The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) inaugurated the second edition of its Aftermarket Expo in Patna today, marking a significant gathering for the region's automotive component industry.
Bihar's Minister of Transport and Rural Development, Shri Shravan Kumar, inaugurated the event alongside Manav Kapur, Chairman of ACMA's Aftermarket Committee, and Ramashankar Pandey, Mentor of the Aftermarket Sub-Committee.
The expo has attracted participation from more than 30 leading aftermarket players from across the country. Major brands including ARB Bearings, Banco Products, Brakes India, Gabriel, Lucas Indian Service, Minda Corporation, and Steelbird International are showcasing their products and services.
Focus on Skills and Inclusivity
A notable highlight of the opening day was ACMA's recognition of Ms. Ankita, an ASDC-trained automotive technician from Bihar, acknowledged as one of the first formally certified women technicians in the region. The recognition underscores the industry's growing emphasis on structured training and women's participation in the automotive aftermarket sector.
Minister Shravan Kumar commended ACMA's initiatives to train and upskill technicians, mechanics, and independent garages. He also highlighted the Bihar government's commitment to supporting women in technical fields through various state initiatives.
Ramashankar Pandey emphasized the industry's commitment to excellence, genuine products, and continuous improvement in aftermarket service delivery. Manav Kapur stressed ACMA's focus on strengthening the aftermarket value chain through upskilling and ensuring independent garages have access to quality, authentic components.
Strong Visitor Response
The first day recorded a footfall of over 500 business visitors, including distributors, mechanics, fleet operators, retailers, workshop owners, and transporters from Bihar and neighboring regions. Organizers expect visitor numbers to rise significantly on the second day.
As part of its community outreach, ACMA organized a free eye check-up camp for mechanics, which received strong interest. Free near-vision glasses were also distributed as part of the association's social responsibility efforts.
Regional Market Significance
The auto components aftermarket in Bihar and Jharkhand represents approximately 5% of the national aftermarket. The region maintains a robust network of around 155 automobile dealers, 1,000 auto component retailers, and numerous repair workshops across cities including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Munger, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Dhanbad, as well as along key highway routes.
ACMA represents over 1,100 member companies and serves as the apex body of India's auto component industry. In FY2025, the industry achieved a turnover of ₹6.7 lakh crore, exports of ₹1.9 lakh crore, and maintained a trade surplus of around ₹3,800 crore.