'We are expecting over 12,000 visitors at ACMA Automechanika.'

Ramesh Suri, president, ACMA, speaks to Shobha Mathur about the ACMA Automechanika New Delhi 2015 aftermarket trade fair (February 26-March 1).

How much business and footfalls are expected from this year’s ACMA-Automechanika show?
We expect to welcome over 12,000 visitors including OEMs, Tier 1 manufacturers, engineers, aftermarket distributers and suppliers, decision makers and professionals from the industry.

How does this show complement the regular component show at the 
Auto Expo?
Automechanika is India’s first dedicated aftermarket trade fair and is expected to attract trade visitors from both home and abroad. On the other hand the Auto Expo is focused on the OEM market. Additionally, given that the Auto Expo is held once in two years, this provides a continuity in the industry for networking as well as keeping India on the global map.

Can you detail the highlights of this year’s ACMA-Automechanika event?
The show is considered to be India’s first and only trade fair which is dedicated to the automotive aftermarket. The Expo is spread across 16,000 square metres, housing 243 domestic and 171 international exhibiting companies from 12 countries.

Over 400 companies from Brazil, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and the UK will display their latest auto parts and accessories. It will attract OEMs, Tier 1 makers, engineers, government representatives, distributers and end-users looking for new business opportunities.

With its focus on future-oriented technologies and solutions, the fair is coupled with a series of hi-powered conferences running parallel to the show. ACMA-Automechanika New Delhi will provide sector professionals with in-depth knowledge about the global automobile industry, experts in the key areas of R&D and innovation, advancements in mechatronic systems, simulation and testing systems, sustainable mobility and fuel efficiency among others.

Further, both ACMA and Messe Frankfurt have taken a strong initiative to address the rising concerns on counterfeit products sold in the replacement market. To spread awareness on intellectual property rights and benefits of using genuine auto components, ACMA’s 'Asli-Naqli’ arm along with  Messe Frankfurt have set up a joint stall to ensure that the visitors are fully informed about fake parts and assertion of intellectual property rights.

The 2015 show has over 400 exhibitors compared to 2013’s 258. What do you attribute this growth to?
Steady sales and growing vehicle parc that is leading to high-growth opportunities for automotive components in India including those in the aftermarket. Today, the size of the aftermarket in India is estimated to be $ 6 billion with the market attaining critical mass.

We decided to bring the Automechanika brand to India, which stands for the most successful trade exhibitions for automotive aftermarkets worldwide. The first edition in 2013 was the country’s first ever trade exhibition specialised for the auto component aftermarket sector.

The successful debut and the fair’s proven reach among the decision-making audience has surged demand for participation amongst both leading domestic and international companies.

In the first edition of the show, big names like Bosch were missing. Are they participating in the 2015 edition?
In fact many major players including Delphi participated in the first edition of Automechanika New Delhi. I am happy to mention that Bosch has confirmed its participation as platinum partner. Further ANG Industries, Luk India, Setco Automotive, Shriram Pistons & Rings and ZF India have confirmed as gold partners.

We also have an impressive line-up of brands from Brazil, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and the UK

How many ACMA members are part of this year’s show and who are the prominent names?
Most ACMA members engaged in the aftermarket are participating. This includes Schaeffler India Automotive Aftermarket, Jamna Auto Industries and Sigma Corporation India to name a few.

Are there any special exhibit categories?
The event covers the full range of parts for motor vehicles, as well as components for the drive, chassis, body, electric and electronic groups, equipment for vehicle service and repair, bodywork repair and painting, tyres, batteries and performance systems.

Are you planning any special shows like IPR or Asli Naqli?
Like I said earlier, with the second edition, we have decided to take a strong initiative to address the rising concerns on counterfeit products sold in the replacement market. The platform will be used to inform the industry and consumers about the genuineness of aftermarket products through Messe Frankfurt’s global initiative Messe Frankfurt Against Copying and ACMA’s Asli Naqli campaign. We will also hold street plays ‘nukkar nataqs’ to sensitise the advantages of using genuine parts. 

We have also organised a one-day knowledge seminar which will take place on February 27, co-located with the trade fair. The objective is to educate the aftermarket community on developments in R&D and innovation, advancements in mechatronic systems, sustainable mobility, fuel efficiency and emerging export markets.

Are there any firsts expected in this ACMA- Automechanika event that were absent in the first edition of the show?
For the first time, Korea and Thailand will be participating at the exhibition. We have planned a new product display section for exhibitors to highlight their new products and solutions.