Marelli and Motherson Unveil Advanced Lighting Plant in Sanand, India

Marelli and Motherson Launch New Automotive Lighting Facility in Sanand

In a significant move for the automotive industry, Marelli, a leading global technology supplier, has joined forces with its partner Motherson to inaugurate an advanced lighting manufacturing plant in Sanand, Gujarat. This facility, part of the Marelli Motherson Lighting India (MMLI) joint venture, is set to revolutionize automotive lighting in India with innovative technologies and high-performance solutions for the burgeoning passenger vehicle market.

A Step Forward in Lighting Technology

The plant's opening marks a pivotal achievement for MMLI, amplifying its influence in the Indian automotive sector. Frank Huber, President of Marelli's Lighting Division, emphasized the plant's role in bringing cutting-edge lighting technologies to Indian customers. He noted that this initiative combines global innovations with robust local manufacturing capabilities, creating a synergy that aims to fulfill the evolving needs of the market.

According to Huber, since its establishment in 2008, the joint venture has thrived on Marelli's technology leadership and Motherson's operational excellence and customer relationships. The commitment to delivering premium products remains at the forefront of their mission.

Committed to Innovation and Sustainability

Laksh Vaaman Sehgal, Vice Chairman of Motherson, reiterated the significance of this new plant: "This cutting-edge automotive lighting facility showcases our commitment to innovation and exceptional customer service. This investment is pivotal in our strategy to provide advanced, future-ready lighting solutions."

The facility will focus on producing high-performance exterior lighting systems, reflecting India’s increasing demand for sophisticated automotive technologies. Notably, MMLI is set to introduce several advanced lighting technologies previously unseen in the Indian market. The plant plans to manufacture single-piece, end-to-end lamps, spanning nearly two meters across vehicles, which will yield uniform light distributions in both front and rear components. Additionally, the launch of India’s slimmest headlamp modules—measuring just 17 millimeters—will offer new design possibilities and improved performance.

Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities

The design and engineering of the Sanand facility hold several industry-firsts for India. It features heavy-duty injection molding machines and an architectural framework designed to support heavy tooling. The introduction of specialized overhead cranes will enhance the manufacturing process, marking a first in lighting plants within India. This plant not only elevates production capabilities but is also strategically positioned to adapt to customer specifications, allowing customizable lighting configurations such as adaptive driving beams and ambient lighting.

Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability drives the operational ethos of the new facility, with rooftop solar panels and plans to secure green energy through open-access sourcing. Contributing to environmental initiatives, MMLI has committed to planting 1,700 trees in the surrounding area, enhancing CO² absorption and enriching the local ecosystem.

With this latest addition, Marelli strengthens its foothold in the Indian market, expanding its operational portfolio to 16 production sites and three research and development centers across the country. Supported by strong customer relationships and partnerships, Marelli is poised to spearhead growth and innovation within one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets.

A Look at Marelli's Legacy

Marelli's legacy as a global mobility technology provider focuses on cooperation with partners and clients to craft a safer and more connected automotive future. With a workforce of about 40,000 globally and a presence in over 150 locations, Marelli continues to be an innovator in the automotive sector, striving to shape the future of mobility.

As MMLI prepares to unveil its innovative lighting solutions, the anticipation builds for how these advancements will reshape vehicle design and safety standards in India, setting a new benchmark for the automotive lighting industry.