New Delhi: In an unique interview with ETAuto throughout the ACMA ninth Know-how Summit 2024, on Tuesday, Laurent Favre, the CEO of the French car part producer, Plastic Omnium, outlined the corporate’s roadmap for the Indian market, emphasizing sustainability, round financial system practices, and the evolution of engineering plastics within the automotive business.
Favre acknowledged the corporate’s historic affiliation with plastics however emphasised that Plastic Omnium has diversified into numerous automotive elements, together with lighting, electronics, and extra. He underscored the significance of plastic in making automobiles lighter, cheaper, and extra energy-efficient. Plastic Omnium, although not solely a plastic firm, continues to leverage recyclable supplies for environmental advantages.
Increasing footprint in India:
With a presence in India for 17 years, Plastic Omnium at present operates 4 manufacturing amenities, and is about to inaugurate a fifth one in Pune on Wednesday. Favre highlighted India’s strategic significance, not simply as a manufacturing hub but additionally as a rising technical heart for R&D. The corporate anticipates doubling its workforce in India from 1500 to satisfy the burgeoning demand.
The corporate’s present turnover in India stands at roughly 200 million euros, contributing to the group’s general 11-billion-euro income. Favre revealed bold plans to double the turnover within the subsequent 5 years, with a big concentrate on the gasoline tank enterprise, the place the market is transitioning from metal to plastic.
Plastic Omnium is the producer of the plastic tailgate for the favored Mahindra XUV700, showcasing the corporate’s dedication to offering revolutionary options for main automotive manufacturers.
Future prospects and collaborations:
Favre hinted at potential collaborations in India, particularly within the realm of CNG tanks and electrification. Plastic Omnium sees progress alternatives within the shift in the direction of plastic-CNG tank options, offering lighter alternate options to metal. Discussions with OEMs on CNG improvement are underway, aligning with the evolving market calls for, Favre stated.
The corporate is actively concerned in exploring new use instances past gasoline tanks and tailgates. Favre mentioned the opportunity of integrating extra plastic elements into doorways and different areas for weight discount and improved security. The corporate’s analysis contains clear plastic for lighting integration and exploring functions in electrical automobiles.
Capex and market enlargement:
Whereas not disclosing particular numbers, Favre confirmed the continuing capex for a brand new manufacturing unit in India. The corporate goals to cater primarily to the native market, anticipating the Indian automotive sector’s progress to eight million vehicles within the subsequent 5 years.
When requested concerning the outlook for 2030, Favre stated that, “India would proceed to be dominated by combustion engines in 2030, with a gradual shift in the direction of electrification for a cleaner setting. Plastic Omnium envisions a pivotal function in contributing to the low-carbon emission options, notably within the industrial car (CV) section, with a concentrate on hydrogen-based options.”
Plastic Omnium stays optimistic about India’s potential, with plans to evolve and innovate, contributing to the nation’s automotive progress whereas embracing sustainability.
