Musashi Kicks Off Production of EV Two-Wheeler E-Axles in India
New Delhi, 24 June 2024: Musashi Auto Parts India Pvt Ltd (Musashi), a fully owned subsidiary of Japan’s Musashi Seimitsu Industries, has officially begun mass production of electric vehicle (EV) two-wheeler e-axles at its Bangalore facility. This marks a significant milestone for Musashi as it strengthens its foothold in the burgeoning Indian EV market and supports the country’s transition to green mobility.
The production of e-axle began on June 5 and the formal launch took place at the company’s sophisticated manufacturing facility in Bangalore. This event signalled the organization’s dedication to the localisation & development of India’s electric vehicles sector with sophisticated automotive solutions.
With an initial production capacity set at 10,000 e-axles per month, Musashi aims to scale up this figure in subsequent phases by introducing additional production lines starting in the third year. The e-axles, designed to be compact, lightweight, and quiet, are engineered to enhance performance and range, offering a superior riding experience for electric two-wheeler users.
Naoya Nishimura, CEO of Musashi India & Africa Region, emphasized the strategic importance of this development. “The commencement of manufacturing e-axles marks a significant milestone in our journey towards accelerating the adoption of EVs in India and enabling a faster transition to green mobility,” Nishimura stated. He highlighted that the production lines are equipped with advanced technologies to ensure efficient integration across the assembly line, thus boosting production efficiency and output.
Musashi's foray into the Indian EV segment is underpinned by a substantial investment of Rs 160 crore in Phase I. This investment is directed towards establishing new assembly lines for EV transmission components and upgrading existing facilities. This initiative is part of Musashi’s broader strategy to create a robust, localized ecosystem for EV components, aligning with the rapid growth of the Indian EV market.
Musashi's entry into the EV sector in India was bolstered by its joint venture with Delta Electronics, Inc., and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, announced in September 2023. The venture, named Musashi Delta e-Axle India Private Limited, sees Musashi holding a 51% stake. The collaboration aims to leverage each partner's expertise to produce and distribute e-axles for two-wheeler EVs across India, Africa, and ASEAN markets.
The facility in Bangalore, dedicated to this joint venture, houses both a motor assembly line and a drive unit assembly line. Musashi plans to achieve a localization level of two-thirds of the total cost by the end of the financial year, reflecting its commitment to reducing dependency on imports and boosting local manufacturing capabilities.
In a strategic move to further embed its e-axle technology into the Indian market, Musashi has partnered with BNC Motors to develop products incorporating their EV drive units. These units are poised to feature in BNC’s forthcoming EV two-wheeler, which is expected to compete with conventional 125cc internal combustion engine (ICE) scooters. This collaboration exemplifies Musashi’s proactive approach to integrating its advanced EV technologies into mainstream automotive applications.
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Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd., headquartered in Toyohashi, Japan, is a global leader in the manufacturing of automotive parts, including differential assemblies, transmission gears, and linkage and suspension (L&S) products. With 35 manufacturing sites worldwide, Musashi is well-positioned to support the automotive industry's transition to electric and autonomous vehicles.
Musashi is also at the forefront of innovation through its subsidiary, Musashi AI, which is driving advancements in artificial intelligence to support Industry 4.0. The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is reflected in its collaborations with global startups, aimed at contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across various business domains.
Musashi’s strategic initiatives in India are a testament to its vision of fostering a sustainable and efficient EV ecosystem. By combining its legacy of excellence in auto component manufacturing with cutting-edge R&D capabilities, Musashi is set to play a pivotal role in the EV industry’s growth trajectory in India.
As the Indian market witnesses a surge in demand for EVs, Musashi's focus on producing high-performance e-axles and drive units will be crucial in supporting this transition. The company's efforts align with broader national goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting greener transportation alternatives.
Musashi’s initiation of e-axle production in Bangalore underscores its strategic commitment to supporting India’s EV revolution. With substantial investments and partnerships aimed at enhancing local manufacturing capabilities, Musashi is poised to contribute significantly to the growth and evolution of the Indian EV market. As the company continues to expand its production capacities and integrate advanced technologies, it is set to become a key player in driving sustainable mobility solutions in India and beyond.
The information is from a press release sent to us by the manufacturer. Park+ is not responsible for any inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the below data.
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