ACMA Annual Session 2026 Puts Aftermarket Transformation at Centre of Industry Debate

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) held its Annual General Meeting and Annual Session 2026 at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi, on September 2, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the future of India's automotive component sector under the theme "Beyond Resilience."

Manav Kapur, Executive Director of Steelbird International and member of the ACMA Executive Committee, chaired the session's Aftermarket Pillar, leading discussions on trends and structural shifts within India's automotive aftermarket industry.

The Aftermarket Pillar covered a range of issues including technology adoption, automation, localisation, supply chain changes, sustainability and the expansion of organised aftermarket channels. Participants also addressed the implications of connected vehicles, new vehicle platforms and shifting consumer expectations for aftermarket businesses.

"India's automotive aftermarket is at an important inflection point," Kapur said at the session. "The opportunity now is to move beyond resilience and build an aftermarket ecosystem that is technology-driven, organised, quality-focused and globally competitive. Collaboration across manufacturers, distributors and other stakeholders will be critical to unlocking the next phase of growth."

The session's central theme reflected a broader industry shift — from managing disruption to pursuing longer-term competitiveness. Localisation, supply chain resilience, technology investment and sustainability were identified as factors relevant to India's position in global automotive markets.

ACMA, founded in 1959, represents over 800 auto component manufacturers in India. The automotive component industry is one of the country's significant manufacturing sectors, supplying both domestic vehicle makers and international original equipment manufacturers.