ACMA Hosts Inaugural STEER 2025, Setting the Course For India’s Automotive Aftermarket

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) recently held the inaugural STEER 2025, a national aftermarket confluence designed to chart a course for the future of India’s automotive components industry.

The event, convened on 8th August, saw participation from leading government and industry voices, including Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA, Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA and Ramashankar Pandey, Chairman, ACMA Aftermarket Sub-Committee.

In his keynote, Joshi praised ACMA’s commitment to consumer empowerment and highlighted the government’s Right to Repair initiative, stating that it would help make genuine spare parts and repair information more accessible and encourage sustainability and affordability while strengthening India’s presence globally.

Throughout the day, delegates engaged in lively discussions on sectoral challenges and opportunities around safety, technology adoption, skills development, market access and supply chain resilience. Actionable recommendations emerged to help advance the aftermarket in line with evolving consumer expectations and international trends.

According to data presented by Ernst & Young, India’s auto component sector has experienced robust growth, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12 percent from FY2018 to FY2024. The aftermarket segment itself expanded at around 8 percent CAGR over this period.

In FY2024, the industry’s turnover reached INR 6,147 billion, with exports climbing to INR 1,760 billion and constituting around 4 percent of India’s total national exports. The sector currently contributes approximately 2 percent to India’s GDP and provides employment to nearly five million people, highlighting its importance as one of the country’s largest employers.

Exports have become a significant driver, fuelled by strong domestic demand, supportive government incentives and India’s integration within the global ‘China+1’ supply strategy. Lower manufacturing costs give Indian exporters a competitive edge, with average factory wages 50-75 percent lower than those in China, allowing for 20-30 percent savings on labour-intensive components. Government schemes such as the Auto PLI Scheme have further boosted export growth, offering sales-linked incentives of 8–18 percent for advanced and electric vehicle components. Engine parts remain the largest export category, though substantial shares are also held by sectors such as suspension, braking, body/chassis, transmission and electronics.

Global opportunities abound in both developed and emerging markets. Key targets for Indian suppliers include Latin America, Indonesia, Poland, the UAE and Africa. Brazil’s automotive aftermarket alone is valued at USD 12,091 million (CY23), while Indonesia’s stands at USD 7,759 million, offering significant scope for further growth. Indian mechanical and consumable parts, particularly for two-wheelers, commercial vehicles and tractors, enjoy a reputation for quality in many of these regions; for instance, Nigerian purchasers are willing to pay up to 25 percent more for critical Indian spares compared to cheaper Chinese alternatives.

Trade agreements such as the India-UAE CEPA have facilitated access to high-growth markets by removing import duties, while bilateral pacts with African nations support expansion into West and East Africa. In Africa, car ownership remains relatively low at 40 per 1,000 people – far less than the global average – indicating substantial growth potential for automotive aftermarket products over the coming decade.

At STEER 2025, speakers emphasised strategies for further accelerating India's export momentum, including building stronger online and e-commerce presence, innovative branding, tailored product offerings, collaborative supplier initiatives, streamlined logistics and enhanced market access through local partnerships. ACMA reaffirmed its commitment to close collaboration with government and industry stakeholders, placing consumer empowerment and sustainability at the core of its vision to enhance India's reputation as a globally competitive supplier.

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BorgWarner has secured a new dual-clutch transmission (DCT) programme with a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, with production scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027. The integrated systems solution encompasses dual clutches, hydraulic control modules and clutch control software, designed for two-wheeled motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles featuring engine displacements above 500 cc.

As the motorcycle industry increasingly embraces automatic shifting, dual-clutch technology is drawing growing market interest over automated manual transmission (AMT) and continuously variable transmission (CVT) alternatives. Dual-clutch systems offer superior shift smoothness and higher power transmission efficiency, making them particularly well-suited for larger-displacement performance motorcycles where responsive and seamless gear changes are essential.

With nearly 10 million passenger car dual-clutch units delivered globally, BorgWarner brings proven engineering expertise and mature manufacturing capabilities to the two-wheeler segment. This programme reflects the company's evolution from a component supplier to a system-level partner, combining hardware and software to support the customer's domestic growth in China while facilitating expansion into Europe, North America and other international markets.

