Mahle is to sell its shares in the joint venture Hella Behr Plastic Omnium (HBPO) to fellow shareholder, Plastic Omnium.
HBPO is specialised in the assembly, logistics, development, and design of front-end modules, consisting of bumpers, lighting systems, and cooling components. Assembly of front-end modules is not integral to Mahle’s core business.
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Mahle focuses on the development and production of cooling modules. The supplier says cooling modules installed in the front-end module are usually commissioned by the carmakers and their assembly is therefore the responsibility of the front end module manufacturers. Mahle will retain close links with HBPO in this area.
“In connection with its orientation, Mahle will, in the future, invest more intensively and consistently in new technologies in the area of e-mobility,” said a Mahle statement. “Key components include cooling modules, electric engines, and power electronics, for example.”
HBPO was formed in 2004 as an equal joint venture between the three automotive suppliers Hella, Plastic Omnium, and Behr.
Through its majority acquisition of the Behr Group, Mahle now holds 33.33% of the shares in the joint venture and is intended these are transferred to Plastic Omnium.
“The size and technological expertise of HBPO will enable Plastic Omnium to speed up its development in smart modular products faced with the technological challenges of tomorrow’s autonomous and connected car,” added a Plastic Omnium statement.
“Plastic Omnium will unveil its strategic deployment plan after the relevant competition authorities have approved it.
“The transaction shall now be submitted to the competition authorities concerned and should be finalised during 2018.”
