Tata AutoComp Systems, established in 1995 and promoted by the Tata Group, was created to introduce advanced auto component technologies into India, catering to the burgeoning Indian automotive sector. The company specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and supply of a wide range of auto-component products and services. Operating through various Business Units (BUs), Tata AutoComp encompasses its own divisions, subsidiaries, and joint ventures to deliver comprehensive solutions to automotive OEMs across multiple segments, including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two and three-wheelers, tractors, off-road vehicles, allied industrial segments, non-auto businesses, and the aftermarket.
With a robust structure comprising 18 Business Units and nine joint ventures with leading global auto component manufacturers, Tata AutoComp boasts 61 manufacturing facilities located across India, North America, Latin America, Europe, and China. The company is actively engaged in several segments such as EV components and electricals, interior and exterior systems, thermal management, emission control and powertrain solutions, body and suspension systems, engineering services, supply chain management, and aftermarket services. Under the leadership of Vice Chairman Arvind Goel, it has made significant strides in establishing joint ventures and acquiring TitanX, which have been pivotal to the company’s growth and success.
The Passionate Leader
Arvind Goel has been a prominent figure in the industry for over four decades. Before being appointed as the Vice Chairman of Tata AutoComp in January 2023, he served as the Managing Director & CEO at the Company since 2018 and has held several other leadership positions within the company. He is leading the company with a vision to be the most trusted mobility components and systems partner.
Right from his childhood, Arvind had a passion for automobiles and soccer. As he grew, his passion for automobiles got the better of him and transcended into a four-decade career. Before joining Tata AutoComp in 2008, he had also served as President and COO of Man Trucks and various leadership positions at Force Motors, Bajaj Tempo, and Kirloskar Oil Engines. Arvind is also an active member of various industry bodies and has received several awards for his contributions to the auto industry.
The Journey at Tata AutoComp
As the Vice Chairman, Arvind plays a crucial role in overseeing the long-term vision of Tata AutoComp, with a particular focus on areas like EV components. He strengthens partnerships with global technology providers and fosters joint ventures to bring innovative solutions to the market. He also drives initiatives that expand the company’s market presence and improve operational efficiencies across all business units. He also encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to keep the company ahead in the automotive industry.
Arvind has closely followed the technology revolution in the automotive industry, particularly the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). By anticipating global technological trends, he made sure that Tata AutoComp was prepared to supply EV components ahead of the market. This proactive approach ensured that the company was ready to meet the industry’s evolving needs, positioning it as a leader in EV technology supply. He has also instilled a culture of continuous improvement and total quality management and has prioritized R&D to drive innovation and keep Tata AutoComp competitive. Arvind is focused on making the company a full-service supplier to meet diverse customer needs and hence cultivated a performance-driven culture to align teams with high standards and accountability.
Beyond his work at Tata AutoComp, Arvind actively contributes to various industry bodies. He serves as a Board Member of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (MCCIA), Vice Chairman of the Western Region Automotive Components Manufacturers Association (ACMA), an elected member of the CII National Council and CII Western Regional Council, and President of the Employers’ Federation of India. His involvement in these organizations highlights his commitment to advancing the automotive industry and fostering collaboration within the sector.
Helping Ideas Flourish
To drive innovation and growth within the organization, Arvind has built a robust culture of innovation. This has involved fostering the appreciation, recognition, and implementation of new ideas. With this supportive culture firmly in place, innovation naturally thrives. He has prioritized involving all stakeholders—employees, vendors, and customers—in the innovation process. By engaging everyone, Tata AutoComp has harnessed diverse perspectives and created a collaborative environment.
Tata AutoComp has also established a dedicated platform where individuals can present and implement their innovative ideas. This platform is supported by financial resources, ensuring that practical and creative solutions come to life. He emphasizes the vital role of senior leadership in driving innovation from the top, setting a positive example through their appreciation and encouragement of new ideas.
Under his guidance, innovation has been cultivated both internally and externally. Vendors are empowered to develop creative solutions, enhancing Tata AutoComp’s products, while customer feedback has been seamlessly integrated into product development. These efforts have ensured that offerings are innovative and closely aligned with customer needs. Together, these strategies have propelled Tata AutoComp toward sustained growth and success in the auto component sector.
