Tata AutoComp and Ichikoh Forge 50:50 Joint Venture to Acquire Valeo India’s Automotive Lighting Business!

In a significant development for the Indian automotive components industry, Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd has announced plans to establish a 50:50 joint venture with Ichikoh Industries Ltd of Japan. The collaboration is aimed at acquiring the automotive lighting business of Valeo India Private Ltd, marking a major strategic expansion for both companies in India’s rapidly growing vehicle lighting segment.

The proposed joint venture will take over the operations of Valeo Lighting Systems India, subject to necessary statutory and regulatory approvals. While the definitive agreements are still being finalized, this move signifies a powerful alignment between a leading Indian Tier-1 supplier and a globally recognized Japanese automotive lighting expert.

For Ichikoh Industries, a 120-year-old company majority-owned by Valeo (61.2%) and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, this venture represents its first direct entry into the Indian market. In FY 2024, Ichikoh posted revenues of ¥124 billion, underscoring its scale and expertise in advanced lighting technologies. The company’s deep legacy in delivering innovative lighting solutions for automakers worldwide adds immense value to the partnership.

On the other side, Tata AutoComp, a key player in India’s auto component landscape and part of the Tata Group, brings its strong local manufacturing footprint, customer relationships, and operational excellence to the table. With 68 manufacturing units across the globe, over 20,000 employees, and a diverse product portfolio that serves passenger vehicles, CVs, EVs, tractors, two- and three-wheelers, the company is already a trusted name across OEMs. Tata AutoComp operates via 20 business divisions, including ten successful global joint ventures, making it a seasoned collaborator in cross-border partnerships.

This joint venture is expected to reinforce Tata AutoComp’s position in high-value component segments and offer a robust platform for Ichikoh to scale its technologies in one of the world’s largest automotive markets. With lighting becoming a critical differentiator in vehicle design, safety, and branding, the Indian market presents immense potential for growth, especially with the accelerating shift toward electric and autonomous mobility.

Once completed, the joint venture will not only strengthen the supply chain for advanced lighting systems in India but also deepen the technology transfer and localisation efforts, helping automakers access world-class lighting solutions that meet global standards.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve toward smarter, safer, and more efficient vehicles, this alliance is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s next generation of automotive lighting innovation.