Rane TRW Steering Systems Ltd. (RTSSL) has announced that it proposes to expand the product range to include airbags at its plant which currently produces seat belt systems at Singaperumal Koil near Chennai. This expanded joint venture further strengthens RTSSL’s position in providing state-of-the-art occupant safety solutions to customers.
The investment is a proactive step to prepare for the trend towards higher vehicle safety. This expanded joint venture will meet TRW’s global manufacturing standards and will make 3.2 lakh units per annum initially, with a ramp-up of manufacturing capacity to 8.1 lakh units in three to five years. The total investment is around Rs. 35 crores in the next five years to manufacture both airbags and seat belts.
“We are excited to bring these new technologies to the Indian market and will work closely with TRW to delight our customers,” said Mr. Harish Lakshman, RTSSL Managing Director.
Mr. Frank Mueller, Vice President & GM, Global Occupant Safety Systems, TRW Automotive GmbH, said: “India is a very important market for TRW and we look forward to our continued partnership with Rane to bring the best of our technologies to help protect drivers and occupants here. As a global leader in safety, we are committed to providing affordable safety for all car drivers.”
The manufacturing facility will utilise the driver and passenger airbag technology developed by TRW in Germany. The airbags will be assembled out of the Chennai plant. The overall intention is to leverage the Rane Group supplier network in a phased manner.