India’s automotive sector occupies a distinct position in Bosch’s global operations, driven by its ability to adapt to two transformative trends: electrification and regulatory convergence.
22 Jan 2025 | 4321 Views | By Shahkar Abidi and Ketan Thakkar
India’s prominence in the global automotive industry is set to grow significantly, as Bosch, the German engineering and technology giant, shifts greater focus to the country in its global strategy. With India already serving as a key center for Bosch’s two-wheeler and three wheeler division—pioneering advancements in fuel injection and ...
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India’s prominence in the global automotive industry is set to grow significantly, as Bosch, the German engineering and technology giant, shifts greater focus to the country in its global strategy. With India already serving as a key center for Bosch’s two-wheeler and three wheeler division—pioneering advancements in fuel injection and electric vehicle (EV) technologies—this strategic emphasis underscores its importance in the company’s long-term roadmap.
Andreas Dempf, Head of Sales and Customers for Bosch Mobility Solutions, articulated this evolving approach at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 in New Delhi. “So domain-wise, we take a call on which region takes the lead. For instance, in electronic fuel injection, in two-wheelers, it’s India. Electrification today, the domain lead is in China,” he remarked, adding that this decentralized strategy, which empowers regional hubs, highlights Bosch’s commitment to leveraging local expertise to address global challenges.
India’s unique advantage in Bosch’s vision
India’s automotive sector occupies a distinct position in Bosch’s global operations, driven by its ability to adapt to two transformative trends: electrification and regulatory convergence. While markets in North America, Europe, and China focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous technologies, India’s trajectory leans toward affordability and cost-efficient innovation, shaped by local consumer priorities and infrastructure realities.
Dempf noted that Bosch’s approach in India balances software and hardware innovation, tailored to meet the market’s specific needs. Areas such as braking systems, powertrain solutions, and safety technologies are being designed with India’s road conditions and regulatory landscape in mind. Next-generation vehicle architectures and enhanced computing capabilities form the backbone of Bosch’s global strategy, but in India, these are re-engineered for practical, value-driven applications.
A phased path to innovation
Unlike China, where large-scale deployment of autonomous and assisted driving technologies is underway, India’s adoption is expected to progress more gradually. This phased transition, shaped by infrastructure limitations and consumer behavior, presents Bosch with opportunities for targeted innovation. For example, ADAS and connected vehicle technologies are being tailored for Indian roads, creating solutions that are both cutting-edge and cost-effective.
India’s regulatory environment is another critical factor. The harmonization of global safety standards is accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies in braking systems and ADAS. Bosch sees this as a chance to introduce innovative systems that address local challenges without compromising on affordability.
Leadership in two and three-wheeler electrification
India’s scale and cost-conscious automotive market make it an ideal hub for the electrification of two- and three-wheelers. Bosch has already secured a strong foothold in this segment, supplying critical components for models such as the Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube scooters, as well as the Tata Nexon EV. By localizing the production of power electronics and controller units, Bosch is not only meeting domestic demand but also positioning India as a vital node in its global supply chain.
Sandeep Nelamangala, Joint Managing Director of Bosch Ltd and President of Bosch Mobility India, emphasized the importance of this alignment with global trends. “Even in the area of electrification, now specifications also start converging,” he explained, highlighting the convergence of global standards as a driver for growth in India’s automotive sector.
India’s software edge
India’s reputation as a software powerhouse further strengthens Bosch’s strategy. The company’s local workforce includes over 20,000 software professionals, providing a critical advantage in developing solutions for global automotive challenges. “Convergence is happening, and we are best suited to follow and support them in this process,” Nelamangala added, underlining the pivotal role of Indian talent in Bosch’s innovation ecosystem.
Export potential
Beyond serving its domestic market, India is emerging as a major export hub for Bosch. Currently, 10-11% of the company’s exports from India are focused on exports including the hydraulic components, but efforts are underway to expand this share, particularly in electrification. The long-term vision is to strengthen India’s role as a global supplier, although Nelamangala refrained from specifying growth targets. “I wouldn’t like to quote a target number for that, but this is clearly a focal area for us,” he noted.
Way forward
As Bosch deepens its investment in India, the country is poised to play an increasingly central role in the company’s global operations. By aligning its Indian strategies with international trends, Bosch is not only advancing its own goals but also positioning India as a key player in the future of mobility.