Henk Vanthournout, Vice President of BorgWarner Inc. and President and General Manager, Drivetrain and Morse Systems, said, “Passenger car transmission technology provides a strong reference point for the evolution of motorcycle automatic transmissions, and we believe automatic transmission technology will continue to gain momentum in the motorcycle market. With our proven DCT expertise and systems integration capabilities, BorgWarner is well positioned to support our Chinese motorcycle customer in bringing its DCT solution to production and advancing automatic transmission technology for motorcycle applications.”

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Tier 1 component supplier Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar) has announced its financial results for Q1 FY2027, reporting revenue of INR 13.10 billion, representing a 54 percent YoY growth. EBITDA reached INR 3.03 billion with a margin of 23.1 percent, while profit after tax stood at INR 1.81 billion.

Interestingly, battery electric vehicle revenue reached an all-time high of 44 percent of total revenue, growing by 107 percent YoY.

During the quarter, the company unveiled its Sona Comstar 2.0 strategy and announced its entry into the robotics and physical AI sector, alongside expansion into high-voltage electric and hybrid powertrain systems through a partnership with DENSO Corporation.

Vivek Vikram Singh, MD & Group CEO, commented: “Q1 FY27 marks the unveiling of Sona Comstar 2.0 – our ambition to grow tenfold again over the next decade. As part of this strategy, we announced our entry into Robotics and Physical AI. Our partnership with DENSO also takes us into high-voltage electric and hybrid powertrain systems, completing an important missing piece in our electrification portfolio. The quarter was equally strong financially. We delivered our highest-ever quarterly revenue, BEV revenue and BEV revenue share. Revenue grew by 54 percent YoY, while EBITDA and PAT increased by 49 percent and 45 percent, respectively. BEV revenue more than doubled, and its share of automotive revenue reached an all-time high of 44 percent, despite continued weakness in the US EV market. This demonstrates the increasing diversification of our EV business across customers, products and geographies. We also secured new business across EV, hybrid and ICE powertrains, spanning India, Europe and North America and nearly every product category in which we operate.”

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Schaeffler India has reported its financial results for Q2 and H1 ended CY2026. Revenue from operations for the quarter was INR 26.81 billion, marking a 17.5 percent increase compared to the corresponding period of 2025, while net profit reached INR 3.36 billion.

For H1 CY2026, revenue from operations was INR 51.88 billion, up 18.1 percent YoY, with a net profit of INR 6.56 billion led by growth in the Automotive Technologies, Vehicle Lifetime Solutions and Intercompany Exports segments.

Harsha Kadam, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Schaeffler India, said, “Schaeffler India registered a strong growth of 18.1 percent for the first half of the year. Our Automotive Technologies, Vehicle Lifetime Solutions and Intercompany Exports business continued the double-digit growth trajectory. Even for the quarter, despite a challenging market we recorded a 7 percent QoQ growth. Quality of earnings marginally impacted given cost pressures due to geopolitical developments. Overall, I am happy to share that we delivered on our financial performance consistently, amid volatility in a very dynamic macro-economic landscape. We remain committed on maintaining the momentum for the remainder of the year.”

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The Indian automotive component industry has delivered another strong performance in FY2026, reinforcing its position as a critical pillar of the country’s auto ecosystem and a growing player in global value chains.

According to the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the sector recorded sales of USD 85.9 billion (INR 7,600 billion), marking a healthy 12.7 percent YoY growth. Supply to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) grew even faster at 16.3 percent, driven by commercial vehicles (13%), two-wheelers (12%) and passenger vehicles (10%). The aftermarket segment expanded by 9 percent, supported by a rising vehicle population and increasing market formalisation.

Exports grew modestly by 5 percent, while imports rose 13 percent, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 1,370 million. Supply to the electric vehicle (EV) segment accounted for 4.6 percent of OEM sales, highlighting the sector’s gradual but steady participation in the country’s electrification journey.

Early indicators for FY2027 are encouraging. Despite global headwinds, Q1 performance has been resilient, underpinned by robust domestic demand and aftermarket growth. “Overall mood in the industry has been very positive. Since the GST 2.0 revision, the auto industry has continued to grow both domestically and in exports, and the component industry has followed suit,” noted Vikrampati Singhani, President, ACMA.

Infrastructure development has further boosted vehicular movement across categories, while demand for both new and used vehicles remains healthy. Several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have begun yielding results, with more expected to materialise.

The industry body stated that Europe has emerged as a bright spot for exports, benefiting from favourable trade pacts, even as overall European sentiment remains somewhat subdued. Exports to the region have contributed to an overall industry export growth trajectory around 9 percent in recent assessments.

