Harish Lakshman takes over as ACMA president; Ramesh Suri appointed vice-president

New Delhi, September 9, 2013: ACMA, the apex body representing India’s auto component manufacturing industry, has announced a change of guard at its helm with Harish Lakshman, managing director, Rane TRW Steering Systems, taking over as the new president and Ramesh Suri, chairman, Global Autotech, as its vice-president for 2013-14.

Announcing the new appointments, ACMA executive director, Vinnie Mehta, said, “We are pleased to have Harish Lakshman on board as the ACMA president, an industry veteran, with vast exposure to the auto industry. We are also delighted to have Ramesh Suri as our vice-president, a respected leader from our industry. Further, the new ACMA executive committee comprises some of the most eminent leaders from the auto component sector. We look ahead to their active engagement and contribution.”

Speaking on ACMA’s work priorities for the coming year, Harish Lakshman said: "It is a matter of great pride to be the president of ACMA, at a juncture when the auto component industry in India is going through one of the most challenging phases ever. The uncertainty in the markets, depreciating rupee, high Interest rates and fuel prices, has led to significant de-growth in vehicle purchases across most sectors. All stakeholders, especially the vehicle industry, the component industry and the government will need to work in a concerted manner to deal with the situation to bring the industry back on to the growth path. Working closely with vehicle manufacturers, the government and its various ministries and helping the component manufacturers (especially the small and medium companies) improve their cost structures, will be the immediate focus areas. There will also be a continued emphasis on business development, technology upgradation and a closer engagement with the membership.”

Ramesh Suri said, “I am grateful to the industry for reposing faith in me. The auto component consumption in 2012-13, witnessed a moderate growth of only 5.6 percent over the last fiscal, scaling a turnover of Rs 216,100 crore (US$ 39.7 billion). However, in the current financial year, we have witnessed a significant slowing down of growth in the vehicle industry; we hope that the ensuing festival season will boost consumption and lift the market sentiment.”