Forvia and Anand Group have agreed to form an automotive seating joint venture in India targeting roughly 10% market share within five years.

The deal creates Faurecia Anand Seating India Private Limited, a 50-50 entity that will manufacture seat frames and fully assembled seats. Closing is expected by year-end 2026, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.

What will the JV produce?

The proposed entity, Faurecia Anand Seating India Private Limited, will produce seat frames and fully assembled seats for the Indian market. Producing complete seats — rather than just structures or trim — marks a step up the value chain for Tier 1 suppliers serving India's carmakers.

Forvia will control the business through a 50% plus one share holding. Gabriel India Limited, the publicly listed flagship of Anand Group, will hold 50% minus one share. Transaction value was not disclosed.

Who are the partners?

Forvia is a France-headquartered Tier 1 automotive supplier. Anand Group is a $2.6 billion automotive group operating 25 companies across 92 sites in India, Europe, and South America. Its listed subsidiary Gabriel India specialises in ride control equipment, body-in-white solutions, and broader mobility subsystems.

The two component manufacturers have worked together since 1991, when they began a clean mobility partnership.

How does this fit Forvia's strategy?

Forvia CEO Martin Fischer said: "When we unveiled our IGNITE strategy earlier this year, we highlighted India as a key growth driver for Forvia. Following the award of our first complete-seat programme a few months ago, today's agreement marks another important milestone in our development in the country."

The venture supports Forvia's local-for-local manufacturing approach, designed to address expanding vehicle output across India. Producing complete seats domestically reduces logistics costs and exposure to import duties for global OEMs sourcing in the country.

What does Anand bring?

Anand Group will contribute domestic manufacturing infrastructure, supply-chain networks, workforce development, and commercial access to Indian OEMs. For its part, Forvia transfers Seating's full technology portfolio and engineering capabilities into the joint entity.

Anjali Singh, executive chairperson of Anand Group and Gabriel India, said: "This venture strengthens our longstanding partnership with Forvia, building on complementary strengths and a shared commitment to innovation. By bringing together Forvia's global expertise and Gabriel India's strong market presence, it creates a platform that is both strategically significant and future-ready."

What to watch next

• Closing of the transaction, targeted by end-2026
• Plant locations, headcount, and installed capacity once disclosed
• Award of additional complete-seat programmes in India
• Whether the JV captures the targeted 10% share within five years

Separately, Forvia agreed in April to offload its Interiors Business Group to funds run by Apollo Global Management via a carve-out carrying an enterprise value of €1.82 billion ($2.13 billion).