The Collapse Of The Car Extends To Component Manufacturers. How To Get Out Of It? The Strategies Of Brembo, Landi Renzo, Dell’Orto, Marelli and Sogefi

In 2023, the automotive components sector, (2,135 companies and 170 thousand employees), generated revenues of 58.8 billion. But in 2024 there was a heavy downturn. To react, the main players are focusing on green solutions. Brembo focuses on AI and technologies such as Brake By Wire. Landi Renzo teams up with Bosch and bets on hydrogen. Dell’Orto’s advanced electronic management systems. Marelli’s commitment to electric propulsion. Sogefi’s advanced materials, reports MARCO DE’ FRANCESCO.

The big Italian car component manufacturers are investing in green innovation. The reason is simple: the transition represents a path from which it is no longer possible to go back.

Brembo invests in innovative technologies to integrate braking systems with advanced digital solutions. Landi Renzo focuses on hydrogen as the fuel of the future. Dell’Orto focuses on optimizing energy management in electric vehicles, helping to improve their range and performance. Marelli is committed to developing electric propulsion and thermal management solutions to increase safety and efficiency in new vehicles. Sogefi, on the other hand, focuses on the use of lightweight materials and thermal management systems to support the transition to more efficient mobility.

These strategies represent the response of the main Italian car component manufacturers to the difficulties that the sector is going through. It will be noted that these are solutions related to the green transition. How come? The sector is of central importance for Italian industry: in 2023, with 2,135 companies and about 170 thousand employees, it generated 58.8 billion euros(US$60.9billion) in revenue; however, according to Anfia in October 2024 in the cumulative of the year, the manufacture of parts for motor vehicles and their engines achieved a turnover down by 13.6 per cent (-23.4% for the domestic market and -1.5 per cent for exports).

Final data for the whole of 2024 are awaited, but forecasts are downwards. Moreover, according to the managing director of Anfia, Gianmarco Giorda, “in the next two or three months, there is a real risk of losing between 20 thousand and 25 thousand jobs, including those involving Stellantis and others concerning components. The fact is that the social safety nets are expiring, and it is not certain that there are the resources to renew them”.

The most innovative project resulting from the collaboration between Brembo and Michelin is the Sensify system, which combines Brembo braking components with a “digital brain” based on artificial intelligence, sensors and algorithms. This technology allows each wheel to be controlled independently, reducing braking distances by up to four metres and significantly improving safety and driving comfort.

Among the most significant innovations is the Brake by Wire system, a technology that eliminates the traditional mechanical connection between pedal and brakes, replacing it with advanced electronic management. This system improves braking responsiveness, and is perfectly compatible with the requirements of electric vehicles and autonomous and assisted driving systems. Moreover, its lightness is a response to the additional weight of electric vehicle batteries.

Another strategic step for the company is the acquisition of Öhlins Racing, a leader in high-end suspension. This investment allows Brembo to offer integrated solutions, combining brakes and suspensions to optimize the dynamic performance of electric vehicles. At the same time, Brembo is accelerating digitalization, developing connected braking systems capable of collecting and analyzing data in real time to improve safety and overall efficiency.

In addition, the company has entered into a strategic partnership with Michelin, combining expertise in the field of braking systems and tires to create increasingly advanced solutions. The most innovative project born from this collaboration is the Sensify system, which combines Brembo braking components with a “digital brain” based on artificial intelligence, sensors and algorithms. This technology allows each wheel to be controlled independently, reducing braking distances by up to four metres and significantly improving safety and driving comfort. The system uses Michelin’s know-how in real-time monitoring of tyre data, such as grip, wear and load, ensuring optimal performance in all conditions.

Finally, Brembo launched Brembo Solutions, a division dedicated to offering innovative digital solutions to various industrial sectors, including fashion, food and steel. Through the AI Doing approach, which combines artificial intelligence and practical applications, the company aims to improve production efficiency and product quality thanks to advanced data analysis models. In practice, this project represents a significant step towards diversifying Brembo’s skills, strengthening its role in technological innovation even outside the automotive sector.

Landi Renzo: its commitment to hydrogen and strategic collaboration with Bosch for advanced technologies

The system has suitable valves that guarantee the protection of both the pressure regulator and the fuel supply line

Landi Renzo is an Italian company operating in the field of alternative power systems. Founded in 1954 and led by CEO Annalisa Stupenengo, the company specializes in the development of advanced technologies for natural gas, LPG and, more recently, hydrogen.

As part of its innovation strategy, Landi Renzo has entered into a strategic collaboration with Bosch, a world leader in automotive technology and services. At the heart of this project is the development of a mechatronic pressure regulator for hydrogen, a key device for the adoption of the most promising fuel for zero-emission mobility. This regulator is designed to ensure precise and safe handling of hydrogen inside vehicles, maintaining a constant pressure and adapting in real time to operating conditions.

Marelli works with leading global automakers to develop tailored solutions. In 2024, it was awarded a major contract to supply battery heat plates for a major car manufacturer’s electric vehicles. This supply, which covers various platforms for the Chinese, North American and European markets, is expected to produce approximately 5 million units, underlining Marelli’s crucial role in supporting the evolution of electric mobility.

Sogefi: innovation in lightweight materials and advanced technologies to support the transition to electric, efficient mobility

Sogefi, part of the CIR Group, is an Italian company headquartered in Milan with a turnover of €1.5 billion (in 2023). Led by Vice President Monica Mondardini, Sogefi is one of the leading suppliers of components for the automotive sector, with a focus on innovative solutions for traditional and electric vehicles. Sogefi manufactures suspension components (fiberglass springs, stabilizer bars), thermal management systems (cooling for batteries, electric motors and fuel cells), and filtration systems (oil, fuel, cabin air) for traditional and electric vehicles.

One of Sogefi’s main objectives is to reduce the weight of components, a key factor in improving the efficiency of electric vehicles. The company has developed fiberglass springs, an innovative alternative to traditional steel. These components are significantly lighter, reduce energy consumption and increase the range of electric vehicles, without compromising their structural strength. Fiberglass springs, in addition to improving performance, also help reduce environmental impact during production.

Sogefi is also at the forefront of thermal management of electric vehicles, which is crucial to ensure optimal performance. The Air & Cooling Business Unit has developed intelligent cooling systems designed to improve the thermal management of batteries, fuel cells, electric motors and auxiliary devices. These advanced systems help maintain optimal temperatures, increase battery life and improve vehicle comfort, combining efficiency and sustainability.

• Editor’s Note: Republication of the article of February 4, 2025.