India, Oct. 3 -- Auto parts makers usually live and die by two things, how many vehicles get sold and how much their raw material costs. Lately both have been pulling in different directions. Demand from two-wheeler and commercial vehicle makers stays strong, but war in West Asia, a weak rupee and costlier freight are eating into what companies keep. So which ones handle that squeeze better is what investors are watching.

Pricol is a Coimbatore-based auto parts maker. It runs three businesses: driver information systems and connected vehicles, which covers instrument clusters, switches and disc brakes business, and a plastics business making polymer components. Customers include Tata Motors, Honda, Suzuki and Royal Enfield, plus commerc...