Bosch's Indian unit begins restructuring as auto sector slowdown bites

Bosch, which makes a wide range of auto products including braking systems and batteries, is the latest firm to restructure its business or limit production due to the slowdown, which has been exacerbated in recent months by a liquidity crunch in India's shadow banking sector.

Automakers Tata Motors Ltd and Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd (M&M) said last week they would cut production at some plants in response to slowing demand that industry executives say has driven the sector to one of its worst downturns.

Earlier on Tuesday, an auto industry body said India's domestic passenger vehicle sales in July had fallen at the steepest pace in nearly two decades.

Bosch has earmarked Rs 82 crore  ($11.5 million) as a provision for restructuring, which would include "manpower adjustments," it said.

"The slowdown is not cyclical, but structural," Bhattacharya said. "Necessary course correction measures will be taken in order to remain competitive."

Shares in Bosch's Indian unit dropped 3.4 percent following the news of restructuring. The company's profit in the three months ended June dived 35 percent to Rs 2.8 billion, while revenue from operations dropped 13.5 percent to Rs 27.79 billion.