Focus on advanced product and process technology
Gabriel India, the country’s leader in ride control products, inaugurated its new state-of-the-art R&D centre at Hosur on December 23. 
Mr. K.N. Radhakrishnan, President & CEO, TVS Motor Company, presided over the function as the Chief Guest and lit the traditional lamp in the presence of other dignitaries, including Mr. Deepak Chopra, CEO, Anand Group, and Chairman, Gabriel India, and Mr. Manoj Kolhatkar, Managing Director, Gabriel India Ltd. (GIL).
With over 50 per cent of Gabriel’s revenue contributed by two-wheelers at present, the new R&D centre aims to cater to this growing segment.
Addressing the customers, partners and others at the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Deepak Chopra said: “Despite the current slowdown in the Indian economy and the automotive industry, we at Anand have not compromised on any action or investment needed for the long-term sustenance and growth of our group. This new Gabriel India R&D centre, dedicated to ride control products for two-wheelers, would strengthen our ability to co-develop with our OEM customers, right from the drawing board stage, products which are cost-effective and suitable for the Indian road conditions, to ensure superior ride comfort and safety for the Indian consumers.”
The purpose behind the new set-up is to establish a world-class centre encompassing product and 
process design and prototyping and evaluation sections. The facility is fully equipped to develop and provide any type of two-wheeler suspension products, as a result of which Gabriel would become a complete solution provider to its customers when it comes to suspension systems. The centre will offer advanced products and features, after robust internal testing, so that customers are supplied products which are defect-free and reliable. The centre also intends to provide a conducive environment for its people to encourage creativity and innovation.
Mr. Manoj Kolhatkar added: “Gabriel is the leading development partner for many of its esteemed customers who have shown willingness to work with us based on our technical capability and knowledge of the Indian conditions. The launch of this new R&D centre will make GIL adept at, and versatile in fulfilling customer needs. By this significant milestone, we will improve our speed, agility and quality of product development, thereby increasing customer confidence and satisfaction.”
In addition to the newly-established R&D center, Gabriel India has a dedicated R&D set-up for passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Pune.