For more than a century, SKF GmbH has been a quiet force behind mobility—keeping engines spinning, wheels rolling and machines running. But today, as the automotive world reshapes itself faster than ever, the company finds itself in the middle of a profound transformation.
Global Tech Centre India, SKF India; Olaf Henning, President – Global Vehicle Aftermarket, SKF GmbH;
and Gaurava Mishra, VP – Vehicle Aftermarket, SKF Indiaa
Electric vehicles are rising, hybrids are growing, hydrogen is gaining early traction, and internal combustion engines are still very much alive. Many suppliers feel the pressure of choosing sides. However, SKF, which provides dynamic solutions such as bearings, seals, wheel ends, lubricants, powertrains, and driveline systems for all kinds vehicles, is responding to the transformation, Mr. Olaf Henning, President – Global Vehicle Aftermarket, SKF GmbH, has said.
During an interaction with MOTORINDIA he said, bearings are “drivetrain agnostic.” Whether it’s an ICE engine, a hybrid setup, a full EV, or a futuristic hydrogen powertrain, “SKF’s components continue doing what they’ve always done: keeping vehicles moving efficiently and safely,” he said. It has taken more than 100 years of expertise to reach this point, but SKF sees it as just another step in a never-ending evolution.
Electric vehicles brought a new pressure to the engineering table: every bit of resistance matters. More friction means less range. Less range means unhappy customers. SKF realised that better bearings could add a few kilometers of extra range on the same battery. It sounds small, but in an EV, that’s a big win, he pointed out.
To make this possible, OEMs are redesigning powertrains—compact layouts, lower friction, quieter NVH performance, and better efficiency, all of which reduce CO₂ and bring down the total cost of ownership, Mr. Alagesan Thasari, Director & Head of Automotive Business – India & South East Asia, Global Tech Centre India, SKF India, said. India, too, is seeing rising demand for premium components as electrification picks up pace and regulations align more closely with global standards, he added.
Technicians across India are facing an invisible challenge. Vehicles are getting more complex—remote diagnostics, EV safety protocols, hybrid systems—but training hasn’t always kept up.
Many workshops simply haven’t seen the latest technologies in action. Speaking on this issue, Mr. Gaurava Mishra, VP – Vehicle Aftermarket, SKF India, said, the company sees this gap clearly. Globally, and increasingly in India, they offer mechanics what they need most today: information, tools and training. Not just a manual, but online tutorials, hands-on workshops, and clear processes that simplify complex repairs. It’s an effort to ensure no mechanic feels left behind in the industry’s transformation.
