Indian auto parts giant partners with Jinnaite Machinery to tap booming EV driveline demand in China and beyond
India’s Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd, better known as Sona Comstar, is heading into deeper waters in the world’s biggest auto market. On Sunday, the company announced a new joint venture with China’s Jinnaite Machinery to build and supply electric vehicle driveline systems—critical components for EV powertrains—within China and across global markets.
The total investment? $20 million, split between $12 million in fresh equity from Sona and $8 million worth of assets and business contributed by JNT. The goal is clear: get closer to customers, move faster, and plug into China’s sprawling EV production ecosystem.
Getting into Gear With a Local Ally
For years, Sona Comstar has been expanding its global footprint—this move into China is just the latest mile marker.
It’s a big play. But it isn’t reckless. JNT is no lightweight; the Chinese auto parts supplier brings local know-how and on-ground infrastructure. That alone could shave months—if not years—off market entry headaches.
There’s another angle too.
Sourcing, production, logistics—doing it locally cuts the fat. That’s why so many global firms are joining hands with domestic players in China, especially in EVs where timelines are brutal and margins are thin.
Sona Comstar said the JV will “focus on manufacturing and supplying driveline systems and components” tailored for electric cars, both inside China and for global OEMs looking for localized production.
One line in the filing stood out: “For Chinese and global automotive customers.” That’s not just lip service. That’s a dual-market strategy.
A Look at the Numbers—and the Stakes
Let’s break down what’s on the table:
-
$12 million in equity from Sona Comstar in the first phase
-
$8 million in assets and business operations from JNT
-
Manufacturing will take place in China for faster access to Chinese automakers and export clients
So what does this all mean?
For starters, it’s not just a plant—it’s a full-service manufacturing and supply ecosystem.
| Component | Contribution Source | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Capital | Sona Comstar | $12 million |
| Fixed Assets + Biz | JNT Machinery | $8 million |
| Total Investment | Joint Venture | $20 million |
The company hasn’t specified production capacity or exact location yet, but insiders say the facility will be in an established auto cluster in Eastern China.
Just one sentence here.
Why China? Why Now?
Let’s face it—if you’re not in China, you’re not really in the EV race.
Sona Comstar already serves global customers from India, Mexico, and the U.S. But China? That’s where scale lives.
Chinese automakers are pumping out millions of EVs annually, led by giants like BYD, Geely, and SAIC. Battery, motor, inverter—those markets are spoken for. But the driveline? There’s room to run.
It’s also about proximity. With OEMs demanding quicker turnarounds and localized supply chains, you can’t afford to ship parts across continents anymore.
The timing couldn’t be better.
-
China’s EV sales crossed 9.5 million units in 2024
-
The domestic driveline component market is growing 12–14% annually
-
Western OEMs are also scaling up China-local EV assembly, needing Tier-1 part suppliers close by
One sentence, short and punchy.
India’s EV Ambitions, and the China Factor
Sona Comstar is one of India’s rare EV-focused auto parts exporters with serious global traction. Its customers include Tesla, Volvo, and several EV startups.
But this China JV? It’s a different ballgame.
India wants to become an EV hub, but China is the factory of the world. So for Sona, it’s not one vs. the other—it’s both.
Three short paragraphs will do here.
India may be the home base, but China is the growth rocket.
It’s also a geopolitical tightrope. With U.S.-China tensions running high, and India increasingly seen as a China alternative, any Indian firm setting up shop in China walks a thin line.
Still, the money talks. And so far, the bet looks shrewd.
What’s Next: Approvals, Execution, and Customer Wins
The term sheet is signed, but it’s not a done deal just yet.
Next steps? Legal paperwork, government clearances, and formal incorporation of the joint venture. That could take a couple of months.
Meanwhile, both firms are already working behind the scenes to line up customer orders and prepare a prototype-ready line.
Expect hiring to pick up soon in China. Sources say JNT’s existing facilities will be leveraged initially before scaling to a full-fledged standalone JV plant.
It’s not Sona Comstar’s first JV. But it might be its most strategic.
