RSB Transmissions set to acquire Brazilian supplier

RSB Transmissions (I) is set to acquire DHB Automotivos of Brazil by October this year. DHB, which is a major manufacturer of hydraulic power steering systems, is currently developing a new electronic power steering system. The company says around 60 percent of cars in South America are equipped with DHB hydraulic pumps.

Meanwhile, using the Auto Expo’s Components Show at Pragati Maidan as a launch pad, RSB Transmissions showcased a range of new products form its JVs with overseas partners.

S K  Behera, vice-chairman and MD, said: “We have launched fully assembled manual/power steering gears and also auto components like steering rack and pinion, tie rod, hydraulic pump and aluminium pump in partnership with DHB Automotivos, Brazil, a $150 million global enterprise which is the largest manufacturer of passenger car steering systems in Latin America.”

He added, “These new products will enable RSB to make an entry into the Latin American market, besides other global market segments. It will also cater to existing OEMs like GM, Renault, Volkswagen, Ford, Fiat and PSA-Peugeot Citroen and host of other clients besides the aftersales market. The new venture gives an opportunity for RSB to diversify its product and market segments, predominantly from volume-constrained commercial vehicle dependence to the growing passenger car segment. Besides, it will also make inroads in the Russian market.”

In another product launch, RSB also launched the technologically advanced fifth wheel coupling for the domestic market under the RSB-Fontaine brand name and export to Fontaine Fifth Wheel of the UK. Speaking on this product, Behera said: “This joint venture with Fontaine UK will boost growth of fifth wheel couplings for RSB across India and overseas with the use of latest state-of-art-technology from Fontaine.”

Fontaine Fifth Wheel is the European division of Fontaine International Inc, the largest fifth wheel coupling manufacturer in the world. As the European arm, Fontaine Fifth Wheel produces a wide range of specialist fifth wheel and trailer coupling solutions that are manufactured to the highest standards.