FROM SUSPENSION TO SUNROOFS

Gabriel India's transition into a multi-product auto components maker, especially sunroofs, has added to its growth.

- KARAN DHAR

GABRIEL INDIA, the flagship company of the $2.2 billion Anand Group, has been on expansion mode. The shock-absorber maker, which produces auto components for ride-control, was the first mover in India's electric scooter space, and currently accounts for over half of the electric two-wheeler market. As demand for feature-rich cars increased, the company latched on to the premiumisation trend by entering into a joint venture with Dutch sunroof maker Inalfa Roof Systems.

Gabriel India began manufacturing shock absorbers and front forks for twoand three-wheelers in the 1990s. It is now among the Top 3 players in the two-wheeler segment, and the market leader in three-wheelers. From a single product, suspension systems, it has transitioned into a multi-product company by foraying into sunroofs. According to Elara Capital, sunroof penetration of the PV market is set to increase to 40% by FY27, from the current 25%.

Earlier this year, Gabriel strengthened its position in the suspensions market with the strategic acquisition of Marelli Motherson Auto Suspension Parts, a Pune-based joint venture between Marelli Europe and Motherson International. The move is expected to give Gabriel an additional production capacity of 3.2 million shock absorbers and 1 million gas spring units, a new product line that has long been part of the firm's strategic vision.

“This acquisition will improve our position in the suspensions market, enhance capabilities and expand the product portfolio, which will help us drive our growth trajectory,” Atul Jaggi, MD, Gabriel India, said in an analyst call after the company’s Q3 earnings.