Sailing through Challenges
The hardest decision Arvind took as a leader was recognizing the significant megatrend indicating that electric vehicles (EVs) would be the next major technological shift in India, a shift already established in markets like China and creating advancements in the US and Europe. At that time, the Indian auto component industry was still in a dilemma about whether to invest in battery packs and drivetrains, and there was little to no experience available in these areas. Despite these challenges, he decided to take a strategic risk and enter this technology sector.
In 2020/21, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, under his guidance, Tata AutoComp planned to establish its manufacturing capabilities for battery packs, drivetrains, and other EV components. The situation was particularly challenging, as travel restrictions prevented the partner companies from assisting with the installation and commissioning of machinery. Despite these hurdles, Arvind made the decision to invest heavily in these two areas.
This strategic approach allowed them to overcome significant obstacles. Today, Tata AutoComp stands as the number one supplier of battery packs and drivetrains in India, achieving the highest level of localization for these projects. This decision not only positioned them at the forefront of the EV market but also demonstrated their capability to adapt and innovate in challenging circumstances.
Leveraging Novel Technologies
Tata AutoComp Systems leverages new technologies by aligning with industry megatrends, customer needs, evolving sustainability goals, and global advancements. Its approach is structured and collaborative, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry:
Sources of New Technology:
- Feedback from the customers
- Industry megatrends and developments.
- In-depth PESTEL analysis to identify opportunities and challenges.
Strategies to Bring Technology:
- Develop the technology on your own.
- Partnering with global technology leaders to adopt cutting-edge innovations.
- Acquiring companies with expertise in specific advanced technologies.
Strategy for Leveraging the Right Technology
- Engaging industry experts to identify relevant technologies to leverage.
- Monitor what developments are happening globally.
- Get feedback from customers on the types of technologies/innovations they want to introduce in India.
- PESTEL Analysis
Key Achievements:
This strategy has positioned the company as a market leader in Battery Pack, Drivetrain, BTMS, and EV Chargers, securing its competitive edge.
Innovations:
Implemented: EV vehicles, BS6 compliance, lightweight solutions, modular seating and many more.
Recent:
- Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT): Tata AutoComp is the first to introduce DCT in India.
- Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS): First to manufacture LVDS cameras in India.
Integrating ESG principles
Tata AutoComp integrates ESG principles into its business operations and strategies in the following ways:
- Sustainability Alignment: Committed to TATA Group reporting frameworks for transparent progress on sustainability.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Integrate environmental and social considerations across business operations.
- Governance and Reporting: Establish governance to oversee sustainability, valuing natural and social capital, and reporting in alignment with TATA Group.
- Measurable Targets: Set and track goals, including Net Zero by 2040, through Project Aalingana.
- Social Responsibility: Support communities, uphold human rights, and promote social welfare per the CSR policy.
- Sustainable Materials:
- Reduce: Promote the use of Low-density materials for efficiency.
- Reuse: Use Waste in cement kilns.
- Recycle: Incorporate recycled materials.
- Redesign: Use pigmented materials to avoid painting.
- Renew: Use renewable raw materials.
Current Trends
Arvind points out several trends that are shaping the future of the auto component industry:
- Electrification & Sustainability
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Connected Vehicle
- AI-ML & Digitalization
- Shared Mobility
A visionary, he is already leading the company to address and even stay ahead of these trends in the following ways:
- Electrification – Tata AutoComp has made 2 joint ventures to bring the latest technology to India, and it is an industry leader in this sector in India. As part of its strategy for localising EV components, it has established dedicated business units to design and manufacture them. Additionally, it has implemented vertical integration.
- Sustainability – The Company is working on lightweight, environmentally friendly materials for automotive interiors and exteriors. The team is also exploring new avenues to develop materials that comply with evolving sustainability norms.
- Advanced Manufacturing – Most of Tata AutoComp’s plants are Industry 4.0 ready.
- Connected Vehicles – It is the first to manufacture LVDS Cameras and bring more products into the ADAS segment. It is also in the process of bringing various products related to Power Electronics.
- AI-ML & Digitalization – These platforms are being used for productivity monitoring and various other monitoring systems.
- Shared Mobility – The Company is aligning with the automotive OEMs’ vision of meeting the demands of Shared Mobility. It is helping OEMs with advanced technology that focuses on durability.
