India’s off-highway sector is an important future market for Thomas. Unlike most established global markets, it is currently experiencing rapid growth. It’s no wonder that India plays a significant role in the company’s global growth strategy. In mid-September, the company showcased itself and its products for the first time at bauma CONEXPO India, the country’s most important international off-highway trade show. As part of the German Pavilion, Thomas shared a common platform with other German companies. The company’s expertise in steer-by-wire technology generated significant interest.
Great Potential in the Growing Indian Market
This market is particularly interesting for Thomas. The momentum the industry is currently experiencing in India comes at a time when traditional hydraulic control systems are increasingly giving way to modern control and operating concepts.
India is investing heavily in infrastructure, urbanization, and mechanization. The market for mobile machinery and off-highway applications is booming. Sales of construction machinery alone reached a volume of 15.37 billion USD in 2025 and, according to industry studies, are growing by more than 7.5 percent annually. India is the third-largest market for construction machinery worldwide—and the local industry association, ICEMA, has officially stated its goal of catching up to China by 2030.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
“Steer-by-Wire” Takes Center Stage
With the trade show motto “By Wire Control Technology,” the company struck a chord. Thomas placed its steer-by-wire technologies at the center of its trade show presence: With transmission valves (PPCP09 2.0), electrohydraulic proportional pressure control valves for spool valves and hydraulic variable-displacement pumps, as well as the innovative electromechanical actuator (EMA), Thomas brought its latest technologies for the off-highway sector to the trade show. These solutions help meet new and demanding requirements for efficiency, precision, miniaturization, and safety.
Building Important Connections
The team returned home with plenty of ideas from potential partners. Initial potential for future business opportunities in the Indian off-highway sector was even identified. Thus, the trade show participation went far beyond the intensive market observation originally planned: With its trade show appearance, Thomas has further strengthened its presence in an important future market. One thing is already certain: This will not be Thomas’s last trade show appearance in India.
English 
German