Samvardhana Motherson International Limited and Marelli inaugurate new automotive lighting plant in Sanand!
Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (Motherson), together with its joint venture partner Marelli, has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art automotive lighting plant in Sanand, Gujarat. The facility represents a significant expansion of Marelli Motherson Lighting India (MMLI) and is aimed at meeting the growing demand of the Indian passenger vehicle market with advanced, locally manufactured lighting solutions.
Spread across approximately 8,200 square meters, the Sanand plant is equipped with advanced production infrastructure designed for high-technology automotive lighting systems. One of its key technical highlights is the installation of high-tonnage multi-color molding machines ranging from 2,000T to 2,700T. These machines enable the production of complex, large-format lighting components and position the facility as the first in India capable of manufacturing edge-to-edge single-piece long lighting parts.
The plant is dedicated exclusively to exterior automotive lighting systems, reflecting the industry’s shift toward sophisticated styling, improved safety features and integrated lighting architectures. Among the innovations to be manufactured at the site are India’s first single-piece, end-to-end Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and single-piece Rear Combination Lamps (RCL). The facility will also localize production of ultra-slim headlamp modules, supporting evolving vehicle design trends and advanced illumination technologies.
Laksh Vaaman Sehgal, Vice Chairman of Motherson, stated that the inauguration underscores the company’s focus on innovation and customer-centric development. He noted that the investment enhances Motherson’s ability to deliver future-ready lighting systems tailored to the rapidly changing automotive landscape. He also acknowledged the role of customer trust and long-term partnerships in enabling the expansion.
The MMLI joint venture, formed in 2008, combines Marelli’s global expertise in automotive lighting technology with Motherson’s integrated manufacturing ecosystem in India. The new Sanand facility is the second MMLI plant in the region and benefits from proximity to major automotive manufacturing clusters, enabling efficient supply chain operations and faster response times to OEM requirements.
Frank Huber, President of Marelli’s Lighting business, highlighted that the collaboration blends global innovation capabilities with strong local production infrastructure. In addition to technological advancements, the plant has been developed with sustainability considerations. It incorporates rooftop solar power installations and plans to integrate open-access green energy sourcing in the future to reduce its environmental impact.
Motherson is a leading global automotive manufacturing partner with a diversified portfolio that includes electrical distribution systems, vision systems and specialized components. Through its Vision 2030 strategy, the group continues to expand its engineering and manufacturing footprint across multiple industrial segments.
Marelli, a global independent automotive supplier, is known for its focus on innovation and advanced mobility solutions. The inauguration of the Sanand lighting plant strengthens the joint venture’s capabilities in delivering cutting-edge, locally produced automotive lighting technologies for both domestic and global markets.
