In an in-depth interview with MOTORINDIA, Debasish Satpathy, President – Automotive Aftermarket, Schaeffler India Limited, sheds light on how the company’s engineering expertise, focus on innovation and customer understanding have helped keep it ahead of competition and at the forefront of auto component manufacturing.
Engineering Expertise and Innovation
Staring off by delving into Schaeffler Group’s approach to designing high-quality aftermarket products, Satpathy emphasizes the company’s commitment to innovation and understanding customer needs. “We proactively work to understand our customers’ needs and launch products that create long-term value for them,” notes Satpathy. He provides a notable example of their proactive stance during the BSVI transition, where they launched serviceable clutches, effectively increasing their lifespan by 2x.
Satpathy underlines the company’s pivotal role in addressing the complexity of modern vehicle repairs. Precision engineering, strict quality control measures, and staying at the forefront of technological advancements are key aspects highlighted by Satpathy. “Through this holistic approach, we continue to commit to customer satisfaction, thereby setting benchmarks in the aftermarket sector,” he adds.
This commitment extends beyond adapting to market changes; Schaeffler actively anticipates trends and emerging customer needs, resulting in innovative, future-ready aftermarket products. As vehicles evolve with emerging technologies, Schaeffler remains a reliable partner, ensuring its products seamlessly integrate into diverse vehicles and applications.
In addition to their core products, Schaeffler leverages a comprehensive understanding of engine, transmission, and chassis systems to support workshops in carrying out complicated repairs. Proactively understanding customer needs has been a driving force behind their success, as exemplified by their response to the BSVI regulations, where the launch of serviceable clutches not only met the new norms but also increased the life of clutches by 2x, creating substantial value for end-users.
Quality Assurance and Compliance
Addressing how Schaeffler ensures the quality and compliance of its products, Satpathy emphasizes the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence. “Our standard for quality is oriented towards meeting the expectations and requirements of customers through rigorous observation of statutory and official regulations,” he states. He further details the integration of quality into the product development process, supplier selection criteria, and advanced manufacturing techniques, ensuring products meet and often surpass stringent industry standards.
Schaeffler’s quest for continuous excellence involves a holistic approach, integrating quality management into every aspect of its operations. This framework establishes a robust foundation, ensuring the quality and compliance of their products, consistently meeting and exceeding industry standards.
This meticulous approach to quality extends to the selection and evaluation of suppliers, guaranteeing that raw materials and components used in Schaeffler products meet the required specifications. Advanced manufacturing techniques and extensive testing and validation processes certify that products not only meet specified quality and safety requirements but also stand up to the rigorous demands of the evolving automotive landscape.
ACMA Automechanika 2024 Showcase
Schaeffler has planned a comprehensive exhibit at ACMA Automechanika 2024, focusing on the BS-VI portfolio under its brands LuK, INA, and FAG. The company will also put the spotlight on its lubricant and wiper blade product range, under the Schaeffler ‘TruPower’ brand, and highlight the REPXPERT brand’s role in offering comprehensive services to garages. Digital touchpoints for customers will also be among Schaeffler’s focus aspects at the event, underscoring its dedication to staying ahead in the automotive aftermarket.
While ACMA Automechanika will provide a glimpse into Schaeffler’s existing products, it also acts as a launchpad for its innovative solutions. The company’s focus on the BS-VI portfolio demonstrates not only compliance with evolving emission standards but also a proactive stance in delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet the dynamic needs of the automotive market.
“Schaeffler looks to leverage ACMA Automechanika 2024 as a platform to engage with distributor partners and showcase our latest product ranges. The event will serve as a dynamic meeting point, where Schaeffler’s innovative solutions and commitment to customer satisfaction will be on full display”, says Satpathy.
Revolutionizing Training
Talking on Schaeffler’s innovative initiative – the REPXPERT Mobile Technical Van, Satpathy explains how it brings repair innovations directly to technicians, emphasizing the importance of up-skilling in the face of evolving vehicle technologies. Launched in 2019, the mobile training center has trained over 5,000 technicians, proving Schaeffler’s consistent commitment to technological advancement and hands-on training.
Satpathy details the thought process behind the REPXPERT Mobile Technical Van, highlighting the challenges posed by rapidly evolving vehicle technologies, “The van, equipped with advanced knowledge in areas across transmission, engine, and chassis systems, serves as a hub for practical-oriented training seminars and product presentations. An experienced team of Schaeffler technical experts ensures that mechanics receive in-depth training, covering state-of-the-art products and their proper installation and maintenance.”
The REPXPERT Training Van is more than a mobile center; it represents Schaeffler’s dedication to up-skilling technicians and preparing them for the fast-paced future of automotive technology. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has garnered significant positive feedback, illustrating Schaeffler’s commitment to providing valuable knowledge and information to its partners.
Garage professionals in India can download the REPXPERT Mobile App, an in-pocket solution that streamlines product identification and provides access to technical information, installation videos, and other smart solutions. The Mobile App complements Schaeffler’s digital offering, further facilitating the ease of doing business for garage professionals.
Pioneering Excellence in Automotive Aftermarket
In the dynamic landscape of automotive aftermarket solutions, Schaeffler India, under the visionary leadership of Debasish Satpathy, continues to drive excellence through innovation, quality, and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction. As the industry evolves, Schaeffler remains at the forefront, setting new standards and inspiring the automotive community towards a future of efficiency, intelligence, and sustainability.