The fifth edition of Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) India’s Automechanika organised by Messe Frankfurt is going to be hosted in New Delhi from 1^st to 3^rd February, 2024 at Pragati Maidan. 

This edition will present over 100 new participants on a 25,000 sqm show floor. The fair will also host knowledge-sharing sessions, conferences and discussions to expand opportunities for networking and collaboration. 

Solutions from brands like Schaeffler, ZF India, Mahle Aftermarket, NRB Bearings, Mansons International, Subros, J K Fenner, Minda Corporation, RMP Bearings, Celette India and several others will be on display. The list of international brands includes Sampa Otomotiv, Liqui Moly, Industrias Del, Recambio and more from USA, UAE, Germany, Russia, Korea, Italy, Belgium, Taiwan, Thailand and China. Additionally, four dedicated international pavilions will be created for Germany, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

Showcasing exclusive solutions for two-wheelers, passenger, commercial and agricultural vehicles the show will welcome stakeholders including wholesalers, distributors, traders of parts and components, professionals from car repair shops, garages, service stations and fleet management. The display of products and solutions will vary from different categories like parts and components, electronics and connectivity, diagnostics and repair, accessories and customizing, car wash and care, dealer and workshop management, alternative drive systems and fuels, tires and wheels, body and paint, mobility as a service and autonomous driving. 

This edition is seeing partnerships with TechSci Research as Knowledge Partner, Elofic Industries Ltd. and HIM Tecknoforge Ltd. as the Bronze Partners and Ample Auto Tech as the Lanyard Partner. Federation of All India Automobile Spare Parts Dealers’ Associations, All India Automobile Workshops Association, Automotive Parts Merchants Association, European Garage Equipment Association, AAMPACT, FIGIEFA, Federal Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Automotive Service Equipment are on the list of supporters for this edition of the event. 

According to the ACMA’s report on ‘Auto Components Industry Review for Financial Year (FY) 22-23’, the major growth drivers of this industry over the last five years have been — growth in domestic vehicle sales; a strong aftermarket and increasing exports. The size of the industry has grown by 33 percent from INR 4213.66 billion in FY22 to INR 5597.48 billion in FY23. Auto aftermarket grew by 15 percent from INR 742.03 billion in FY22 to INR 853.33 billion. It was also reported that electric vehicles have accounted for a total of 2.7 percent of component consumption. 

Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA India stated, "The automotive industry is experiencing significant growth, driving an increased demand for auto components and the aftermarket sector. The outlook for the industry is optimistic, given the continuous expansion of the market size and the notable growth in component exports, rising by five percent to USD 20.1 billion in FY 2023 from USD 19.1 billion in FY 2022. Notably, exports to North America, Europe, and Asia have witnessed growth in 2023 compared to the previous year. As this edition of Automechanika marks the first physical edition post COVID-19, we are delighted to witness the enthusiasm of exhibitors from both India and abroad, along with the support of associations and all stakeholders associated with the industry. This collective effort is set to create a vibrant show floor once again.”

Raj Manek Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holding Ltd. said, “After the successful past editions of the show, we are excited for the fifth physical edition of ACMA Automechanika New Delhi 2024. The Indian vehicle industry including passenger, lightweight and heavy-duty vehicles is growing at a fast pace and India has witnessed this growth trend this year across these segments. The growth of vehicle sales is a clear indicator of growth for the auto components and aftermarket industry. We are excited to once again bring new solutions and technologies from India and around the world leading to propel this industry in the future.”

Ajay Seth, Vice President – International Business, Elofic Industries Ltd. expressed, “We are thrilled to be the Bronze Partner with ACMA Automechanika New Delhi. This partnership will bring unparalleled expertise and innovation to this prestigious event and to the auto components and aftermarket industry. This collaboration not only elevates the event's success but also amplifies our company's commitment to pioneering automotive advancements. Let's fuel progress, inspire change, and redefine the future of auto mechanics together.”

Mrinal Aggarwal, Director, HIM Tecknoforge Ltd. said, “We are glad to be the Bronze Partner for the upcoming edition of ACMA Automechanika New Delhi 2024. We take pride in serving the not only the Indian but the global aftermarket assembly well. Like in the past, this collaboration will once again drive enriching networking opportunities and help showcase our vast variety of products which include Transmission, Differential and Suspension along with various assemblies and Sub-Assemblies, manufactured through cutting-edge technologies vital for the growth of aftermarket. This partnership will contribute towards shaping of the future of automotive components and aftermarkets industry through this spectacular event where the entire value chain of this segment will converge.

Arvind Choudhary, Managing Director, Ample Auto Tech Pvt. Ltd. mentioned, “ACMA Automechanika carries with it the credibility that attracts the right kind of Indian as well as international clients. As India evolves to be the global manufacturing hub, ATEK is looking forward to utilize the platform to display its engineering strengths and manufacturing capabilities and increase its market reach.” 

Gulf Oil Lubricants India, part of the Hinduja Group, has inked a strategic partnership with Nayara Energy, a leading private fuel retailer and an integrated downstream company in the country.

As per the understanding, Nayara Energy will make available Gulf Oil’s entire automotive product range, including lubricants for two-wheelers, passenger cars, commercial vehicles and agriculture-related vehicles, at its network of over 6,500 fuel retail outlets.

