ZF Group Expands Operations in India as European Markets Stall

Sarah J · 2026-02-12T15:59:21.000Z

ZF Group, the Germany-based automotive technology and component giant, is strategically deepening its presence in India’s rapidly evolving automotive market, even as demand in traditional European markets remains largely flat. According to company executives speaking at ACMA Automechanika 2026, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing global markets for aftermarket and mobility technologies. Markus Wittig, Senior Vice-President of ZF Aftermarket, explained that with Europe’s automotive aftermarket stagnating, the company is focusing expansion efforts outside its home market, with India clearly in the spotlight. This shift involves broadening ZF’s product portfolio in the country and strengthening partnerships across original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and service ecosystems. According to ZF leadership, India’s automotive landscape has matured rapidly, with no significant gap between demand growth here and in Europe. The company is planning to bring its complete range of passenger car and truck products to the Indian market balancing locally sourced manufacturing with targeted imports. Abhishek Verma, Director for ZF Automotive’s Aftermarket business in India, noted that rising vehicle complexity driven by electrification, software-defined vehicles, sensors, and advanced driver assistance systems is reshaping maintenance and aftermarket demand. Customers increasingly prioritise uptime, safety and longevity, creating opportunities for technology-led solutions. Akash Passey, President of ZF Group India, highlighted that while the EV aftermarket in India has yet to achieve high volume, it complements existing core business segments and aligns with the long-term trajectory of electrification and vehicle technologies. The company is also advancing localisation efforts and supply chain capabilities to support both domestic growth and exports. The strategic pivot toward India comes amid broader global trends where automotive players are increasingly diversifying beyond traditional markets, leveraging India’s growing demand, cost-competitive manufacturing landscape, and improving regulatory and trade frameworks.

Member Login Get Access

ZF Group Expands Operations in India as European Markets Stall | SEINET