By Dominick Rodrigues
New Delhi : ACMA Automechanika showcased a diverse array of aftermarket products in its maiden virtual edition of April 22-23 with over 1000 product displays from around 75 brands, key product demonstrations as well as panel discussions led by media and research experts.
Brands like Schaeffler India (principal partner) and eBay (associate partner) highlighted their latest products alongside Ajit Industries, Benara Udyog, Elofic, Steel Impex, KK Lighting, Industrias Del Recambio, Farad Italy, Indo-MIM Pvt Ltd, and Esteem Auto Pvt Ltd. at this digital marketplace for automotive aftermarket players.
Describing 2020 as one of the most challenge-ridden years for the sector, Raj Manek, Managing Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd said “It is time now to shift gears and focus on development and continuity of business – which is the objective at the core of Automechanika’s vision as the leading trade fair brand for this sector.”
Interestingly, the aftermarket remained robust despite 2020 being the most challenging year due to the out-break of the pandemic badly affecting all segments of the industry including supplies to OEMs, exports and imports.
Deepak Jain, President – ACMA(The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India) said “The Aftermarket in India is probably the most vibrant and fastest-growing segment of our industry. In 2019-20, it stood at US$ 9.8 billion, with a CAGR of 12 percent while the overall turnover of the Auto Component Industry stood at US$ 50 billion with a CAGR of 8 percent.”
“ It is interesting to note that last year, which was probably the most challenging year for us due to the out-break of the pandemic, all segments of the industry, be it supplies to OEMs, or exports or the imports, suffered badly, however, the aftermarket remained robust. This reflects the undying spirit of the aftermarket as also its strong potential. That apart, our exports stood at US$ 14.5 billion in 2019-20 and 20% of this are directed to the aftermarket,” Jain said.
The online trade fair hosted focused visitors including professionals from car repair shops, service stations, producers of vehicular fittings, fleet managers, garage owners, traders, distributors and vehicle manufacturers. Through AI-enabled matchmaking, these visitors connected with exhibitors through a product query and schedule an e-meet for purchase discussions.
The online trade fair also held a line-up of insightful panel discussions on the themes of digitization, business drivers and exports, skilling initiatives and a holistic overview on the Indian aftermarket industry. Speakers at the two-day session included prominent industry experts from ZF Group, Schaeffler India, VEVC (Eicher), REVV, Shriram Pistons & Rings Ltd, Hella India Lighting, Unominda, Stork Rubber Products Pvt Ltd and Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) among others, a release stated.
