Gabriel India, a leader in the suspension systems sector, is expanding its horizons by exploring innovative applications for e-bikes and solar dampers. This strategic move marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to diversify its product offerings and leverage its existing expertise in the suspension domain.
Manoj Kolhatkar, Managing Director of Gabriel India, revealed in a recent investor call that the company has been actively engaging with experts in Taiwan to explore the e-bike market. “Our team has been in Taiwan to gain insights and engage with specialists who can guide us, as the expertise in e-bikes is not readily available in India,” Kolhatkar said. He further noted that the product has been developed and has received positive feedback from customers.
In addition to e-bikes, Gabriel India is venturing into the development of solar dampers, which are crucial for solar panel trackers. These dampers help optimize the positioning of solar panels to maximize energy capture. “Translating these innovations into revenue for this year is challenging, but we are aiming for some minor sales of these products within the year,” Kolhatkar added.
Gabriel India’s exploration of these new applications comes as part of its broader goal to become one of the top five shock absorber manufacturers globally by 2025. To achieve this ambitious target, the company is focusing on several key strategies, including the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, expanding exports, strengthening domestic market presence, and pursuing mergers and acquisitions.
The flagship company of the ANAND Group, Gabriel India, currently serves over 50 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers and has produced more than 500 product models. The company boasts an impressive sales record, with two shock absorbers sold every second.
The move into e-bikes and solar dampers represents a natural extension of Gabriel India’s core competencies in suspension systems. By applying its expertise to these emerging markets, the company aims to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and innovative transportation and energy solutions.
Kolhatkar emphasized that while the immediate financial impact of these new ventures might be limited, they represent significant long-term growth opportunities. “Our commitment to innovation and excellence in the suspension domain positions us well to explore and succeed in these new frontiers,” he said.
The strategic focus on e-bikes aligns with the global trend towards electric mobility. As urban centers around the world seek sustainable transportation solutions, e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular. Gabriel India’s foray into this market positions it to take advantage of this growing trend and cater to the evolving needs of eco-conscious consumers.
Similarly, the development of solar dampers is timely, given the global push towards renewable energy. As countries invest in solar power infrastructure to meet their energy needs sustainably, the demand for advanced solar tracking systems is expected to rise. Gabriel India’s expertise in precision engineering and suspension technology makes it well-suited to develop high-performance dampers for these applications.
By integrating green technologies and focusing on sustainable solutions, Gabriel India is also aligning itself with the broader corporate responsibility goals of reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
The company’s robust manufacturing capabilities, combined with its innovative approach, are expected to drive its success in these new markets. Gabriel India’s expansion into e-bikes and solar dampers not only diversifies its product portfolio but also strengthens its position as a leader in the automotive and renewable energy sectors.
Gabriel India’s strategic initiatives in e-bikes and solar dampers reflect its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth. As the company continues to explore new frontiers, it is poised to enhance its market presence and achieve its vision of becoming a global leader in the suspension systems industry.
