Wabco Agrees to Sell Steering Components to OEM in India
Wabco Holdings Inc. reached an agreement with Tata Motors, India’s largest vehicle manufacturer, to supply that original equipment manufacturer with hydraulic power steering systems for Tata’s new line of heavy-duty trucks.
Those vehicles are expected to be subject to India’s new axle weight-load regulations. According to India’s Economic Times newspaper, the government plans to increase the maximum allowable axle load and gross vehicle weight by 20-25%. The increase would bring the country’s permissible truck-axle load limits to those now in effect in other developed nations. Sales of commercial vehicles in India last year increased by more than 25%.
Wabco said its M110 heavy-duty hydraulic power steering gears and assemblies meet Tata Motors’ power-steering performance and reliability requirements.
The deal with Tata Motors is another example of Wabco’s commitment to expand its steering business beyond the United States, according to Wabco. “This landmark steering technology agreement with Tata Motors in India is another example of Wabco’s powerful ability to globalize our rich technology portfolio,” said Jorge Solis, president of the truck, bus and car OEM division. “Further augmenting our advanced driver assistance and braking systems with our industry-leading steering capability makes Wabco uniquely placed to serve OEMs in every market.”
Wabco also said the steering system it will supply to Tata Motors is a key component in its goal to develop autonomous trucks.
The total value of the agreement with Tata Motors was not disclosed. In 2017, Wabco reported sales of $3.3 billion. It has nearly 15,000 employees in 40 countries.
