ACMA Mobility Foundation Partners with Fraunhofer to Propel Innovation in Sustainable Auto Component Manufacturing!

The ACMA Mobility Foundation (AMF), an initiative by the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), has entered into a strategic partnership with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Germany’s leading applied research organization. This collaboration aims to strengthen research and development (R&D) in India’s auto component sector, addressing critical areas such as sustainable practices, circularity, and safety.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone for the Indian automotive industry. This partnership is set to deliver applied research tailored to the Indian market, driving innovation in new product development, sustainable manufacturing, and enhanced road safety. Fraunhofer Institutes will collaborate with AMF on projects that focus on competitive R&D, process technologies, and sustainable production, emphasizing circular economy principles that align with India’s environmental objectives.

Vikrampati Singhania, Director of AMF and Managing Director of JK Fenner (India), highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This collaboration with Fraunhofer is a major opportunity for the Indian auto sector. Fraunhofer’s advanced research expertise will be instrumental in creating high-quality, sustainable auto solutions that meet global standards.” AMF Secretary Vinnie Mehta further underscored the potential of this partnership, stating, “Together, we can uplift India’s R&D capabilities, providing companies with the tools they need to innovate cost-effectively and compete on a global stage.”

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, renowned for its extensive research portfolio with a budget exceeding €3.4 billion and 76 research centers worldwide, will lead the partnership through its Traffic and Transportation Alliance. This cluster of 18 institutes brings specialized R&D capabilities to the Indian automotive ecosystem, fostering applied research that supports India’s growing focus on sustainable mobility solutions.

Dr. Johann Feckl, Director of Precompetitive Research at Fraunhofer, emphasized the mutual strengths in mobility expertise and manufacturing between Germany and India: “Our collaboration with AMF exemplifies the strength of combining German engineering excellence with Indian innovation. Together, we can develop solutions that not only advance the automotive industry but also contribute to a more sustainable and safer transportation future.”

Anandi Iyer, Director of Fraunhofer Office India, added, “Fraunhofer has a longstanding collaboration with India’s automotive industry spanning 16 years. This partnership with AMF allows us to deepen our engagement and develop India-specific solutions that integrate our advanced research with local industry needs, driving shared progress and innovation.”

This partnership between AMF and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is poised to significantly impact India’s automotive sector by fostering a robust environment for sustainable and innovative auto component manufacturing. By leveraging Fraunhofer’s global research capabilities and AMF’s deep industry insights, the collaboration aims to address current challenges and drive forward-thinking solutions that benefit both the industry and society at large.