GBB Bearings targets CV and 2-wheeler markets in India

GGB Bearings, which has been catering to the passenger car segment for over a decade, now sees greater traction in the commercial vehicle and two-wheeler segments.

Speaking to Autocar Professional at the recent Auto Expo 2016 in New Delhi, Mathias Senghaas, managing director, GGB Asia, said: “We wish to grow across segments with our strong presence in the passenger car segment. However, in the coming years, we are looking at more opportunities in commercial vehicles (CVs) and two-wheelers. We have a few breakthrough applications in CVs and customers are appreciating them. We see a promising future in these two segments.”

The company's forte though has been the passenger car segment and it offers 40 different applications including those for suspension systems, fuel injection and hinges for doors and bonnets.

Elaborating further, Senghaas added, “We are working with a number  of commercial vehicle  customers for new applications and solutions. These clients are very receptive to new technical solutions to improve truck performance. They have tested our solutions and now we are at market implementation stage."

GGB primarily engages with Tier I suppliers in India and also directly works with OEMs like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland. At present, the company does not have a manufacturing footprint in India as the volumes are not enough for a full-fledged facility. All its products are imported from China where the company has recently expanded its manufacturing facility.

“We have a strong presence in China which is our Asian manufacturing base. Recently, we have completed a new and large factory which has sufficient capacity and room for expansion. The logistics between China and India are becoming very easy. Everything we produce in China we sell in Asia. We also serve markets like Korea, South East Asia and Japan,” said Senghaas.

India remains one of the largest markets for GGB and accounts for nearly 20 percent of its overall sales in Asia. Globally, the company’s main application remains shock absorbers and it is also the best-selling product in India. It has developed a special material for shock absorbers and it has more than a 50 percent market share globally. In the two-wheeler segment, GGB is working in the area of engine, transmission, shock absorbers and accessories.

Commenting on the Components Show, Senghaas said the quality of the 2016 Auto Expo was better compared to the 2014 edition – “Not only in the number of companies but the quality of exhibitors has also become better. I think the show is headed in the right direction.”