1/ Electric power trains are here and at much faster pace than expected. The traditional Auto manufacturers will be caught by surprise as non-entities are coming out with E vehicles and have already gone ahead of the curve compared to heavy weights. 

2/ Induction Motors will replace conventional power train and will be powered by battery, hydrogen or solar as motors is the right solution to mobility. Eventually, hydrogen will take over Charcoal based power sources; however, Govt. of India is targeting only 40% of energy from charcoal-based sources. 

3/ In India hybrids will come for some time as a stop gap arrangement and will help IC engine component manufacturers for few more years. 

4/ Demand projection of forging will become half in 5 years’ time. 

5/ Any component maker heavily invested in an IC engine segment needs to de risk by diversifying into other segments or components which will remain for next 15 years 

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A/ Diversify into all ranges of bevel gears as bevel gear and planetary gears and differential would still be used before going to two variable speed motors take over. 

B/ Manufacture gears with complete teeth with just super finishing by machining. 

C/ Since dog teeth will be eliminated in electrical the gear configuration will be easy to make by forging. 

D/ Convert one of the lines for suspension parts as suspension is here to stay and heavier suspension due to battery weight. Add machining capability in suspension parts and sub-assemblies. 

E/ Dedicate one line for cold forming and nonferrous forging and titanium forging for aerospace engine blades, Hip joints, golf club etc. These are technologies that take time to be mastered. 

F/ Partner with an electric axle manufacturer to make integrated axle which can just be coupled with motor. Global manufacturers are much ahead now in this race. 

G/ If any investment in forging, then an investment in higher segment like forgings gears for construction or tractors however both segments also getting into electrical drives. This will de risk the heavily two-wheeler IC engine segment dependency and will take 3-4 years to develop new segments. However, Crown wheel and Pinion shaft will remain in the heavier segment and big planetary gear boxes at axle ends. 

H/ Alternate source of energy like wind and solar will require planetary gear boxes, solar tracker gear boxes, slew bearings and host of other gearing products. 

I/ Transmission of power throughout India, Africa will increase demand for forgings required for high tension lines. 

J/ Electric cars would be low floor level cars and will require better road infrastructure, so forgings demand for equipment like excavator’s dump trucks. 

Summary 

So, the disrupting technology for mobility has arrived and will create blood bath during the transition of the complete business process. It’s the next big thing after the horse cart was replaced by IC engine. Companies need to either rethink their business strategy or convert themselves into malls. There are many other forging requirements that is replacing the conventional auto engine and transmission based forging requirement. One needs to develop capabilities toward the same or it's going to be too late.