Autoliv, Inc. a provider of automotive safety systems , announced on June 18 the opening of its new plant in India.
Located in Bangalore, the plant and will support all vehicle manufactures in India with testing and product development. This is Autoliv's ninth technical center and one of three specializing in small car safety. It is also the company's second plant for airbag production in the country. Last year, Autoliv became the first company to produce airbags in India.
"We are very proud of our new technical center, the first in India. The new facility plays a critical role in our global effort to improve safety for small cars. As we continue to develop our capabilities in India, the team here will play an increasingly important role in our global organization," said Suresh Nandagopal, President Autoliv India.
Autoliv has been supplying safety products for the automotive industry in India for 16 years. In addition to the new Bangalore facility, Autoliv has three other facilities in India.
Its sales in India are expected to grow by 36% this year to over 100 MUSD. Major customers include Maruti-Suzuki, Mahindra, Tata, Toyota, Hyundai, Fiat, Ford, GM and Nissan.
India is among the fastest growing automotive markets in the world. In 2010, light vehicle production in India is expected to reach 3.2 million units, an increase of 31% compared to 2009. This will make India the sixth largest vehicle producing country in the world.
