Marelli Lights Up India’s Auto Future with Advanced Sanand Plant

SANAND, India – February 23, 2026 – In a significant move signaling deep confidence in the Indian automotive market, global technology supplier Marelli, alongside its partner Motherson, today inaugurated a state-of-the-art automotive lighting facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The new plant, operated by the Marelli Motherson Lighting India (MMLI) joint venture, is poised to introduce a new era of vehicle design and safety by bringing several industry-first technologies to the country.

This inauguration marks the second MMLI plant in Sanand and the eighth for the joint venture in India, underscoring a strategic expansion aimed at meeting the surging demand from India's vibrant passenger vehicle sector. The facility is dedicated to producing high-performance exterior lighting systems that merge cutting-edge global innovation with robust local manufacturing capabilities, a synergy that has defined the successful partnership since its inception in 2008.

A Beacon for Automotive Innovation

The new Sanand facility is not just an expansion of capacity but a leap forward in technological capability for the Indian market. MMLI is set to localize production of several groundbreaking lighting technologies that were previously unavailable domestically. Chief among these are single-piece, end-to-end lamps that span the entire width of a vehicle, creating striking, homogenous light signatures nearly two meters long for both front and rear applications. This technology opens up a new frontier for automotive designers, allowing for cleaner lines and more distinctive brand identities on the road.

Alongside these full-width light bars, the plant will manufacture India's slimmest headlamp modules, measuring a mere 17 millimeters in height. These ultra-thin units allow for more aerodynamic and aggressive front-end designs without compromising on performance. Automakers will have the flexibility to order these modules with a suite of advanced features, including adaptive driving beam (ADB) technology that intelligently adjusts to oncoming traffic, high-beam boost for enhanced visibility, and integrated ambient lighting. These innovations promise not only to enhance vehicle aesthetics but also to deliver substantial improvements in driver safety and performance.

To make these designs a reality, the plant has been purpose-built with specialized equipment unprecedented in an Indian lighting facility. High-tonnage injection molding machines have been installed to craft the large, single-piece components, while the building's very structure has been reinforced to support the heavy tooling required. The introduction of specialized overhead cranes, another first for the sector in India, will streamline the complex manufacturing process, ensuring both precision and efficiency.

Strategic Investment in a High-Growth Market

The multi-million-dollar investment in Sanand is a calculated bet on the future of India's automotive industry. As the passenger vehicle market continues its rapid growth trajectory, the demand for more sophisticated and feature-rich components is escalating. The MMLI joint venture is strategically positioned to capitalize on this trend, leveraging the distinct strengths of its parent companies.

Frank Huber, President of Marelli's Lighting business, highlighted the collaborative strength during the inauguration. "Our new facility in Sanand is a key milestone in bringing advanced lighting technologies to our customers in India," he stated. "Together with our partner Motherson, we are uniting global innovation with strong local manufacturing capabilities to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the Indian market. Our joint venture continues to be a great success—built on Marelli's global technology leadership, Motherson's great infrastructure, execution excellence and deep customer relationships on the subcontinent."

The sentiment was echoed by Laksh Vaaman Sehgal, Vice Chairman of Motherson, who emphasized the customer-centric approach. "The inauguration of our cutting-edge automotive lighting plant underscores Motherson's unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer-centricity," he said. "This strategic investment strengthens our ability to deliver advanced, future-ready lighting solutions while meeting the evolving needs of our customers."

This expansion solidifies Marelli's extensive footprint in India, which now totals 16 production sites and three R&D centers. The MMLI venture alone is a major force, employing over 4,500 people across its network of plants, a global design center, and specialized labs, making it one of the largest and most advanced automotive lighting suppliers in the nation.

Manufacturing with a Green Conscience

Beyond technological and economic ambitions, the new Sanand plant has been developed with a strong focus on sustainability. Recognizing the importance of responsible industrial growth, MMLI has integrated eco-friendly practices into the facility's core design and operations. The plant features a significant rooftop solar installation to generate clean energy on-site, reducing its carbon footprint from day one. Furthermore, the company is actively working to secure additional green energy through open-access sourcing, demonstrating a long-term commitment to renewable power.

This environmental stewardship extends beyond the factory walls. As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, MMLI has undertaken a significant greening project in the region, planting 1,700 trees. This effort not only contributes to local biodiversity but also helps absorb carbon dioxide, providing tangible environmental benefits to the surrounding community.

This dual focus on pioneering advanced technology while adhering to sustainable principles positions the new Sanand facility as a model for modern manufacturing in India. As vehicles equipped with its innovative lighting systems begin to roll onto Indian roads, the plant will stand as a testament to a forward-thinking partnership that is shaping the future of mobility in one of the world's most dynamic automotive markets.