EVs, ICE and Hybrids Will Coexist in India: Schaeffler's Maximilian Fiedler On Mobility's Big Shift

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV AutoMate, Maximilian Fiedler, Regional CEO and CFO for Asia Pacific at Schaeffler, spoke about the company's growing focus on India, the evolution of its two-wheeler portfolio after integrating with Vitesco Technologies, and the wider technology transition reshaping mobility. He also shared his perspective on the long-awaited India-EU FTA and how it could influence the sector.

Watch: Why EVs, ICE & Hybrids Will Coexist in India | Maximilian Fiedler, CEO & CFO APAC, Schaeffler

India seems to be a major focus for Schaeffler. How would you define India's importance in your global strategy?

India is fundamental for us as a group. Its relevance is clear within the APAC region, but it goes beyond that. We approach India from two perspectives. First, we want to be in India for the Indian market across all the sectors we are active in. Second, we want India to contribute to other parts of the world, especially from an export point of view.

Schaeffler is far more than automotive. We are present in mobility, in industrial applications, and in sectors like wind and rail. India plays an important role across all these domains.

Schaeffler has also expanded its two-wheeler offerings. What can customers expect in this segment?

To understand what we offer today, you need to look at what happened in the last two to three years. With the integration of Vitesco Technologies, both companies brought strong portfolios into one system.

Traditionally, Schaeffler was strong in clutch and bearing-related components. Vitesco was strong in emission-related parts. Now, all of this comes together as a single, unified offering.

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We can deliver the entire range of engine components - fuel injectors, clutches, bearings, sensors. And importantly, this is engineered locally. We have teams in India developing for the Indian market, but also developing for global requirements.

Mobility is in the middle of a major shift - from ICE to EVs and even alternative fuels. How is Schaeffler adapting to this transformation?

Maximilian Fiedler: The shift is happening across different segments at different speeds. When you visit our booth, you can see applications for passenger cars, two-wheelers, commercial vehicles and buses.

We have committed for more than a decade to being a major provider of e-mobility solutions. One example is our three-in-one e-axle - combining the electric motor, power electronics and transmission - which we produce locally in Pune for an Indian customer.

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At the same time, ICE remains a strong market in India and in many parts of the world. And between the two extremes of pure EV and pure ICE, hybrids could become very important. India may well see hybrid solutions play a strong role depending on how the market evolves.

You mentioned India's role in local R&D. What does India contribute to Schaeffler's global engineering work?

We have strong local teams that understand the market and can develop products for India as well as for global customers. On the two-wheeler side, for example, we are already developing solutions in India that are deployed globally. This is a very important pillar for us.

The India-EU Free Trade Agreement has finally moved forward after almost two decades. How do you view this development?

It is a wonderful achievement and a significant milestone. The timing aligns with what is happening globally - stronger partnerships and selective collaborations.

The FTA is not only about goods. It includes intellectual property and deeper cooperation, which is important for both sides.

We expect this agreement to attract more European OEMs into India, but they will need strong local sourcing. For us, that is an opportunity. And it's not just about manufacturing. India's intellectual property capabilities and engineering talent are key assets.

This development also aligns well with India's broader economic reforms in recent years, including GST changes, which have strengthened the country's competitiveness.