ACMA’s first aftermarket expo in Guwahati reveals untapped potential of NE India

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex body representing Indian auto component manufacturers, recently organised the first ACMA Aftermarket Expo - North East at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, Guwahati.

The expo, held on November 26-27, was organised under the aegis of Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, government of India, and supported by the Guwahati Motor Parts Traders Association (GMTA) and the Federation of All India Automobile Spare Part Dealers’ Association (FAIASPDA).

Speaking on the occasion, chief guest, Governor of Assam, Banwarilal Purohit said: “The first ACMA Aftermarket Expo – North East is a unique initiative which will foster economic development of the North East region. The region offers several incentives for manufacturing and with the establishment of several engineering colleges could be an ideal destination for automotive manufacturing. The ACMA Aftermarket Expo will certainly encourage trade prospects in the region.” 

Rattan Kapur, president, ACMA, “I am glad to mention that the first edition of ACMA Aftermarket Expo has received an overwhelming response. Eighty leading auto component manufacturers displayed their products while over a thousand dealers and distributors from across the country including several from Nepal and Bangladesh attended the expo. We plan to make this an annual feature so that genuine parts and components reach this part of the country and the market evolves in a responsible manner.”

“The North East region is plagued by significant amount of counterfeit and fake products and through this expo ACMA is spreading awareness of using genuine parts though workshops on maintenance-best practices for garage mechanics”, added Kapur.

Parvin Agrawal, director, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, said, “The auto industry in India contributes significantly to our national economy. The government aims to develop India into a global automotive manufacturing hub. With the government’s focus on the development of the North East region through its ‘Look East policy’, the region is expected to emerge as one of the key contributors in this direction. The auto component manufacturers have a huge upside opportunity in this region as it has a vibrant aftermarket which is expected to grow to Rs 2,000 crore by 2016-17 from the existing Rs 1,700 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Vinnie Mehta, director general, ACMA said, “The North Eastern is still an untapped market. The ACMA Aftermarket Expo – North East has been able to establish a direct link between the local dealers and the auto component manufacturers which will ensure availability of quality and genuine products. We want to create Guwahati a hub of auto components distribution for the aftermarket in the region –- domestic markets well as for exports to the South-East Asian markets. We are confident that the expo will help scale up business in the region leading to its holistic growth.”