The 16^th edition of the Auto Expo 2023 - Components Show, jointly organised by Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is scheduled from 12-15 January, 2023 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Over 800 companies from 15 countries will be displaying at the expo. With the show returning after a hiatus of three years, the overwhelming response to the 16^th edition is a testimony to the industry's indomitable spirit of resilience.

Putting across his views on the response to the show, Vinne Mehta, Director General, ACMA, cited, “The participation has been overwhelming, and this is despite the fact that we are coming back after three years. There is a lot of excitement, and we are very happy that the show has done so well. The very fact that we are completely sold out, with a waiting list, is a clear indicator of the faith our community has in the show.”

Sharing the highlights of the show, Sunjay Kapur, President, ACMA, and Chairman at Sona Comstar, said, “I am delighted that the 16^th edition of Auto Expo 2023 - Components, the most awaited event of the automotive industry, has shaped very well. With participation from over 800 companies, several of them from overseas, we have been completely sold out. In the backdrop of strong economic recovery and rising vehicle sales in the country, the Auto Expo 2023 - Components is expected to create newer opportunities for the components industry, as also provide a platform to showcase its prowess as it strives to stay relevant in a fast-transforming industry. With confirmation of several business and sourcing delegations, the event will provide an ideal opportunity for networking, striking international partnerships and gaining insights into the future of mobility.”

In fact, last year was a record year for profits and aftermarket growth. Speaking in terms of the industry growth in 2023, Mehta said, “The numbers of the current year are pretty robust. We are hopeful that we will close this year on a sound note.”

Talking about the focus of the show, Vipin Sondhi, Chairman, CII National Committee on Future Mobility and Battery Storage as also Chairman CII National Committee on Technology, R&D and Innovation, said, “With significant disruptive changes being witnessed in the automotive ecosystem world over and in India, the Auto Expo 2023 - Components show will be reflective of these dominant trends, including electric mobility, ADAS, biofuel and flex-fuel-based engine technologies, vehicular safety technologies, sustainable and ecologically sound manufacturing practices, digitisation, automotive start-ups, innovative technologies and solutions and much more. In tune with these, our theme pavilion 'Technovation' is designed to be a crystal ball of future of mobility, showcasing cutting-edge technology offerings from our domestic companies.”

Speaking more on 'Technovation', Mehta said, “The whole show is themed ‘Technovation’ because the entire industry is going through a transformation, from electric mobility to bio-fuels to hydrogen. Hence, there is a huge change in the dynamics of the industry. Apart from that, the CAFE II norms have already kicked in, there will be a lot of lightweighting, digitalisation of the shop floors and sophistication in terms of engine technologies happening.”

The key details of the show are –

Show size and venue
This edition of the components show is larger than the previous editions, spread across an area of over 60,000 square metres, covering the newly constructed halls (Halls A2 to A5 ground floor and first floor), with additional facilities at the Mezzanine level for parallel networking and conference events, at Pragati Maidan.

Participants
The show has attracted participation from over 800 companies from 15 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK and USA, with six country pavilions – France, Germany, Japan, Poland, South Korea and the UK.

Theme and focus
The components show is themed 'Technovation - Future Technologies & Innovations', and will have the following focused pavilions –

• EV components, innovation and start-ups
• ACMA safer drives
• ACMA industry services
• Bearings pavilion
• Garage equipment pavilion
• REA, Gujarat state pavilion

Showcasing future technologies
It is expected that innovative and advanced technologies in the components sector, in both greener and cleaner energy-saving formats, will be unveiled and showcased through these pavilions.

Networking platforms
The following parallel events are scheduled during the Components show –

• ACMA Aftermarket Summit
• ACMA Global Summit & Automotive Technology Partnership Summit & Expo (ATPSE)
• ACMA IPO Forum
• Stakeholders Awareness cum Consultation Workshop for Development of National Strategy for Phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
• ACMA-AIWA Conference on Spare Service Support in a Changing Environment
• SIAM Sourcing Group Forum

These forums will effectively engage the business community to conduct meaningful discussions and initiate dialogues for the future, with an objective to bring the latest and best technologies to the Indian automotive industry.

New products
The participants at the Components Show are using this once in two years opportunity to showcase new products and technologies with around 200 companies launching/displaying over 1,400 new products and technologies.

Visitor facilitation
The following initiatives have been undertaken for business visitors to make the best use of their time, and avoid the long waiting times at registration counters –

• Register and print your own badge/QR code in advance
• Get your pre-registered badge printed at the registration counter by giving your registration number
• Use QR code on mobile phones to enter
• Use tabs at registration counters to fill in details to get your badge

Whilst more than 10,000 business visitors have already used these mediums of registration, the Components Show is expected to be attended by over 100,000 visitors, including businessmen, government officials, diplomatic community and the media, from 40 countries.

Show timings and entry gates
The Auto Expo - Components business hours are 1000-1800 hrs on 12-14 January, 2023 and 1000-1300 on 15 January, 2023. The general public hours are 1330 -1700 on 15 January, 2023.

Entry to the exhibition halls closes every day 30 minutes prior to the closing time, while entry to the events venue closes one hour before closing. There are two gates to enter Pragati Maidan – Gate 4 on Bhairon Road and Gate 10, Metro Gate. Free shuttle services at Gate 10 will be available for the visitors from Pragati Maidan Metro Station to the exhibition halls. Whilst exhibitors can avail of the underground parking at the venue, paid parking facility will be available on Bhairon Road, Opposite Gate 4 of Pragati Maidan.

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Schaeffler India has launched the fourth edition of its Social Innovator Fellowship Program under its CSR initiative, HOPE. The programme aims to support young innovators aged 18 to 35 who are working on scalable solutions to address environmental and societal challenges.

