Strong Indian presence at Automechanika Frankfurt as suppliers seek new export markets

Indian auto component manufacturers are out in full force at Automechanika Frankfurt this year. ACMA is hosting a delegation of 52 Indian automotive suppliers in an India Pavilion (Hall 6.2) at Automechanika Frankfurt from September 13-17, while a further 120 India firms are in attendance. 

The record attendance comes even as the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex industry body, recently held its annual convention on the theme of ‘Winning with Quality and Innovation’ to target exports as demand grows across the world.

ACMA has been aggressively pushing the export programme of Indian component manufacturers. The Indian component industry’s exports grew by 11.4% to Rs 68,500 crore in 2014-15 from Rs 61,400 crore during 2013-14, registering a CAGR of 29% over a six-year period. According to Vinnie Mehta, director general, ACMA, Indian suppliers currently export to more than 160 countries and the industry has been growing at 15 percent per annum over the past 6 years. Clearly, the consistent growth in auto component exports is a clear indication of the growing credibility of ‘India Made’ components in the global auto supply chain.

Over the years, the component industry has developed strong manufacturing capabilities that have helped in keeping costs low and meeting stringent global quality norms. The impressive performance of the industry has been possible due to frugal engineering, a key strength of Indian auto component manufacturers. However, India’s low-cost advantage is coming under pressure from players from other markets which means outstanding product quality and continuous innovation will be key to drive new gains.

India’s auto component industry is a strong US$ 39 billion (Rs 246,363 crore) industry with exports of US$ 11.2 billion (Rs 70,750 crore). As per the Automotive Mission Plan 2026, the industry is targeting a turnover of US$ 200 billion (Rs 1,263,400 crore) by 2026, while the aftermarket is expected to grow from US$ 6.5 billion to US$ 32 billion (Rs 202,144 crore). Competitively priced and technology-driven products that are responsible for this growth will also nurture India’s status as the next hub for the global automotive aftermarket manufacturing and consumption. Exports of auto components, a key growth driver, are expected to cross the US$ 70 billion mark in 2026 from US$ 11.2 billion in 2015-16.

Currently of the 700 ACMA members, 662 have ISO9000 certification, 554 have TS16949 certification, 19 have QS9000 certification, 295 have ISO14001 certification, 167 have OHSAS18001 certification and 14 have won the coveted Deming Prize. Further, ACT (ACMA’s technical wing) has facilitated over 550 plants in the component sector to achieve best-in-class operations through cluster programs like ACT SME Cluster, ACT Foundation Cluster, ACT Advance Cluster, ACT Engineering Cluster and ACT New Product Development Cluster. To help upgrade the capabilities of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers, there is the ACMA-UNIDO cluster program launched with the support of the Department of Heavy Industry, which has seen over 150 small and medium sized component manufacturers benefit.

With the government of India’s vision to make India a leading destination for designing and manufacturing of automobiles and auto components, the opportunity for India to emerge as a global market supplier of automotive parts and components has been further strengthened further.

The Indian auto component industry, with a well evolved manufacturing ecosystem produces a wide variety of products including engine parts, drive transmission and steering parts, body and chassis, suspension and braking parts, equipment and electrical parts, besides others to service the dynamic automobile industry. The Indian automobile industry, apart from being a hub for manufacturing small cars and engines, also produces mid- to large sized passenger cars, light, medium, heavy commercial vehicles, multi-utility vehicles, two wheelers, tractors and other off-road vehicles.

ACMA Pavilion - Hall 6.2

The strong Indian industry presence can be seen at Hall 6.2 where the ACMA Pavilion provides a platform to Indian auto component aftermarket suppliers to showcase their capabilities, explore aftermarket business opportunities and connect with global auto component suppliers.

Above: Raveesh Kumar, Consul General of India, Frankfurt, inaugurating the ACMA Pavilion at Automechanika Frankfurt on September 13.
 

According to newly appointed ACMA president, Rattan Kapur, “ACMA is proud to participate at the most renowned and successful aftermarket trade fair to showcase the technological prowess of the Indian auto component industry. In light of our theme this year ‘Winning with Quality and Innovation’, we are showcasing some of the cutting-edge technologies and innovative products. Our emphasis has been to move up the value chain by providing a differential that will allow us to be preferred suppliers of choice for our customers. This edition will further contribute towards ensuring opportunities for business development for deepening the distribution chain.” 

Vinnie Mehta, director general, ACMA, said, “With the objective to connect globally, ACMA’s participation at Automechanika Frankfurt offers a reliable platform for the international automotive component and aftermarket professionals to source the best of the Indian aftermarket products and technologies besides creating business alliance with the exhibiting participants. Over the years, the Indian auto component industry has developed strong manufacturing capabilities that have helped it in offering price-competitive products and meeting stringent quality norms. Indian auto components are exported to more than 160 countries and have been growing at 15 percent per annum over the past six years.”

ACMA Automechanika coming up

Six months from now, ACMA in association with Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India will be organizing the third ACMA Automechanika New Delhi from March 21-24, 2017 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Spread across 20,500 square metres, the trade fair will have over 500  exhibitors from India and abroad.   

“The upcoming ACMA Automechanika in New Delhi will witness state-of-the-art innovative products and solutions for the aftermarket, high-level awareness programs on curbing counterfeit business and raising safety issues,” added Mehta.

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