The association is part of a three-year contract will also see Gulf Oil make available its AdBlue and two-wheeler batteries among others at Nayara’s network.

Ravi Chawla, MD and CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India, said, “Our partnership with Nayara Energy is a significant step forward in expanding Gulf’s presence across India’s highways and fuel stations. As a globally recognised brand, Gulf has consistently set benchmarks in delivering high-quality and innovative automotive solutions. Our partnerships with iconic global and domestic brands like Manchester United, McLaren, MS Dhoni, and Chennai Super Kings have cemented our position as a trusted name worldwide. With the support of Nayara’s vast network and expertise in fuel retailing, we are well-positioned to serve a wide range of consumers with high-quality, dependable automotive solutions. This collaboration underscores the growing demand for quality automotive products and lubricants owing to the burgeoning infrastructure growth and both Gulf’s and Nayara Energy’s commitment to making our products accessible, ensuring that our customers receive quality lubrication solutions wherever they are in India.”

Madhur Taneja, Chief Marketing Officer, Nayara Energy, added, “At Nayara Energy, we believe that customer centricity is at the core of creating a distinctive service experience across our expansive retail network. This latest tie-up with Gulf Oil is another affirmative step to enhance our range of automotive product offerings that enable in delivering high quality performance for motorists. Together, these two power brands can leverage synergies that will enable in amplifying reach and ensure ease of availability of premium product experience for consumers across rapidly growing tier 2,3 markets and prominent highways. Lubes are an essential category in our NFR (Non-Fuel Retail) offerings and our commitment to grow this category is visible from the Quick Lube Change Bays we have incorporated in our Retail Outlet. These Quick Lube Change bays are equipped with advanced machinery that enables lube change in less than 5 minutes and this service is provided Free of charge at our outlets.”

The 55th Goods & Services Tax (GST) council meeting has decided to increase the GST rate on the sale of pre-owned vehicles to 18 percent from the current 12 percent.

The hike will now also be applicable to electric vehicles margin value, when the transaction happens by registered businesses dealing with used vehicles. But in case an EV is sold by the vehicle owner to another individual there will be no GST applicable.

The hike the government believes will bring parity between used old small cars, EVs with old larger vehicles.

The GST council clarified that the tax will be applicable only on the margin of the seller, and not on the entire value of the car. For instance, if a vehicle is bought for INR 1 million and sold at INR 600,000, the tax will be on the margin value of INR 400,000.

Representational image courtesy: Tom Fisk/Pexels

Tier 1 supplier Schaeffler India has appointed Sharad Bhatia as the new Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS), effective 2 December 2024.

In his new role, he is tasked to lead Schaeffler India’s efforts to strengthen presence in the mobility ecosystem.

Bhatia comes with over 24 years of experience in the automotive parts industry and will be instrumental in expanding Schaeffler India’s VLS business on the back of his deep expertise in aftermarket service parts sector.

Harsha Kadam, MD & CEO, Schaeffler India, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sharad Bhatia to Schaeffler India as Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions. The Vehicle Lifetime Solutions business is an important business division for the strategic growth of Schaeffler in India. His extensive background in the aftermarket business, combined with his experience in multinational markets, aligns well with our strategic goals. Sharad’s leadership will be pivotal in strengthening and enhancing the agility of our VLS business, further reinforcing our commitment to sustainable motion technology solutions in India.”

Sharad Bhatia, added, “I am excited to join Schaeffler India at a time when the automotive industry is rapidly transforming. My focus will be on expanding our aftermarket solutions portfolio by leveraging advanced motion technology to deliver value and innovation. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Schaeffler India to strengthen our Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division and provide our customers with sustainable, reliable, and forward-looking solutions.”

Tier 1 automotive supplier Uno Minda has launched what it claims is India’s first GPT-enabled Android music system - Wtunes-464DN-GPT - in the aftermarket for INR 49,999.

The GPT-enabled infotainment unit has a built-in voice command feature. It also has an inbuilt 360deg camera controller for improved safety, high-definition audio with 208W output, and advanced digital signal processing (DSP). It has a dynamic equalizer that allows personalised audio settings and split-screen functionality for multitasking. The music unit also comes with a microphone, screws, a 4G antenna, and wiring with a SIM card slot.

Rakesh Kher, CEO, Uno Minda Aftermarket Division, said, “Featuring an integrated AI assistant, the Wtunes-464DN-GPT introduces a new level of control and immersion. Unlike traditional desktop setups that rely on typing, this cutting-edge product from Uno Minda incorporates GPT with intelligent voice commands, providing real-time assistance for professionals who require immediate information. This makes it especially beneficial for busy individuals on the go, perfectly exemplifying the concept of infotainment—delivering both information and entertainment effortlessly while traveling. The advanced QLED resolution (2000 x 1200p) provides a sharper, more vivid display, while Digital Signal Processing (DSP) enhances sound quality for clear audio. The capacitive touch panel offers intuitive control, and with a powerful output of 208W (4x52W), you'll feel every beat.”

The infotainment unit offers wireless and wired connections supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also provides support for variety of apps for navigation including Google Maps.