Export Resilience Amid Geopolitical Challenges

Indian component makers have demonstrated remarkable consistency. North American exports held steady at USD 7.3 billion despite tariff pressures. However, CIS and Baltic region saw a sharp around 40 percent decline, largely linked to minimal trade with Russia.

ACMA noted that in Latin America the automotive industry faces a Section 301 investigation citing unfair labour practices and alleged government subsidies leading to overcapacity – claims strongly refuted by the industry.

Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA, noted that “The auto component industry does not get any subsidy from the government,” pointing out that under the PLI scheme, only 2 out of over 1,100 ACMA members have availed benefits.

He also highlighted ongoing capacity expansions as evidence against overcapacity claims. Top export destinations remain the USA, Germany and Thailand, while imports are dominated by China, Japan, and Germany, with Asian imports (primarily China) reaching USD 17.75 billion, up 19 percent.

The rupee’s 10 percent depreciation helped limit USD growth to 7.1 percent, providing some cushion. Positive developments include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and normalisation of LNG routes, which are expected to further ease freight costs.

The split across vehicle segments has remained largely stable: Passenger Vehicles account for 45 percent of OEM sales, followed by Commercial Vehicles (25%) and Two-Wheelers (19%).

ACMA stated that localisation levels average around 70 percent industry-wide, though high-end vehicles and advanced technologies (such as certain drivetrains) lag. The push for deeper localisation, especially in electronics and EV supply chains, continues, with OEMs and component makers collaborating on the third round of related studies.

Leaders expressed optimism that sustained localisation efforts, combined with OEM capacity expansions, could help narrow the trade deficit in the coming years.

Mehta stated that challenges remain in areas like rare earth magnets, where licensing issues persist, and EV supply chains, which are still heavily influenced by China’s cost competitiveness.

Headwinds and Adaptive Strategies

Labour shortages have emerged as a significant, cross-industry issue expected to persist for the next 8-10 years. Factors include seasonal agricultural demands, festivals, elections and rising urban living costs, which have resulted in challenges for industries. Despite this, the automotive component industry has shown resilience – no major production disruptions have been attributed to component shortages.

Furthermore, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face elongated CAPEX cycles, raw material price pressures and working capital challenges.

The industry is responding through increased focus on digitisation, robotics and automation.

“Opportunities are immense, with many traditional players diversifying into software, electronics and new-age technologies. Today, 7-8 percent of ACMA members are new-age firms and consumer electronics players have also joined the fold. India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in automotive – over 200,000 total, with strong representation in components – are driving significant software and design work domestically,” said Mehta.

Capacity expansion & FTAs

It is no secret that the growing demand for newer vehicles has also led to automakers further expanding their manufacturing capacity, including both greenfield and brownfield projects.

For the automotive component industry, capacity utilisation currently hovers around 70 percent, aligned with peak industry needs.

“As OEMs expand – particularly in emerging hubs like Aurangabad, touted as the ‘next Sanand’ – component makers are expected to follow with corresponding investments,” revealed Mehta.

Furthermore, India’s emergence as a reliable alternative in global supply chains is gaining traction amid diversification away from concentrated sources. FTAs are viewed not merely as duty-reduction tools but as enablers of long-term partnerships.

“US RFQs increasingly seek certified Indian components, bypassing China and boosting Make-in-India appeal. We are hopeful about the EU FTA and potential US BTA, which could significantly elevate India’s share in global auto value chains,” said Singhania.

For the unversed, the automotive component industry in India directly employs around 5 million people, with the broader auto industry supporting nearly 30 million livelihoods. “India is emerging as a strong long-term partner,” stated Mehta.

With twin engines of direct exports and indirect contributions through global customers, the component industry is well-positioned for sustained growth.

FY2027 and Beyond: Cautious Optimism

Going forward, ACMA projects 8-10 percent value growth for FY2027 if current momentum holds, supported by strong Q1 performance and steady exports. While trade deficit reversal will take time – particularly with EV growth and imported advanced technologies – commitment to localisation from both OEMs and suppliers provides a clear pathway forward.

As Singhani summarised, “The short-to-medium-term outlook is positive, with momentum in infrastructure, alternative fuels and technology transitions. Global volatility remains a risk, but the industry’s resilience, adaptability and strategic focus on automation and partnerships signal a bright road ahead for Indian auto components.”

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