First-ever virtual ACMA Automechanika opens next week

The show must go on. Challenging times call for adroit moves and the world over, right-thinking corporates, associations and industry bodies have seamlessly made the move to digital to combat the pandemic as well as keep the momentum going. It’s the same with ACMA Automechanika.

The leading aftermarket exhibition for the sub-continent, which is typically held at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan every two years, will be held on April 22-23 with a difference — industry stakeholders will log in from their computers or smartphones, keen to know the latest updates and developments in this exciting segment.

Earlier this year, the trade fair organisers Messe Frankfurt India and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) announced that the fifth edition has been moved to an all-virtual concept, given the latest developments of Covid-19 globally and its continued impact on restrictions imposed by regional governments.

India shows resilience
The automotive aftermarket, which accounts for around 18 percent of India Auto Component Inc’s turnover and had recorded a 15 percent slump in H1 FY2021, had picked up during Q2 and Q3 after the sharp decline in Q1 due to the lockdown last year, and saw improved fortunes in Q4 FY2021. With the vast passenger car, two-wheeler and commercial vehicle parc in India, repair solutions will always mean business for the aftermarket industry across the country. 

What augurs well for the aftermarket industry is that overall automobile production volumes in the second half of FY2020 (October 2020-March 2021) were significantly better than the first half. And, with the opening up of the economy, pent-up demand and delayed replacement of vehicles, the aftermarket also reported sequential recovery from Q2 FY2021.

It is in this context, despite the ongoing challenging times, that the virtual edition of ACMA Automechanika aims to bring together the auto component and aftermarket players through its integrated digital platform that will enable wider connectivity, garnering the presence of channel players across India and globally.

As the exhibition goes live, buyers will be able to tune in virtually to witness new product launches, demonstrations and conferences organised on the virtual show floor. The digital platform will curate innovative products and solutions from 75 exhibitors in the categories of Auto Components, Electronics & Systems, Accessories & Customising, Repair & Maintenance, Management & Digital Solutions and Car Wash, Care & Reconditioning.

The product demonstration feature will enable visitors to gain an in-depth knowledge of the innovations showcased by the exhibitors. Schaeffler India, one of the leading aftermarket players and the principal partner for this year’s event, will also demonstrate its products. During the fair, buyers can automatically connect with exhibitors via the AI-assisted virtual platform as they launch a product query.

Panel discussions
The online trade fair will host insightful panel discussions on the themes of digitisation, business drivers and exports, skilling initiatives and a holistic overview on the Indian aftermarket industry. These panel discussions will delve into contemporary industry topics, thereby enabling aftermarket players to identify new opportunities and expand their industry know-how.

Along with the automobile industry, the Indian automotive aftermarket is on the growth path. It perhaps is more promising than the automobile market. During the first pandemic-hit year (FY2020), it was the only segment of the component industry to clock growth. However, to fully tap growth prospects, the Indian aftermarket industry has to get more organised, and also follow consistent quality standards.

With growing focus in this segment by established players, and standardisation in place, the industry can look for better growth prospects. And the prospects in India are big. For example, the passenger vehicle segment alone is expected to produce 70 million units, cumulatively over the years, till 2030. The demand in the aftermarket can be calculated accordingly.

As the industry environment gets even more dynamic, and disruptive, the aftermarket players have to align their approaches or devise new strategies to clock consistent, sustainable growth. To discuss what they could be, and the evolution of the aftermarket industry, there will be a special panel discussion on April 22 (10.45am – 11.45am) titled ‘How to Build a Robust & Sustainable Aftermarket Industry in India’, moderated by Sumantra B Barooah. Autocar Professional is an official media partner of this biennial industry event. The online panel discussion will see the  participation of Ashok Taneja, CEO & Managing Director, Shriram Pistons & Rings; Ramashankar Pandey, MD, Hella India Lighting, and Chairman, Aftermarket Committee, ACMA;  and P Kaniappan, Managing Director, Wabco India.

With the support of leading industry associations, such as: AIAWA (All India Automobile Workshops Association) and FAIASPDA (Federation of All India Automobile Spare Parts Dealers' Associations), the first virtual edition of ACMA Automechanika will also feature knowledge sessions to aid aftermarket players amid the changing business landscape.

Array of aftermarket products
The virtual networking and sourcing platform will showcase latest products in the aftermarket. As a digital marketplace for aftermarket players, the fair has garnered participation from top brands like Schaeffler India and other major brands like Ajit Industries, Benara Udyog, Elofic, Steel Impex, KK Lighting, Industrias Del Recambio, Farad Italy, Indo-MIM, and Esteem Auto.

The virtual edition will showcase a variety of products and solutions in the aftermarket segment, including:

• Schaeffler India: FEAD Belt Tensioners from INA with optimised preload and unidirectional damping that help minimise belt fluttering, slippages, noise, friction and heating. They improve the power transfer from crankshaft to accessories.
•  Indo-MIM: A wide variety of Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) parts for design, tooling, materials and a full range of finishing and assembly operations.
• Ajit Industries: Various types of pressure sensitive self-adhesive industrial tapes and die-cuts for automotive application.
• Shri Ram International: A range of valve tappets mechanical lifters manufactured from chilled cast iron or alloy steel for trucks, cars and agricultural engines. The product assures right hardness and quality with precisely engineered critical dimensions.

- Agrim Components: Rubber and plastic attachments for vehicles and TPU, TPE and TPV materials for two- and four-wheeler auto components (green vehicle parts).

The online trade fair will host focussed visitors including professionals from car repair shops, service stations, producers of vehicular fittings, fleet managers, garage owners, traders, distributors and vehicle manufacturers. Through AI-enabled match-making, these visitors can connect with exhibitors as they launch a product query and schedule an e-meet for purchase discussions.

Clearly, the first all-digital ACMA Automechanika to be held later this month will be an event with a difference. As the country and the world battle challenging times due to the advance of the pandemic, here’s a new venue for industry stakeholders to drive a new business dynamic.

You can register for the trade fair at www.acma-automechanika.in .