The quiet gear shift under way at India’s auto part makers

tional build-to-print role of suppliers to that of co-creators and system integrators," said Arvind Goel, vice-chairman at Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd, which makes cockpit modules, seating and console systems. "Unlike Tier Isthatjoin the programme after specification freeze, Tier 0.5 partners participate from the early concept stage, taking shared responsibility for system performance, lifecycle cost and digital enablement.

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The shift to Tier 0.5 marks yet another step in the evolution of India's auto component industry. Mint reported on 3 October how companiessuch as Sona Comstar, Anand Group and Minda Corpare expanding abroad, following a playbook perfected by the Samvardhana Motherson Group. By taking control ofcompletesystemsand assemblies, these companies are joining a niche group of elite Tier 0.5 supplierssuch as Moth-

Driving the change is the global auto industry's pivot toward multiple powertrain technologies and greater software integration. Automakers are grappling with the development of electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and compressed natural gas (CNG) systems, coupled with the increasing role of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This complexity prompts original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)torely on suppliers who can manage and integrate entire vehicle systems autonomously, freeing up the automakers’ internal research and development teamsto concentrate on core next-generation technologies.