Knorr Bremse India (KBI) has been extremely successful in the implementation of ABS in the Indian market. Although the after-market demand has given way to the demands from OEMs, KBI’s strategy to work with OEMs well-ahead of the shift has paid rich dividend. “We Introduced ABS 8 the latest generation of Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) which was well timed with impending regulation and thus support the Indian OE to have the advanced version of ABS as in other developed parts of the world. Basic ABS8 has many features available which were available in Advanced ECU of earlier ABS6. The next generation modular ABS8 helped safeguard the customer making the ABS release future proof along with host of software features,” explains Mr. ShriKrishan Yogi, Managing Director, Knorr-Bremse India.
Having enjoyed the success of ABS in India, KBI is now focusing on trailer ABS. “There are infrastructure developments expected, new regulations like the Trailer Code, Truck & Bus body code and Passive safety will give a fillip to the use of KBI CVS products. Today we are looking at products that we can immediately add value to or look at technology acquisition,” adds Mr. Yogi.
Channelizing optimism
The market is getting good, economy is getting stronger, KBI’s increased presence at OE and the host of regulations will see the demand of KBI CVS products to go up. “This will give us an opportunity to expand our product basket as well as the market share. By 2020 we estimate that the industry will grow at a CAGR of 3-5 per cent, while at KBI we are optimistic to grow with a CAGR of 40 per cent every year. KBI’s strategy is not only to satisfy Indian customers but even global customers. We have been able to sell ourselves and exports will definitely be an important think that will add to the growth numbers. The exports will be mostly for the products like air braking system where we have expertise and new product line like dampers & etc.,” he asserts.
In terms of capacities, KBI is working on lot of additional capacities. “We have a lot of space for expansion. We have worked a lot in improving our production system (Knorr Bremse Production System). If we reach 60-70 per cent utilization our augmentation plans start taking place. This is creating a lot of confidence in our suppliers too. Moment we say expansion, it is not full assembly but many a times only few stations that have to be installed so that numbers can be increased subsequently,” he reveals. Another advantage for KBI is its technical centre. “The technical centre here in Pune gives us an edge to design products in sync with our supplier’s strength as well as the market requirements. Engaging with the customer right at the design board also gives us huge benefits in providing products at an optimized cost,” states the MD.
Further, globally Knorr-Bremse has been a pioneer in developing & innovating technologies looking at the future in 2020-2025 timeframe. “We have completed several important acquisitions during last month like GT Group based in Peterlee (County Durham, UK) thereby reinforcing its competitive position in the engine air management sector, followed by on-highway CVS transmission components business from Bosch Corporation in Japan, thereby reinforcing its competitive position in the AMT and DCT transmission sector in particular & many more. The acquisition of TEDRIVE STEERING SYSTEM means we are not only expending our integrated system solution expertise but completing an important milestone to become a substantial player in the world of automated driving”, he explains.
Knorr-Bremse has invested more than 90 million Euros in its new state-of-the-art development centre in Munich to expand its technological leadership. Through the new centre, the company aims to develop braking solutions that offer customers greater product and operational safety and enable them to comply with strict regulations, reduce the total cost of ownership, and open up opportunities to embrace new business models.
Also, for the eleventh time in succession, Knorr-Bremse won the accolade of “Best Brand in the Commercial Vehicle Industry” in the “brakes” category, a testimony to the confidence its customers and users have on the company.