Germany and India have forged great business ties with one another over the years. These enterprises have become integral components in the Indian market today, extending from automobiles and technology, pharmaceuticals, to engineering.
For any business executive or entrepreneur, an awareness of the role and influence exerted by German businesses, particularly in areas like Franchise Business in India, makes all the difference in making sense of the rapidly transforming Indian market dynamics.
This blog is about how these companies work, what they contribute to the growth of the Indian industry, and how they open opportunities within the business ecosystem.
It’s a journey in which you can explore avenues for investment or just learn about cross-border business strategies, and this exploration of German companies in India unfolds the story of a dynamic economic partnership.
Growth rate and market occupancy of German companies in India
German firms have increased their investments more than threefold in the last decade, accepting the Indian economy as one of their major growth markets.
According to the latest Indo-German Chamber of Commerce-KPMG survey, over 59 percent of German firms said they would increase investment plans this year, 78% said they would see higher sales volume and 55 percent said profit margins are seen at better levels.
Over the coming five years, 82% of companies anticipate increased revenues and 74% increased profits. Such is the optimism even in trade figures.
For instance, Germany’s exports to India jumped by more than 24% in the first four months of 2023. The volume recorded last year was an all-time high of approximately €15 billion.
This steady growth reflects the expanding influence of German firms in India, where businesses bet on stable economic growth and political stability.
Top 10 German companies in India
1. Audi India Ltd
Audi India Ltd is one of the major players in the luxury automotive market in India. A subsidiary of Audi AG and a part of the Volkswagen Group India, the brand represents a perfect blend of German engineering and design with a deep understanding of Indian consumer preferences.
Since 2015, Audi India has been steadily moving towards its goal of becoming the leading luxury automobile brand in the country.
Its list of impressive premium cars, SUVs, and sedans epitomize luxury and performance. Exclusive services include personalized car configuration, after-sales support by genuine parts and accessories, and Audi Approved Plus for its dedicated program.
With continuous pursuits for innovation and a customer-centric approach, Audi India is continuously setting new benchmarks within the luxury automotive industry.
Founders: August Horch
Headquarters: Mumbai (Maharashtra)
Industry: Automobile
Market share: 11.96%
Website: https://www.audi.in/in/web/en.html
Products offered:
Audi A Series: A range of luxury sedans like the Audi A4, Audi A6, and the flagship Audi A8 L.
Audi Q Series: Premium SUVs including Audi Q3, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, and the luxurious Audi Q8.
Audi E-Tron Series: Electric vehicles such as the Audi e-tron and Audi e-tron Sportback, reflect their commitment to sustainability.
Audi RS Series: High-performance sports cars like the Audi RS5 Sportback, Audi RS7 Sportback, and Audi RS Q8.
Audi S Series: Sportier versions of the luxury sedans and SUVs, such as the Audi S5 Sportback.
Audi TT: A luxury sports coupe offering a blend of style and performance.
Audi R8: A high-end supercar for enthusiasts, representing peak performance and engineering.
2. BASF India Ltd
BASF India Ltd is a subsidiary of BASF SE, a German chemical company. It is the world leader in this field.
Considering its diversified portfolio comprising agriculture, automotive, construction, electronics, and more, BASF India plays a pioneering role in developing the industrial and agricultural landscape of India.
The company represents innovation and sustainability. From nutrition, packaging, paints, coatings, personal care, and more, BASF India, truly resonates with understanding diversities in market demands.
With state-of-the-art technology and eco-friendly practices, BASF India is not only facilitating industrial development but also contributing to environmental conservation by transforming the company into a significant contributor to India’s economy and the leading German concern in the country.
Founders: Friedrich Engelhorn
Headquarters: Mumbai (Maharashtra)
Industry: automotive, plastics, paints and coatings, electronics, and energy and resources
Market share: 9.28%
Website: https://www.basf.com/in/en
Services provided:
Agricultural Solutions: Crop protection products, seeds, and digital farming solutions.
Chemicals: Basic and specialty chemicals for industries like textiles, leather, and pharmaceuticals.
Performance Materials: Engineering plastics, polyurethanes, and thermoplastic polyurethanes for automotive and construction.
Nutrition & Health: Ingredients for human and animal nutrition, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals.
Coatings: Innovative coatings for automotive and industrial applications.
Care Chemicals: Ingredients for cosmetics, detergents, and personal care products.
Packaging: Advanced materials for packaging, including sustainable packaging solutions.
Construction Chemicals: Solutions for concrete admixtures, flooring systems, and waterproofing.
3. Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd is a subsidiary of Daimler AG that has grown quite robust within the Indian commercial vehicle market.
