The Tier-1 major, known for providing advanced safety and user experience solutions to OEMs, has allocated the majority of its $45M investment towards the development and production of active safety systems and high-performance computing systems.
The Irish-American Tier-1 giant Aptiv, a global technology leader in vehicle safety, digital cockpits, and connectivity, has expanded one of its seven Indian manufacturing sites in Oragadam, near Chennai.
The company has invested over USD 45 million (approximately Rs 375 crore) in engineering and facilities to enhance the production capabilities of its intelligent manufacturing plant in Chennai. This investment aims to provide automotive manufacturers with advanced software-defined cockpit solutions. In line with this expansion, Aptiv plans to double the workforce at the Chennai facility.
Responding to the increasing demand for active and advanced safety systems in vehicles, the Chennai plant has expanded to nearly 220,000 square feet. This expansion will enable the production of sophisticated cockpit control systems and include advanced safety and user experience features like radars, cameras, and next-generation electronic control units (ECUs) for both Indian and global markets. Aptiv’s solutions are tailored to meet the evolving needs of Indian auto manufacturers and contribute to innovation in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Matthew Cole, Senior Vice President and President of Advanced Safety and User Experience (AS&UX) at Aptiv, stated that the company is committed to expanding its operations in India and is poised to develop the next generation of software-defined, fully integrated cockpit controllers for its customers. He highlighted Aptiv’s role in providing advanced safety and intelligent, mission-critical systems that anticipate customer needs and offer modern, flexible solutions that enhance vehicle platforms over time.
Cole also mentioned that Aptiv has been investing in India for nearly 30 years, and the Chennai plant expansion is a significant milestone in its long-term commitment to the region.
Arun Devaraj, Vice President and Managing Director, AS&UX APAC (Non-China) at Aptiv, emphasized that the Chennai plant already supplies high-quality components, such as integrated body control modules (iBCM), to major automakers in India. He noted that the new, smart production facility would allow Aptiv to support a broader range of clients, further solidifying its role as a crucial automotive partner in India. He added that the latest generation of high-performance and intelligent cockpits showcases how Aptiv can collaborate with automakers to design, develop, and produce pioneering solutions tailored for the Indian market.
In India, Aptiv offers a comprehensive suite of connected solutions to accelerate the shift toward software-defined vehicles. Its portfolio includes driver monitoring systems, infotainment systems, and vehicle electrification technologies such as high-voltage wiring harnesses, cables, connectors, and charging systems. In February 2023, Aptiv opened a new technical centre in Bengaluru to capitalize on local software expertise to develop advanced connectivity, safety, and digital cockpit solutions.
Aptiv employs over 13,000 people across India, operates three technical centres, and maintains a strategically located manufacturing footprint that includes seven plants. Key customers in India’s passenger vehicle segment include Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Maruti Suzuki.
