Gabriel India, part of Anand Group, has signed a technical collaboration and alliance agreement with the Dutch-based Inalfa Roof Systems to manufacture sunroofs for the Indian automotive market. Inalfa has a presence in 15 locations worldwide.
The newly formed Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems (IGSS) which will initially be a wholly owned subsidiary of Gabriel India, will manufacture sunroofs for PVs at a new plant near Chennai that will start operations in Q1CY24 at a projected $22 million investment.
The alliance will see Gabriel India, enter a new segment that is fast garnering favour, especially with SUV and younger car buyers, a press release from the company said. IGSS will be converted into a joint venture between Inalfa and Gabriel India, with the former holding 51% shareholding.
Initially, the JV will be serving Kia and Hyundai India from the new facility, and will actively look out for new collaborations with more OEMs.
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Anjali Singh, Executive Chairperson, Anand Group, noted that the alliance reflects the group’s belief of “Connected to the Ground, Open to the Sky”, which is perfectly in sync with Inalfa’s slogan of “we open up your world with every drive.”
She added that the partnership further supports the Government’s AtmaNirbhar manufacturing drive and provides the company’s OEM customers with a domestic and resilient supply chain for sunroofs; expanding its product range while creating over 250 direct and indirect jobs in India.
Linda Gao, CEO, Inalfa Group, noted that it is a great opportunity for the company to enter into the growing automotive market in India with a well-established partner.
“We are looking forward to successful cooperation with Gabriel and Anand Group and we will leverage our unique competitive advantage to the benefit of our customers in the Indian market,” Gao stated.