Forvia Partners With Gabriel India to Form Automotive Seating Joint Venture — October 7, 2026

French automotive technology major Forvia has signed a joint venture agreement with India's Anand Group to manufacture seat structures and complete vehicle seats, sending Forvia's shares jumping over 6% in European trade. The partnership will be executed through Anand Group's listed flagship company, Gabriel India Limited, on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

The transaction, expected to close by the end of 2026 subject to customary regulatory approvals, establishes a new corporate entity named Faurecia Anand Seating India Private Limited.

Joint Venture Structure and Equity Split

Under the terms of the agreement, Forvia will hold majority control with a 50% plus one share stake, while Gabriel India will hold a 50% less one share equity position.

Key Structural Details:

• Entity Name: Faurecia Anand Seating India Private Limited.
• Shareholding: Forvia holds 50% plus one share; Gabriel India holds 50% minus one share.
• Core Product Focus: Automotive seat frames, structures, and complete seat assemblies.
• Closing Timeline: Expected by the end of 2026, pending statutory approvals.

The joint venture will integrate Forvia's global product architecture and engineering capabilities with Anand Group's established local manufacturing footprint, vendor ecosystem, and OEM relationships.

Strategic Significance for the Indian Auto Component Market

India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing passenger vehicle markets globally, driving component suppliers to localize critical modular assemblies. The new entity aims to capture an estimated 10% market share in India's automotive seating sector within the next five years.

The tie-up follows Forvia securing its first complete-seat program award in India. Chief Executive Martin Fischer noted that India serves as a key pillar under Forvia's broader "IGNITE" strategy, which prioritizes a "local-for-local" manufacturing approach.

The partnership also builds on deep industrial ties between the two groups dating back to 1991, when they first collaborated in the clean mobility segment.

Relevance for Gabriel India and Domestic Investors

For Gabriel India, which has historically generated the bulk of its revenue from shock absorbers and ride-control systems, the venture marks a decisive push into complete seating integration. Automotive seating systems represent one of the highest value-per-vehicle interior components, offering substantial content-per-vehicle growth as passenger vehicle buyers increasingly demand premium cabin features.

By pairing Forvia's seating architecture with Gabriel India's domestic supply chain network, the joint venture is positioned to pursue large-scale sourcing contracts from major Indian OEMs, strengthening Gabriel India's long-term margin profile and product diversification.

Tags: Gabriel India Forvia Anand Group Auto Components NSE BSE