Ten selected fellows will receive a grant of INR 175,000 each and participate in a 24-week hybrid mentorship programme at IIMA Ventures. The fellowship includes access to Schaeffler India’s innovation network and resources to help scale their projects.

Applications are open to individuals, groups, institutions and both for-profit and non-profit organisations across India. The focus areas include environmental sustainability, renewable energy, carbon neutrality, circular economy, natural resource management and the use of technology in the social sector. Applicants must present a working prototype, a clear target audience and a roadmap for growth and viability.

A multi-stage selection process, including interviews and a final pitch, will be conducted by a jury comprising Schaeffler India leadership and India Accelerator experts.

Harsha Kadam, Managing Director & CEO, Schaeffler India, said, “At Schaeffler India, we truly believe in innovation and development, and we have been investing in inclusive and sustainable programs. Through structured initiatives such as HOPE, we aim to empower and nurture visionary young innovators with a pioneering spirit who are developing technology-driven solutions for social sectors and environmental issues, making a meaningful difference through their unique approaches. Schaeffler aims to be both an enabler and catalyst in solving these issues, affirming its belief in innovation as a force for equitable progress”.

Shibi Mathew, Head of HR and CSR, added, “We are deeply committed to advancing the meaningful progress of our communities. We proudly announce the launch of the Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship Program for 2025, with the primary aim of harnessing and supporting the pioneering spirit of young and passionate innovators across India. This program offers a remarkable opportunity for talented individuals to bring improvements to social and ecological issues through their innovative solutions. We eagerly await the participation of outstanding leaders who will demonstrate a strong commitment to developing transformative solutions, resulting in more resilient systems, empowered communities, and positively impacted lives.”

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Tier 1 supplier Uno Minda has introduced its new range of advanced LED indicators for motorcycles in the Indian aftermarket at INR 1,137. These innovative blinkers aim to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and on-road safety for riders.

Designed to complement traditional motorcycles, the new LED indicators promise straightforward installation, improved visibility and enhanced durability. Uno Minda highlights their high-visibility lighting, which significantly boosts safety in low-light and busy traffic conditions. The indicators also boast an IP67 rating, making them waterproof and dustproof, capable of withstanding various weather and road conditions.

Anand Kumar, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Aftermarket Domain, Uno Minda, said, “At Uno Minda, we are committed to delivering solutions which help the modern motorcycle rider. Our new LED blinkers for Royal motorcycles offer superior safety, durability, and aesthetics, ensuring riders experience the best in performance and reliability. This launch is part of our ‘Driving the New Technology’ initiative, under which we aim to consistently introduce innovative, performance-driven products to the Indian aftermarket. With an IP67 rating, these LED blinkers are built to endure even the toughest weather conditions. Waterproof and dustproof, they are designed to function reliably in rain, snow, or dust, ensuring long-term durability and performance, regardless of the environment. The LED blinkers are designed with a sleek, unique look that effortlessly enhances the iconic Royal Motorcycles style and serves as a perfect aesthetic and functional upgrade, as these blinkers significantly improve rider safety by increasing visibility in low-light and high-traffic conditions, reducing the risk of accidents.”

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has further strengthened its aftersales network with the inauguration of its 5,500th service touchpoint in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Interestingly, in FY2025, the company serviced over 27 million vehicles, and with the new facility, it now has around 40,000 service bays across the country. Furthermore, Maruti Suzuki India aims to add around 500 more service touchpoints in FY2026.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “One of the key factors most customers consider when purchasing a new car is the availability of a proximate and convenient service workshop, one that offers genuine and reliable service at a reasonable price, giving them total peace of mind. To meet this need, we have been able to establish 5,500 service touchpoints across 2,764 cities, with the help of our dealer partners. In FY 2024-25, we added 460 new service touchpoints, which is more than one every single day. We plan to continue these efforts and aim to add around 500 new service touchpoints during this financial year, of which we have already set up 91 touchpoints.”

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Steelbird Helmets, one of the largest two-wheeler helmet manufacturers, has launched the SXE helmet at INR 3,599.

The SXE, the company claims, is India’s first motorcycle helmet equipped with advanced impact protection technology featuring a tough, high-impact ABS shell reinforced with advanced fibre composites, coupled with a Black EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner and a shock-absorbing TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) layer.

This advanced multi-layered liner system the company shared efficiently controls both linear and rotational forces during crashes, offering superior protection and enhanced rider safety.

It is said to reduce rotational impact forces by around 20 percent as the SXE helmet is said to be specially designed for enhanced impact management and to ensure efficient energy distribution during high-speed collisions, significantly reducing peak head acceleration and minimising the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

The SXE is BIS IS 4151:2015 and DOT FMVSS 218 (Department of Transportation, USA) certified .

Steelbird Helmets stated that it is engineered for peak performance, safety and style, featuring a sleek aerodynamic shell that minimises wind resistance, reduces rider fatigue and ensures a comfortable experience during high-speed and extended journeys. Precision airflow ventilation with multiple intake and exhaust vents delivers optimal climate control, while sound insulation reduces wind and road noise for enhanced comfort. Inside, its breathable, hypoallergenic fabric padding and thermoformed structure offer hygienic, lasting comfort, with mesh zones managing sweat and heat. Reflective fabric inserts, including a prominent neck strip, improve night-time visibility and a micrometric buckle provides quick, secure fastening.

Adding to its versatility, the SXE boasts a dual visor setup with a scratch-resistant clear visor and an additional smoke visor for changing light conditions, alongside an inner sun shield for instant protection from glare. The Pinlock-ready visor guarantees clear, fog-free vision in all environments. A signature Eco-dome technology logo elevates the helmet’s premium look. The helmet is available in over 13 colour choices in painted and dynamic decal versions, and sizes from S (560) to XL (620).

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