Rajesh Rajgor recently engaged in an insightful discussion with Nirav Shah, Director of Rotex Automation, about the company’s remarkable achievements and innovative contributions to the commercial vehicle sector. Rotex’s cutting-edge solutions have gained significant traction, particularly in Europe, where one in three trucks now operates with their technology.
Nirav highlighted the company’s success in securing partnerships with major European truck manufacturers like Volvo, DAF, and Scania, which collectively hold 45% of the European market share for medium and heavy-duty trucks. “This is a great achievement for an Indian company,” Nirav said, “to be present in one out of three trucks in Europe today.”
Rotex’s standout solution is its Centralized Tyre Inflation System (CTIS), a breakthrough in Tyre management. Unlike traditional Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), which only alert drivers to low pressure, the CTIS allows for real-time control over Tyre pressure. This not only optimizes fuel efficiency by maintaining the right pressure in various load conditions but also improves Tyre lifespan and vehicle performance across diverse terrains. “The ability to inflate or deflate the Tyre pressure means we can enhance traction in muddy, snowy, or sandy environments, making the vehicle more versatile,” Nirav explained.
The CTIS has proven effective across a variety of sectors, including agriculture and defense, with over 3,000 units deployed to date. “Our system has made a significant impact on fleet uptime,” he noted. “On average, a truck experiences a Tyre puncture every five years, leading to 5 to 6 hours of downtime, but with our system, this is completely avoidable.”
Beyond Tyre management
Rotex has also made strides in emission control and safety systems. The company has developed solutions for both Euro 6 and the upcoming Euro 7 emission standards, including hydrocarbon dosers for DPF regeneration and Urea dosing applications. “We are already prepared for Euro 7, which introduces stricter emission control requirements,” Nirav mentioned.
In terms of safety, Rotex has expanded its portfolio to include ABS and EBS solutions, which are gaining widespread adoption in commercial vehicles. Haldex, one of their customers, allows them to provide safety solutions for a significant portion of the global commercial vehicle population. Furthermore, Rotex is actively involved in developing next-generation autonomous vehicle technologies, including sensor-cleaning systems for Level 4 autonomous vehicles. “The cleanliness of sensors is crucial for autonomous vehicles, and we’ve supplied over 10,000 sight walls to ensure the sensors remain functional,” he added.
Rotex’s competitive advantage lies not only in their technological innovations but also in their cost-effective solutions. By redesigning and optimizing products, they are able to offer cost savings of up to 60%, making their technologies more accessible to a broader market. “We don’t just replicate; we innovate,” he emphasized. “This is what has set us apart in the global market.”
Looking ahead, Rotex is committed to further growth, targeting significant revenue gains, with the automotive segment continuing to be a key driver of success. “We are on track to grow by 30% this year,” Nirav concluded, reflecting on the company’s ambitious future in the automotive sector and beyond.
As Rotex continues to provide solutions that improve vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency, their focus on innovation and sustainability positions them as a leader in the next generation of commercial vehicle technologies. With a strong foundation in Europe and expanding globally, the company’s journey is one to watch closely.
