Mahle believes that sphisticated thermal management systems will play an increasingly significant role for future drive systems from internal combustion engines to electric motors and fuel cells.
The company also intends to acquire the joint venture of Delphi Thermal in China, which is represented in all global automotive manufacturing regions.
Its products range from HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) modules and ac compressors to cooling components.
With 7,600 employees, Delphi's thermal division posted annual sales of around 1.2 billion US dollars last year.
Completion of the deal is expected by autumn 2015 following approval by the relevant antitrust authorities.