the market. Wih this investment in our powertrain business, Continental will better support India’s drive for cleaner air.”
Continental has invested around 260 million euros (Rs 2100 crore) in India during the 10-year period from 2008 for its various businesses. The company is supporting customers in their transition to BS-VI emission standards and the company will invest in enhancing combustion engines and electro-mobility. In December 2018, Continental announced groundbreaking of green field facility in Pune to manufacture premium surface materials for the automotive interior for 22 million euros (Rs 180 crore). The company recently announced an additional R&D facility in its existing automotive plant in Gurgaon.