TOKYO — Tenneco has announced that the company has begun producing suspension products for the Toyota Etios, the automaker’s new global small car that recently launched in India.
Tenneco is supplying the Etios with both front struts and rear shock absorbers, which use an adaptable valve technology. This technology allows Tenneco to finely tune ride and handling performance specific to each application, including today’s small car trend in emerging markets.
Tenneco says the supply agreement is the latest in the company’s increasing expansion into fast-growing automotive markets such as India, showcasing the company’s ability to support OEMs on a global scale. Tenneco will supply Toyota’s future compact car launch in Brazil as well.
“We are proud to support Toyota on this strategic, new launch with our global manufacturing and engineering capabilities, including a strong footprint in India,” said Jeff Jarrell, vice president and managing director, Tenneco Japan. “The ability to deliver on our global strengths locally, combined with emerging market know-how, is a winning solution for our customers’ growth strategies.”
Tenneco is manufacturing the Etios product at its ride control plant in Hosur, India, for delivery to Toyota’s Kirloskar Motors plant in Bangalore, India.
The Hosur plant is one of seven Tenneco manufacturing plants located in India – including a recently opened emissions control plant in Chennai – giving the company strong positioning in each of the three major vehicle producing hubs in India.
