The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) hosted the first edition of STEER 2025—an acronym for Safe, Tech, Empower & Engage, and Reach—in New Delhi today. The event, themed as a national confluence for the automotive aftermarket sector, aimed to assess the current state and future direction of India’s $12 billion aftermarket industry.
The inaugural session was attended by key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry executives, and technical experts. The keynote address was delivered by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who holds portfolios for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy. Also present were Shradha Suri Marwah, President of ACMA; Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA; and Ramashankar Pandey, Chairman of ACMA’s Aftermarket Sub-Committee.
The conference focused on critical issues affecting the automotive aftermarket, including the prevalence of counterfeit components, the pace of digitization, and the implementation of the government’s Right to Repair initiative. Discussions highlighted the sector’s significance in supporting mobility, employment, and consumer service, while also addressing structural challenges such as fragmented distribution networks, skill gaps, and the impact of advancing vehicle technologies.
In his address, Minister Joshi acknowledged the role of industry associations in facilitating dialogue between stakeholders. He noted that the Right to Repair initiative, led by his ministry, seeks to improve consumer access to genuine spare parts and repair data. The policy, he said, is intended to promote affordability, transparency, and sustainability in vehicle maintenance.
Shradha Suri Marwah emphasized the evolving role of the aftermarket within the broader automotive value chain. She stated that the sector now plays a strategic role in connecting manufacturers, distributors, service providers, and end-users. She called for coordinated efforts to integrate technology, strengthen workforce capabilities, and support regulatory frameworks that enhance consumer trust and market efficiency.
Over the course of the day, panel discussions covered topics such as road safety in relation to part quality, digital transformation in distribution and service, workforce training, market access for small enterprises, and building resilience in supply chains. The sessions generated a set of recommendations aimed at guiding policy and industry practices in the coming years.
ACMA reaffirmed its intent to continue collaborating with government bodies and private sector players to support the development of a robust, transparent, and competitive aftermarket ecosystem in India.
The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) is the primary industry body representing auto component manufacturers in India. With over 1,100 member companies, it accounts for more than 90% of the organized sector’s turnover in the automotive components industry.