Schaeffler India has appointed Sharad Bhatia as the Head of its Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS) business division, effective December 2, 2024. In his new role, Bhatia will lead efforts to strengthen Schaeffler India’s position in the mobility sector, focusing on sustainable and innovative solutions to enhance vehicle longevity and performance.
With over 24 years of experience in the automotive parts industry, Bhatia has a proven record in developing strong business platforms and introducing advanced product lines tailored to evolving customer demands. His expertise in aftermarket service parts, coupled with his international experience across markets like Indonesia, China, Singapore, and Italy, positions him as a valuable addition to Schaeffler India as it expands its VLS segment.
Harsha Kadam, Managing Director and CEO of Schaeffler India, expressed confidence in Bhatia’s leadership: “We are thrilled to have Sharad join us at a crucial time for our Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division. His deep knowledge of the aftermarket industry and experience in global markets align perfectly with our vision for growth. His leadership will drive the agility and strategic expansion of our VLS business, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable motion technology in India.”
Sharing his enthusiasm, Bhatia said: “I am excited to join Schaeffler India as the automotive industry undergoes a transformative phase. My goal is to expand our aftermarket solutions portfolio by leveraging advanced motion technologies that deliver innovation and value to our customers. I look forward to collaborating with the talented Schaeffler India team to drive growth in the VLS division and support India’s shift toward sustainable mobility.”
Bhatia holds a mechanical engineering degree from Pune University and an Executive MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta. Additionally, his certification in advanced e-mobility technology from IIT Delhi highlights his focus on driving innovation in India’s evolving automotive landscape.
Schaeffler India brings a rich 75-year legacy of innovation in motion technology to the Indian market, providing precision engineering solutions. Committed to enhancing the efficiency, intelligence, and sustainability of motion throughout its entire life cycle, Schaeffler India offers advanced technologies, products, and solutions in electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions, and renewable energies.
The company operates four manufacturing plants in India—located in Pune, Savli, Maneja, and Hosur—as well as three R&D centers, eight sales offices, and a robust industrial and automotive aftermarket network, ensuring nationwide accessibility for its customers.
With a strong portfolio of renowned product brands and a comprehensive range of offerings across eight motion families—spanning bearing solutions, linear guidance systems, and repair and monitoring services—the company is dedicated to partnering with customers across various segments to meet their engineering and motion technology needs. With over 60 years of presence in India and a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees, the company stands as a leading motion technology company in the country.