Its headquarters are situated in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and it designs and manufactures vehicles that can easily face Indian road conditions.
DICV offers a wide range of different commercial vehicles through its various brands, BharatBenz, Mercedes-Benz, and Fuso, which allow DICV to provide trucks and buses to customers with many varying needs.
CEO: Satyakam Arya
Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Industry: Automobile
Market share: 9.1%
Website: https://asia.daimlertruck.com/en/about-us/business-unit/dicv/
Products provided:
BharatBenz Trucks: A wide range of heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks designed for Indian road conditions, including long-haul, construction, and mining applications.
BharatBenz Buses: Passenger buses for intra-city, inter-city, and school transportation with a focus on safety and comfort.
Mercedes-Benz Buses: Premium buses for luxury inter-city travel, designed with advanced safety and comfort features.
Fuso Trucks: Reliable light and medium-duty trucks catering to a wide range of commercial applications.
After-Sales Services: Comprehensive support including maintenance, repairs, genuine parts, and service packages to ensure optimal vehicle performance.
Financing Solutions: Tailored financial products and services to help customers with vehicle purchases and fleet management.
Vehicle Telematics Solutions: Digital solutions like BharatBenz Telematics for fleet tracking and performance analysis.
4. Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank was founded in the year 1870 but has grown to be an international financial leader, becoming one of the major lenders in India.
The country’s leading German company is Deutsche Bank, offering diversified services such as private and corporate banking, investment banking, and wealth and asset management.
Three main pillars underpin the bank’s operations: private and commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and asset management.
It reflects the holistic approach to delivering financial solutions. With its universal banking model, Deutsche Bank combines global financial expertise with deep local market insights and positions itself as a key player in India’s financial industry.
Founders: Ludwig Bamberger and Adelbert Delbrück
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Industry: Financial services
Market share: 23%
Website: https://www.deutschebank.co.in/
Services provided:
Private Banking: Personalized wealth management solutions including financial planning, investment advisory, and succession planning for high-net-worth individuals.
Corporate Banking: Comprehensive banking services for corporate clients, such as cash management, trade finance, supply chain solutions, and corporate loans.
Investment Banking: Services including mergers and acquisitions advisory, capital raising, equity and debt underwriting, and structured financing solutions.
Commercial Banking: Banking solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) including working capital financing, business loans, and transaction banking services.
Wealth Management: Investment management and advisory services tailored for affluent and high-net-worth clients, focusing on portfolio diversification and asset growth.
Asset Management: Investment products and solutions like mutual funds, alternative investments, and retirement planning products for individual and institutional clients.
Global Markets: A range of services in forex trading, derivatives, securities, commodities, and risk management solutions.
5. DHL Express India Pvt Ltd
DHL Express India Pvt Ltd, being a part of the global giant in logistics, Deutsche Post DHL Group, has been exceptional at the very front of the race to serve global express shipping across the Indian landmass.
This company is considered an efficient online shipping and tracking solution, serving as a dependable mode of sending documents and parcels.
DHL Express India connects India to the international market through its courier and parcel delivery services and express mail.
This ensures that the company’s logistics services play a vital role in the country’s expanding businesses and eCommerce platforms for b2b business, firmly placing it as one of the top German companies in India.
Founders: Adrian Dalsey · Larry Hillblom · Robert Lynn
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Industry: Logistics
Market share: 6.9%
Website: https://www.dhl.com/in-en/home.html
Services provided:
Courier Services: Fast and reliable delivery of documents and parcels to destinations worldwide.
Express Shipping: Time-sensitive shipping options for urgent deliveries, with options like same-day or next-day delivery.
Tracking Solutions: Advanced online tracking tools that allow customers to monitor their shipments in real time.
Customs Clearance: Expertise in navigating customs regulations and paperwork to ensure smooth international shipping.
E-commerce Solutions: Tailored logistics services for online retailers, including fulfillment, shipping, and returns management.
Package Insurance: Options for insuring shipments against loss or damage for added peace of mind.
Specialized Shipping: Services for shipping fragile, heavy, oversized, or temperature-sensitive items.
6. Metro Cash and Carry India Pvt Ltd
Metro Cash and Carry India Pvt Ltd is a unique international self-service wholesaler that differentiates itself in the Indian market.
Being the largest sales division of the German retail conglomerate Metro AG, it follows a business-to-business (B2B) model rather than the traditional business-to-consumer (B2C) approach common among retail chains.
Metro Cash and Carry mainly serves business customers like hotels, restaurants, traders, and caterers, covering the wide range of products offered that are specifically designed to meet the requirements of these customer sectors.
This B2B nature exhibits an innovative edge of wholesale distribution as Metro focuses on supporting businesses and improving their efficiencies of operation.
