At BMGE 2025 – The Components Show, Srivats Ram, MD, Wheels India and Director, Axles India, members of the TSF Group, shared insights into the TSF Group’s automotive advancements and global strategies. As key players in the Indian automotive landscape, Wheels India and Axles India are seizing opportunities to innovate and expand on both domestic and international fronts.
TSF Group: A Powerhouse in Auto Components
“The TSF Group, with a turnover of ₹25,000 crore, derives ₹15,000 crore from the auto components sector,” shared Srivats Ram. Employing approximately 40,000 individuals, the group’s significant presence in the global supply chain is underscored by exports worth ₹3,000 crore annually.
Wheels India and Axles India, subsidiaries of TSF, have continually introduced cutting-edge products tailored for evolving market demands. From heavy-duty commercial vehicle wheels for mining to lightweight aluminium wheels now being supplied to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the companies demonstrate their agility in adapting to shifting industry trends.
Innovations in Product Lines
Wheels India’s Portfolio
Wheels India has expanded its offerings with innovative technologies such as:
- Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS): Specifically developed for electric buses, ECAS enhances energy efficiency by reducing air consumption, which lessens the power needed for compressors.
- WATIS (Tyre Pressure Maintenance System): A pioneering product in India, WATIS maintains tyre pressure on running vehicles, delivering up to 8% fuel savings and prolonging tyre life by the same margin, as evidenced by US trade data.
- Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS): Designed for defence vehicles, CTIS underscores the company’s foray into non-wheel product innovations.
Additionally, Wheels India showcased forged aluminium wheels and steel wheels for the European market, highlighting its long-standing expertise in lightweight solutions. “We’ve been selling forged aluminium wheels in Europe for over a decade,” said Ram.
Axles India’s Focus
On the Axles India side, heavy-duty axles for mining applications and e-axle housings for electric vehicles were featured. “With the growing prominence of electric buses, we are aligning our products to meet heavier load requirements and the specific demands of EVs,” explained Ram.
Riding the Electric Wave
The surge in electric bus sales presents significant opportunities for both Wheels India and Axles India. “Our technologies, like ECAS and tyre pressure maintenance systems, are designed to provide value through energy efficiency and reduced operating costs,” Ram noted. By showcasing these advancements at the expo, the companies aim to capture the attention of OEMs and fleet operators exploring solutions for sustainable mobility.
Positioning India on the Global Stage
Discussing India’s growing role in the global automotive landscape, Ram highlighted the companies’ robust export strategies. “About 30% of Axles India’s sales and 25% of Wheels India’s sales come from exports,” he shared. Wheels India’s export portfolio includes:
- Aluminium wheels: Supplied to the United States.
- Windmill-related parts: Catering to global renewable energy markets.
- Hydraulic cylinder components: Exported to global customers.
- Larger construction and tractor parts: Targeting international OEMs.
“We are focusing on niche products that align with global customer requirements. The next decade represents a window of opportunity, and we need to act today to secure our place in the future,” Ram emphasized.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Ram sees immense potential in leveraging global technologies for domestic applications. “The market is becoming more segmented, and there are opportunities to create niches both in vehicle applications and competencies. Even if not in the mass market, niche products hold significant promise,” he explained.
The participation of Wheels India and Axles India at Bharat Mobility 2025 underscores their commitment to innovation and their ability to bridge global expertise with local market needs. As Srivats Ram concluded, “The opportunity to play on the global scale while bringing these technologies back to India is exciting and pivotal for our future growth.”