As a global leader in lightweighting structures, Gestamp has observed a significant and rapid adoption of weight reduction technologies in India. “The use of hotstamping materials has increased by about 40% compared to 2016,” said Glyn Jones, MD of Gestamp India.
Jones was participating in a discussion at Autocar Professional Vehicle Lightweighting Conference. Jones emphasizes that while the market in India is still maturing, there is a growing trend towards lightweighting.
“This shift towards lightweighting, which began just before the onset of Covid-19, has accelerated in the wake of the pandemic, spurred by the Indian government’s Make-in-India initiative and its export-focused policies. The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms have also evolved post-Covid-19, reinforcing the need for lightweighting in the automotive sector,” Jones said.
Jones said that current market conditions in India pose difficulties due to insufficient localisation of content, impacting both Gestamp and its clients. Despite these hurdles, the adoption of lightweighting technologies continues to rise, driven by the evolving market demands and regulatory frameworks.
Overcoming challenges
The adoption of advanced steels and stamping technologies in India has seen a paradigm shift. Traditionally, bringing mature platforms to market has been a prolonged process, especially for OEMs and large clients. However, in recent years, Gestamp has seen a different approach, where OEMs now recognise the benefits of shorter product development cycles.
“Gestamp has leveraged advanced tools and technologies, including Computer-Aided Analysis (CAA) data and G-lab models, to enhance its capabilities. These models allow Gestamp to dynamically assess and respond to client needs across various platforms,” said Jones.
Discussing gigacasting as a solution, Jones also highlighted another aspect of the lightweighting conundrum. While gigacasting offers one pathway, Gestamp’s giga stamping concept provides an alternative by optimizing vehicle structures without excessive complexity. However, this approach remains problematic in terms of the environment impact because of the necessity of importing materials and the associated environmental costs.
“The focus on sustainability extends beyond just adopting new materials and technologies. It encompasses a holistic approach to the cyclical economy, where reusability and environmental impact are key considerations,” Jones said. “Advanced lightweight materials like hotstamping and aluminium, along with cold stamping processes, are integral to this strategy.”
“As part of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) target, Gestamp will most likely achieve carbon neutrality by 2030,” Jones said. “This goal is particularly significant in India, where the company is catching up rapidly despite starting from a less advanced position compared to other regions. Gestamp collaborates closely with mills to support both its own and its clients’ sustainability targets, contributing to a greener automotive industry.”
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Jones remains optimistic about the future of lightweighting in India’s automotive sector. He believes that the ongoing shift towards advanced technologies will lead to economies of scale, ultimately reducing costs and enhancing market competitiveness. “The rapid maturation of the Indian market is evident in the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the positive trends in both passenger and commercial vehicle segments,” he said.
“The success of lightweighting and advanced materials in India hinges on continuous innovation and early involvement in the product development cycle,” Jones said.