Directors: Sunil Kumar and Ramakrishnan Mookambika
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Industry: retail, consumer goods
Market share: 6%
Website: https://www.metro.co.in/
Services provided:
Wholesale Distribution: A wide range of products including food, beverages, and non-food items sold in bulk at competitive prices.
Private Label Products: Exclusive Metro brands that offer quality products at cost-effective prices, catering to the specific needs of their business clients.
Customized Solutions: Tailored services for specific business sectors such as restaurants, hotels, and caterers, including menu planning and product sourcing.
Cash & Carry Model: A self-service shopping experience where business customers can directly purchase items from large warehouse-style stores.
Online Ordering: An e-commerce platform allowing customers to browse products and place orders online for convenient pickup or delivery.
Support Services: Training and advisory services to help customers improve their business operations, including merchandising and inventory management.
7. Mercedes-Benz India Private Ltd.
Mercedes-Benz India Private Ltd. is a 100 percent subsidiary of the German Company Daimler AG founded in 1994 and headquartered in Pune Maharashtra, as a company indulging itself in luxury cars and Commercial vehicles manufacturing at an innovative level of the highest performance; the manufacturing setup has in Chakan, highly produced a quality vehicle production site coupled with high advancement of the technology used to build this vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz India focuses on customer engagement with programs such as the Mercedes Trophy, the AMG Driving Academy, and the International Driving Platform, showing the commitment of the company to excellence.
As the company continues to grow and expand within the Indian market, Mercedes-Benz India is one of the luxury automotive brands and a large German company in the country.
Directors: Amit Govind Atre, Evren Cakabey Bayhan, Vyankatesh Vijay Kulkarni, and Santosh Gopal Iyer.
Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
Industry: Automobile
Market share: 45.21%
Website: https://www.mercedes-benz.co.in/
Services provided:
Luxury Sedans: Models such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class, combine luxury, advanced technology, and performance.
SUVs: The G-Class, GLA, GLC, GLE, and GLS offer a blend of luxury and off-road capability, catering to the growing demand for SUVs in the Indian market.
Coupes and Convertibles: Sporty models like the C-Class Coupe, E-Class Coupe, and SLC provide an exciting driving experience with stylish designs.
AMG Performance Vehicles: High-performance variants of their models, such as the AMG C 63 and AMG G 63, are designed for enthusiasts looking for superior speed and handling.
Commercial Vehicles: This includes the Mercedes-Benz Actros and Atego, which are tailored for the logistics and transportation sectors, emphasizing durability and efficiency.
Electric Vehicles: The company is expanding its electric lineup with models like the EQC, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable mobility.
Customization Options: A range of bespoke services allowing customers to personalize their vehicles according to preferences.
8. Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Pvt Ltd
Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Pvt Ltd, headquartered in Gerlingen, Germany, is a legacy of innovation and quality.
From automotive parts to power tools, home appliances, and advanced engineering solutions in electronics and cloud computing, products touch various sectors.
It provides solutions in the areas of mobility solutions, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy and building technology sectors, which highlights Bosch’s diversity and flexibility in India.
The presence of Bosch in India proves how it has always kept itself in tune with modern technologies and how it aids in the growth of the country’s industry and technology.
Founders: Robert Bosch
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
Industry: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
Market share: 2-3% (estimated)
Website: https://www.bosch.in/our-company/bosch-in-india/
Services provided:
Mobility Solutions: Automotive systems development and engineering services (testing, validation).
Industrial Technology: Manufacturing automation solutions and drive/packaging technology.
Consumer Goods: Development and repair for home appliances and energy-efficient products.
Energy and Building Technology: Smart building solutions (security, energy management) and HVAC systems.
Engineering Services: IT/cloud computing solutions, software development, and consulting for digital transformation.
Research and Development: Investment in innovation for mobility and consumer goods.
9. SAP Labs India Pvt Ltd
SAP Labs India Pvt Ltd was founded in 1996 and is based in Bangalore. It is a leading business software solutions company, with other offices in Mumbai.
The company offers industry-specific software in the energy, natural resources, and consumer industries, along with tools for small businesses.
Its innovative technology solutions enhance business efficiency and productivity, making it a key player in India’s technology sector and a leading German company in the nation.
Founders: Dietmar Hopp, Hans-Werner Hector, Hasso Plattner, Klaus Tschira and Claus Wellenreuther
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Industry: Enterprise Software, Business Software, Cloud computing and Consulting
Market share: 65-70%
Website: https://www.sap.com/india/about/labs-india.html
Services provided:
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions: SAP offers comprehensive ERP systems that integrate core business processes, improving data visibility and operational efficiency.
