Just outside Kochi, in Arakkunnam near Tripunithura, operates a quiet global powerhouse that supplies critical automotive technology to leading carmakers worldwide. With annual revenues exceeding ₹1,000 crore, Aptiv Connection Systems India Pvt Ltd has emerged as a key player in vehicle safety and connectivity.
Whether it is Tata, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Mahindra, Stellantis or Volkswagen, chances are that a crucial component controlling the airbag system in many of these vehicles is made by Aptiv. The company supplies safety-related components to nearly one in three cars seen on the road.
A subsidiary of Ireland-based Aptiv Plc, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Aptiv is a global leader in supplemental restraint systems (SRS), commanding around 35 percent of the global market. (The SRS is a vehicle's comprehensive safety system, primarily comprising airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners designed to protect occupants during a collision. It works in conjunction with seat belts (the primary restraint) to reduce injury risks. The system uses sensors to detect collisions and deploy airbags within milliseconds.)
The Kerala facility manufactures a range of advanced automotive components, including:
Connectors and high-speed cable assemblies
SRS products
Media modules and wireless charging modules
Junction boxes and electrical centres
High-voltage interconnects and charging inlets
Power distribution and battery disconnect units
The company also undertakes research and development for the automotive sector.
Aptiv’s presence highlights Kerala’s growing relevance in the global automotive ecosystem. When Tata entered the electric vehicle segment, it turned to Aptiv for high-voltage components and solutions.
Aptiv has been operating in Kerala since 2007 and has recorded five-fold growth over the past decade. The Arakkunnam facility also houses Aptiv’s global tooling centre. Across India, the company employs over 1,100 people, with total employment crossing 2,000 including indirect jobs.
While Aptiv faces no direct competition in Kerala, it competes with global majors internationally. “We cannot match China or South Korea purely on efficiency. Our edge lies in smart innovation,” says Nair.
Aptiv develops software and hardware solutions that are redefining the future of mobility. “Safe, Green, Connected — that is our core philosophy. We deliver safer, environmentally friendly and futuristic mobility solutions,” explains Managing Director Ramesh Nair. Globally, Aptiv has expanded into sectors such as aerospace, military, defence and telecom, while the Kerala unit currently focuses on automotive, with plans to diversify into related sectors.
Aptiv competes with multinational giants globally. “We cannot match the efficiency of countries like China or South Korea. To outperform them, we need smartness,” says Ramesh Nair.
That “smartness” has roots in the company’s history, which traces back to General Motors in the US. “Skill, dedication and a strong sense of ownership define Kerala’s workforce. There is also a traditional strength in tool-making among Malayalis, thanks to institutions like NTTF in Thalassery,” he adds.
The Arakkunnam facility houses one of the best tool rooms within Aptiv globally, and is among the finest in India. Spread over 160,000 sq ft, the plant is designed with a strong focus on safety, efficiency and innovation. Employees from Kerala and other parts of India work here, constantly driving improvements.
Aptiv’s competitiveness comes from continuous innovation across the value chain. “We must meet customer needs at highly competitive prices to remain relevant. That is how we continue as trusted partners to leading global automakers,” says Nair.
The company has received several customer awards for quality, delivery and performance. It also won the National Safety Council’s ‘Suraksha Puraskar’ in 2026 in the large factory category, along with safety awards from the Kerala government.
Running a manufacturing unit in Kerala, especially in the automotive sector, comes with challenges — from sourcing raw materials externally to serving markets outside the state. Yet Aptiv stands out in its ability to deliver advanced technology products at competitive prices.
The Indian team holds around 100 patents. According to HR head M.R. Sreelal, the company’s innovation culture and Nair’s leadership style play a crucial role. Employees are encouraged to present ideas that can gain global recognition within Aptiv, with platforms dedicated to peer recognition and innovation awards.
The company actively recruits talent from engineering colleges in and around Kochi, providing training and absorbing them into various roles. It also runs one of the largest apprenticeship programmes in the region.
Earlier, Aptiv’s revenue mix was 70 percent exports and 30 percent domestic. Today, that ratio has reversed. “Ramesh Nair has played a key role in strengthening our domestic presence,” says company secretary Manjusha Menon.
Working behind the scenes for some of the world’s most demanding automakers, Aptiv Connection Systems is firmly rooted in Kerala — and aiming to double its growth within five years. Its journey sends out a clear message: anything is possible in Kerala.
