Bridgestone India has recently announced the merger of its strategic business unit (SBU) with the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) SBU from January 1st, 2020, in line with ongoing transformation based on digitalisation opportunities. Segregating the business from the China-Asia Pacific SBU will also unlock untapped potential in both India and EMEA, according to the tyre major.
Bridgestone Europe, Russia, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA) will become Bridgestone Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa (BSEMIA), one of four SBUs globally, alongside its business in Japan, the Americas and China –Asia Pacific; Parag Satpute will continue on as the Managing Director for the India business.
Satpute claims the integration will enable Bridgestone India to offer Indian consumers convenience, efficiency and sustainability through its mobility solutions and facilitate new business models. He added that the realignment would also allow for greater insights from the mature automotive markets and access to newer learning in the retail, internet sales and original equipment after-sales.
“With our manufacturing footprint and ongoing investments, we are a part committed to the Make in India movement,” said Satpute.
Bridgestone India is poised to develop the company across its business units – as a result of the rapid expansion of the Indian automotive and tyre market, there is a great opportunity in retail, internet sales, original equipment after-sales, and fleets spaces that can be better realised when paired with Bridgestone EMEAs experience and expertise. At the same time, Bridgestone EMEAs digital transformation can be accelerated by India’s tech skills and IT expertise.