Industry-specific software applications: Tailored software solutions are developed for various industries, addressing unique challenges and requirements to optimize performance.
Cloud solutions: SAP provides cloud-based services that enhance scalability, flexibility, and accessibility for businesses looking to modernize their IT infrastructure.
Analytics and business intelligence tools: Advanced analytics tools help organizations derive actionable insights from data, enabling informed decision-making.
Customer experience management: SAP’s solutions enhance customer engagement and satisfaction by providing personalized experiences across multiple channels.
Technology services for digital transformation: The company supports businesses in their digital transformation journeys by implementing innovative technologies and best practices.
10. Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt Ltd
Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt Ltd is the automobile industry’s flagship in the country. The company operates from two sites and includes four brands: Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Skoda.
It is committed to manufacturing premium quality vehicles according to local taste. Volkswagen remains one of the top German companies in India’s automotive industry by providing various cars, from luxury to those used daily.
The company has focused on sustainable practices and continues to strive for reduced ecological footprint through efficient manufacturing and innovative vehicle technologies.
Volkswagen also focuses on the experience of customers through after-sales services, financing options, and digital solutions that will improve the ownership experience.
Their commitment to local market dynamics and global standards makes them stronger in the evolving automotive landscape.
Directors: Vijay Somnath Kamath, Steffen Knapp and Justin Alexander Nolte
Headquater: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Industry: automobile
Market share: 2.5%
Website: https://www.volkswagen.co.in/en.html
Services provided:
After-sales Services: Comprehensive support including vehicle maintenance, repairs, and parts supply to ensure customer satisfaction.
Financing Solutions: Providing financing options and plans for customers to facilitate vehicle purchases.
Customer Experience Initiatives: Enhancing customer engagement through events and tailored services to improve overall satisfaction.
Digital Services: Implementing technology-driven solutions for improved user experience and connectivity in vehicles.
Top job positions offered by German companies in India
There is a wide range of jobs for German companies in India in meeting the increasing demands of the market and talent. Here are the top job roles with examples of some relevant companies:
▪ Engineering and Technical Roles: Bosch is one of the largest employers of engineering talent in India. The German company recruits several engineers in mechanical, electrical, software, and industrial disciplines. Bosch has major operations in automotive and industrial solutions.
▪ Management Trainee Programs: Companies like Siemens will offer structured programs such as the Siemens Graduate Program and the Siemens Management Trainee Program, which focus on management training and leadership. It is a fast track for graduates into managerial responsibilities in sectors such as energy, healthcare, and automation.
▪ Sales and Business Development: Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, an Indian subsidiary of Daimler AG, hires business development managers and sales executives to increase the market share of the group in India. Their business focus on commercial vehicles – BharatBenz trucks – makes them a strong player in that segment.
▪ IT and Digital Experts: Sap Labs India is one of the leading subsidiaries of SAP SE, recruiting IT and digital experts in domains like data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. One of the more important R&D centers is Bangalore, thereby making SAP one of the biggest recruiters for IT talent in India.
▪ Language and Communication Roles: DHL is a Deutsche Post DHL Group firm that has always been in search of language experts and consultants to help them manage their operations in the German language. It makes the communication easier between the offices in India and the worldwide teams for logistics and proper management of operations.
Conclusion
German companies in India point towards the close economic bond that exists between the two nations. Such companies carry forward the latest technologies along with best practices and usher in huge employment opportunities and India’s manufacturing, engineering, and digital sectors.
Results that have been seen regarding collaborative advancements in automotive and electronics, industrial solutions, and logistics industries are significant.
German firms are, therefore, seeing high standards in the development of skills and innovation and thus under structured management programs and a focus on R&D and digital transformation.
Although promising to be an attractive destination for investment, India today seems bright for these collaborative ventures.
German firms contribute not only to the development of market share but to the growth of Indian industries into a more competitive global outfit.
For aspiring professionals as well as business enthusiasts, this information will be rich knowledge in understanding the ever-shifting landscape of Indo-German businesses.
FAQs
1. Why do German companies invest in India?
German companies invest in India because of its vast market, skilled workforce, and developing economic potential across all sectors.
2. Which are the main German companies present in India?
The key German companies are Bosch, Siemens, SAP, Daimler AG, Bayer, and DHL.
3. What industries do German companies in India focus on?
German companies focus on the automotive, manufacturing, engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, IT, and logistics sectors.
4. What are the job opportunities with German companies in India?
Engineering, management, sales, IT, and communication-based jobs that relate to an extensive spectrum of sectors are available.
5. How have the German companies contributed to Indian growth?
They brought with them high-end technology; invested in local manufacturing and contributed to skill-building, innovation, and value chain creation.
