Automechanika India confident of 20% growth

Much has happened in the global and Indian automotive markets since the last ACMA Automechanika New Delhi was held in 2015.

The next edition of ACMA Automechanika New Delhi will take place from 21 – 24 March 2017 at Hall 7A-E, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 12A, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It will reflect both the changes in the market-place and advances in technology.

Automotive Industries (AI) asked Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member of Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings to list some of the show highlights.

Manek: It is India’s only trade fair dedicated to the automotive aftermarket. Other highlights are:

• 19,500 square meters of exhibition space which is 20% more than in the previous show
• 325 domestic and 175 international exhibiting companies from 17 countries • There will be a concurrent seminar focused on key themes of digital economy, which includes the launch of a report on how technology is converging the modern automotive plant and the aftermarket
• The show will address the rising concerns on counterfeit products with Messe Frankfurt’s global initiative “Messe Frankfurt Against Copying”, and ACMA’s “Asli Naqli” campaign.

AI: What visitor and exhibitor numbers are expected?

Manek: We are targeting a 20% growth in the number of exhibitors, crossing the 500 mark.

The 2017 edition is also a special one as it marks the launch of the Automotive Engineering Show in Delhi. We are confident that the co-location of two premier shows for the industry will be a major draw for visitors and auto sector players.

AI: What new technology will be on show?

Manek: With some of the biggest brands on the show floor visitors can be sure to encounter a host of new innovations. The New Product Showcase zone will be the focal point for these innovations with a sharp focus on digital, mobility, repair and services solutions.

AI: What is the international participation in the show?

Manek: The world is looking at India as a prime automotive market. This year the number of foreign exhibitors has risen by 15%, with exhibitors coming from 17 countries. This means more product showcases, new launches, and the right combination of domestic and international automotive expertise.

AI: Will the show benefit companies planning to enter the Indian market?

Manek: The show can prove to be an important part of the launch strategy of new entrants to the market because the fair draws buyers from all relevant backgrounds, including intellectual property owners, OEMs, dealers and distributors, retailers, suppliers, manufactures, and global automotive leaders from both India and abroad.

AI: Please put the Indian auto industry in perspective.

Manek: The value of the Indian auto-component segment currently stands at US$39 billion, and is well on its way to become the third largest in the world by 2025. Electric mobility is changing the dynamics globally, and in the domestic arena, India has been trying to implement emission and safety related norms that are applicable in the international markets. To this end, the focus is moving towards safety, fuel efficiency, sustainability and customer preferences which will lead to a demand transformation in the industry.

From the manufacturing perspective, the government of India’s MII initiative is giving a boost to International companies which are already looking at India as a global manufacturing base. Indian auto-component makers are also well positioned to benefit from the globalization of the sector, which registered 3.5% growth in a period when overall Indian exports declined. It is estimated that the potential is for exports to quadruple by 2020 to US$40 billion.