Green Initiatives
Tata AutoComp integrates sustainable practices across operations to achieve long-term competitive advantages while improving quality of life. The company aligns its values with customer, employee, partner, and community expectations, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and economic targets to ensure sustainable growth.
- Environmental Initiatives: Tata AutoComp actively supports global climate action by reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, optimizing resource efficiency, preventing pollution, and conserving biodiversity. Efforts include reforestation and achieving a net positive impact on ecosystems while adhering to strict environmental regulations.
- Stakeholder Empowerment: A safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace is a priority. The company fosters diversity, safeguards human rights, and emphasizes employee health and safety. It engages communities through social responsibility initiatives and collaborates with stakeholders to address sustainability concerns effectively.
- Business Sustainability: Sustainability is embedded in the company’s decision-making, focusing on mitigating climate change risks. It promotes green revenue growth by developing environmentally friendly products and building a sustainable value chain. Comprehensive risk assessments ensure the identification and mitigation of potential sustainability risks.
- Ethical Practices: It upholds integrity and transparency, implementing robust anti-corruption measures and continuously improving environmental, health, and safety performance across its value chain.
- Policy Implementation: Guided by a dedicated governance structure, the company monitors its progress on sustainability goals, including achieving Net Zero by 2040 under Project Aalingana. Training, stakeholder engagement, and measurable targets drive continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with Tata Group’s sustainability frameworks.
A Great Place to Work At
Tata AutoComp has several initiatives in place to develop and support its employees and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.
- Culture of Growth
Life at the company combines professionalism with a vibrant culture of collaboration, respect, and support. The environment fosters growth through continuous learning, innovation, and integrity, celebrating achievements while nurturing a sense of belonging and purpose. As part of their strategy to mentor and shape tomorrow’s leaders, they focus on recruiting young talent.
- Diversity & Inclusion
It prioritizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and respected. The inclusive policies foster equal opportunities and embrace diverse perspectives, building a workplace that encourages respect and drives innovation.
- Corporate Social Responsibility
The CSR initiatives reflect the company’s dedication to sustainable growth and community welfare. The initiatives range from education and health programs to environmental conservation, embodying their values of integrity, responsibility, and excellence. They strive to make a positive impact on society, combining corporate responsibility with career advancement opportunities.
Awards
Tata AutoComp Has Received Global Recognition with Two Deming Prize Awards, in a recently concluded ceremony in Tokyo, Japan
Two of Tata AutoComp’s business units, Tata Ficosa and Tata AutoComp’s Composites Division, have won the prestigious Deming Prize Awards for 2024. Tata AutoComp’s Composites Division is the first entity in the global composites industry to receive this recognition, while Tata Ficosa is the first auto-component company in India to win the Deming Prize in the Vision Systems product category. The Deming Award presented by JUSE [Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers] Japan honours organizations excelling in quality management.
Tata AutoComp has been recognized as a Future Ready Organisation for 2024-25 by The Economic Times and named the Best Organisation for Women in 2023 and 2024 by ET Now and The Economic Times.
Quote: “Innovation and technology, driven by a commitment to quality and societal responsibility, are the pillars of progress. It is through effective leadership development that we bring this vision to life, ensuring that every step forward creates lasting, meaningful change.”
Quote: “Our mission is to deliver value to all stakeholders by differentiation through safety, quality and constant innovation.”
Quote: “Tata AutoComp is targeting a 3X growth over the next 5 years across the Automotive, Railway, Aviation, and Energy sectors.”
The Vision:
Tata AutoComp aspires to lead the future of mobility by building trust through customer satisfaction, ethical practices, and quality excellence. We envision a safer, sustainable world by advancing environmental, social, and governance goals with zero harm. Through global and industry-agnostic partnerships, we aim to drive innovation in engineering, energy, and electronics, delivering cutting-edge solutions across the automotive, railways, defence, and airways sectors. We strive to become the most valued auto components player and technology leader in India as we realize this vision.
Prioritizing Customers:
At Tata AutoComp Systems, customer needs and satisfaction are integral to the operations. The company actively captures customer voice to enhance customer-centric processes and refine its product and technology development. This ensures that customers receive products of the right quality, equipped with advanced technology, delivered on time, and offered at the right price. This comprehensive approach consistently delivers exceptional value and satisfaction.
Visit Digital Magazine
