In an interview with TimesTech, Madhurisha Vippatoori, Vice President (R&D) & CTO, Schaeffler India discuss how Schaeffler India is evolving into a strategic innovation hub for the global group. Madhurisha, shares insights on India’s expanding local-for-global R&D model, growing strengths in mechatronics, software and electronics, and how sustainability, digitalisation, and next-generation mobility solutions are being tailored to meet both global and Indian market demands.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: Schaeffler India is increasingly contributing to global programs. How is India evolving into a strategic innovation hub for the company, and what unique strengths does the local R&D ecosystem bring to global development?
Madhurisha: India is one of the fastest-growing markets for the Schaeffler Group and has established a strong local-for-global contribution model through Schaeffler Technology Solutions Private Limited. Its engineering centre in Pune and a dedicated team contribute to virtual simulations for the organic product portfolio. Further the acquisition of Vitesco Technologies has expanded both Schaeffler Group’s product portfolio and core competencies, particularly through the Bengaluru centre and the addition of electronic solutions.
Schaeffler India’s new manufacturing plant in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu, has reinforced our focus on powertrain, chassis components, and advanced technologies. Over the last three years, an investment of Rs 1,700 crore has been made to enhance local capabilities at our manufacturing plants in Pune, Vadodara, and Hosur, and three R&D centres.
With a strength of more than 1,300 engineers, local R&D is strongly contributing to our global projects, particularly in mechatronics solutions. Global markets continue to remain a focus, with intercompany exports increasingly being driven by a strong push toward localisation.
TimesTech: The industry is moving from traditional mechanical components to full powertrain systems, mechatronic platforms, and software-electronics integration. How is Schaeffler India adapting its engineering and R&D capabilities to lead this transition?
Madhurisha: As a leading Motion Technology Company, we cater to various sectors and platforms, through an execution roadmap that spans across 8 product families. This includes two new product families – Power Motion and Control Motion, in addition to the existing six product families which are Sustain Motion, Energise Motion, Drive Motion, Generate Motion, Transmit Motion, and Guide Motion. These product families emphasize on mechatronics platforms, hardware, software, system integration solutions, and services.
With over 1,300 engineers, this transition is well underway, as teams work with both local and global OEMs. To scale operations and strengthen market penetration, Schaeffler India is investing not only in manufacturing expansion but also in R&D competencies and enhancing in-house testing capabilities to enable end-to-end product development and verification.
TimesTech: Schaeffler India is scaling competencies in software, electronics, cybersecurity, and functional safety. How do these capabilities prepare the company for next-generation mobility platforms such as EVs, hybrids, and hydrogen-powered systems?
Madhurisha: With increasing automation across the automotive landscape and other sectors in which we operate, upskilling and scaling software and electronics competencies is a high priority. As software increasingly controls complete systems and vehicles, particularly in the context of Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs), functional safety and cybersecurity have become critical and are embedded in the systems and solutions offered. On the other side securing OT and IT in our manufacturing is also high priority.
Under the umbrella of Technical Compliance, Schaeffler India is committed to continuously updating engineering competencies and expertise in these areas. This includes catering to EV requirements such as X-in-one, range extenders for hybrids, and alternate fuel powered systems.
As the industry transitions toward multiple fuel technologies and electric vehicles, Schaeffler India is positioned to offer solutions with these advancements. The company provides solutions such as e-axles, battery management systems, Thermal Management System, and light weight technologies for EVs, while also supporting hybrid and CNG vehicles through sensor’s engine control unit etc. This comprehensive approach reinforces Schaeffler India’s readiness for next-generation mobility platforms and supports a diverse range of fuel technologies.
TimesTech: Schaeffler’s product roadmap is anchored in sustainability and digitalisation. How are your R&D efforts supporting global shifts toward electrification, decarbonisation, and sustainable mobility while addressing India’s unique market needs?
Madhurisha: Sustainability and digitalisation are integral to both product and service offerings. The portfolio includes emission-reduction products, sensors, and bearings that contribute to energy-efficient drives and transmissions across sectors. Lifetime solutions and condition monitoring services provide data-enabled guidance for early detection and preventive maintenance, delivering value added services to customers.
Across all products, from incoming raw materials to end-product offerings, sustainability and digitalisation are consistently ensured. In a highly cost-competitive market like India, delivering reliable, durable, efficient, and sustainable solutions through value-added services is our focus. Strengthening R&D competencies and capabilities remains key to supporting this approach.
Schaeffler India is aligned with its climate neutrality commitment and has been operating on 100 percent renewable energy since 2024. The company continues to work with supplier partners to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
The newly inaugurated Shoolagiri plant in Tamil Nadu has been developed under a holistic sustainability framework, incorporating energy-efficient machinery, 100 percent LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, heat recovery systems, and digitalised operations. Additionally, the Large Size Bearings Refurbishment Centre in Jamshedpur supports extended bearing life and reduced resource consumption.
Schaeffler India continues to focus on lean manufacturing, digitalisation, renewable energy integration, and the “reuse, reduce, recycle” approach, while collaborating closely with automakers to support sustainability goals and address environmental challenges.
