Jamna Auto Industries (JAI), renowned for its engineering excellence in India, has made a significant leap by showcasing its suspension products at IAA Transportation 2024. This marks the company’s first-ever stand at the prestigious event. Sunil Laroiya, President & CTO of Jamna Auto Industries, speaking with Rajesh Rajgor, emphasized, “To enter the European OEM market, we must showcase our products directly to these manufacturers. This platform is a critical step in that direction.”
Having established itself as a leader in suspension systems in India, JAI has been a preferred supplier to almost every OEM in the country. The company’s diverse portfolio includes lift axles and trailer suspensions, products now primed to make an impact in Europe. “Every product we design undergoes a rigorous validation process for diverse road conditions,” Sunil shared. “This ensures that what we produce for India can meet global standards seamlessly.” The company’s ability to cater to the challenging demands of Indian roads serves as a testament to its engineering prowess, which is now being adapted for the European market.
Jamna Auto’s competitive edge lies in its ability to offer high-quality products at a significantly lower cost. “The raw material and manpower costs in India are much lower compared to Europe, giving us a pricing advantage without compromising on quality,” Sunil highlighted. This combination of affordability and excellence has already made JAI a trusted partner for global giants like Daimler and Volvo, for whom it is the sole supplier in India. “Our products remain consistent, whether the customer is A or B. We see no challenges in supplying the same high-quality products to European customers,” he added confidently.
While Europe is ahead of India in technological advancements, particularly in the commercial vehicle sector, Sunil is optimistic about JAI’s ability to bridge this gap. “Europe is few years ahead of India in technology, but with our strong engineering background, we’re not far behind. Any gaps can be addressed in the coming years,” he remarked. This positive outlook is bolstered by JAI’s existing presence in the European aftermarket, where it has been supplying springs. This success in the aftermarket has laid a solid foundation for the company’s strategic pivot toward OEMs.
The company’s decades of expertise in manufacturing leaf springs—a product contributing over 70% of its OEM share in India—forms the backbone of its global expansion plans. “Springs are our bread and butter, and we’re globally recognized for them,” Sunil said. “We’ll begin with leaf springs and gradually expand into other suspension products for the European market.” By leveraging its reputation and expertise, JAI aims to build lasting partnerships with European OEMs and strengthen its foothold in the market.
Earlier this year, JAI also participated in Automechanika Frankfurt 2024, unveiling an expanded range of aftermarket solutions tailored for the European market. At the event, the company introduced OEM-quality trailer components, including bushes, equalizers, and its well-established leaf springs. This move highlighted its commitment to addressing the evolving demands of European customers. Known for its rapid product development cycle, JAI can deliver new solutions for vehicle applications in just four to six weeks. This agility has further reinforced its position as a reliable and innovative player in the highly competitive European aftermarket space.
JAI’s participation at IAA Transportation 2024 represents more than just a display of its products; it is a declaration of its long-term ambitions in the global market. With a focus on continuous improvement, the company aims to meet the exacting standards of European OEMs while leveraging its cost-efficient production capabilities. “This is just the beginning,” Sunil concluded. “We are committed to working on customer requirements and making significant strides in the European market soon.”
By combining its Indian engineering expertise with a forward-looking approach to global standards, Jamna Auto Industries is poised to become a significant player in Europe’s commercial vehicle industry. With its consistent product quality, cost advantages, and a strong foundation in both OEM and aftermarket segments, the company is well-positioned to make its mark on a global stage.
