ATS bets on safety and simulation products in India market

Automotive Test Systems (ATS), one of the largest suppliers of test equipment for active and passive safety, ranging from simulation to validation and vehicle durability, is bullish on the India market.

The company, which participated at the Automotive Testing Expo in Chennai last month, displayed component testing systems targeted at suppliers including test rigs for radiators, gearboxes, steering and tyres as well as multi-component test rigs for the entire cars.

According to S Ramanathan, managing director, ATS Group, “After two years of sluggish growth, the auto industry is now gearing up for speedier growth. We see business traction across all segments. There will be a lot of investment on the safety front from the government itself. Also, with more airbags now being offered on cars means more requirement for testing equipment. We are looking at passive safety as one of the key areas (for growth).”

At present, ATS is working with government bodies like NATRiP and ARAI and also OEMs like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS Motor Co, Ashok Leyland, Maruti Suzuki, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, Renault-Nissan, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India and Tier I suppliers like Continental, Bosch, TRW, Mobis, Rane, Takata and Brakes India.

Simulation and safety is a focus area for the company, and it is currently working with nearly 35 customers in India in this sector. Also, following its tie-up with Amrita University of Coimbatore for engineering services last year, ATS has received an encouraging response from industry. Thus far, it has implemented over 50-60 projects for both Indian and overseas clients.