Autocar Professional interviewed Chris Reider, vice-president, Global Engineering Packard Electrical/Electronic Architecture, Delphi, on the company’s operations, growth dynamics and the business opportunity that is India.
Here are some excerpts…
On benefits for Delphi in expanding the Chennai Technical Center
Reider: The Chennai facility has become one of our key hubs for global product development and manufacturing to support our connection systems business worldwide. This is a technical center we rely on globally and, importantly, it is setting us up for future growth with local Original Equipment Manufacturers. With this capability, we can localize our development as well as manufacturing of products.
On the growth opportunity in India for Delphi’s connection systems business
Reider: We see opportunity in all our electrical architecture business. We have a broad portfolio of products, particularly in connection systems, housing and terminals. We also anticipate (new business in) high-speed cable assemblies, communication and infotainment systems which will be localizing here in India.
On how much India contributes to Delphi’s global operations
Reider: India is a long-term strategic market for us in engineering. It is a unique place where we have an opportunity to grow revenues with the local market but also leverage the capabilities that we have in India in terms of universities aligning with our business.
We are continuing to invest in our people, infrastructure, manufacturing processes and particularly in our core competencies in India. We are leveraging Indian capabilities and it will pay dividends for us in terms of our global growth.
On how India compared to other Asian markets
Reider: India is a little behind countries like China, which is moving faster in its evolution in terms of high-end premium vehicles. I am optimistic about the growth of the Indian market. There will be a number of external factors which influence the rate of growth in India. Government regulations and infrastructure in the economy will decide how fast the automotive market will grow. I am excited about the future in India – it will bring tremendous challenges but great opportunities too.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
