Seating major Forvia has signed a joint venture agreement with Gabriel India, the listed flagship of Anand Group, to expand its automotive seating business in India and target approximately 10 per cent market share over the next five years.
The agreement, announced on October 6, combines Forvia’s seating technology, engineering capabilities and local manufacturing footprint with Anand Group’s customer relationships and knowledge of the Indian automotive industry.
Ownership: Forvia will hold 50% plus one share and control the venture; Gabriel India will own 50% less one share.
Business: Seat frames and complete seats, with access to Forvia Seating’s entire portfolio and engineering capabilities.
Entity: Faurecia Anand Seating India Private Limited.
Target: Approximately 10% India market share for Forvia Seating within five years, as an initial growth milestone.
Closure: Expected by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
The partnership is intended to strengthen Forvia’s access to Indian vehicle manufacturers and support its expansion through stronger supply chain, manufacturing and talent capabilities.
The agreement follows the award of Forvia’s first complete-seat programme in India a few months ago, according to chief executive Martin Fischer.
“When we unveiled our IGNITE strategy earlier this year, we highlighted India as a key growth driver for FORVIA,” Fischer said. He said the venture would help accelerate Forvia Seating’s growth in the country, building on its longstanding relationship with Anand Group.
For Gabriel India, Anand Group’s listed flagship, seating adds another business as the company expands beyond its established ride-control operations. Its wider portfolio includes sunroof systems, drivetrain products, noise, vibration and harshness solutions, Body-in-White solutions, synchroniser rings, aluminium forgings and automotive fluids.
Jaisal Singh, vice chairman of Anand Group, who leads its mergers and acquisitions, described the partnership as a natural extension of Gabriel India’s transformation into a broader mobility solutions enterprise.
“As vehicle systems become more integrated and technology-intensive, the ability to participate across a wider spectrum of the automotive value chain assumes strategic importance,” he said.
Anjali Singh, executive chairperson of Anand Group and Gabriel India, said the venture would combine Forvia’s global expertise with Gabriel India’s market presence and strengthen the groups’ existing partnership.
Forvia and Anand Group began working together in 1991 through a partnership in Clean Mobility. The seating venture extends that relationship into another major automotive systems business.
The announcement did not specify investment commitments, production capacity, plant locations or customers for the new venture.