Suppliers demonstrate future-readiness with cutting-edge technologies
Solutions for BS-VI & EVs take centre-stage
It was February of an even year and it was time to enter the largest platform where the Indian auto component industry showcased its capability and future-readiness. It was time for another pulsating edition of the Auto Expo – Components Show, jointly organised by the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
The fair, in its 14th edition, was held from February 8 to 11 at the same ‘old’ Pragati Maidan, quite literally; but if one was to overlook the not-so-great ambience at the venue and focus on what the 1,200+ exhibitors had on display, one cannot but applaud the thirst and enthusiasm of our supplier fraternity in coming up with path-breaking products and innovative and ‘frugal’ technologies that are set to define the future of the Indian auto industry.
In sync with what was happening parallely at the Motor Show in Greater Noida, electromobility was the buzz word at the components arena as well, while solutions for BS-VI were equally sought after by the OEM delegations that visited the show. While it’s usually the suppliers who wait anxiously for the OEM teams to grace their stalls, the impending ominous BS-VI leap and the acute electromobility rush seemed to have got the vehicle makers sailing around, looking for the best solutions that they could possibly integrate in their future vehicles.
Massive success
Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry, and Mr. Anant Geete, Union Minister for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, jointly inaugurated the fair on February 8. Mr. Prabhu urged the auto components industry to focus on higher value-addition and actively participate in Global Automotive Value Chains (GVCs) as opposed to the current Global Supply Chains. Mr. Geete mentioned that the Government would soon announce a comprehensive Auto Policy with focus on global competitiveness, eco-friendliness and sustainability.
The expo, with its theme ‘Automotive Technologies that Drive the World’, truly reflected the potential of the Indian auto component industry. Spread across 60,000 sq. m. in seven halls and three hangars, the show witnessed participation from over 1,200 companies – 850 domestic and 350 international exhibitors. A total of over 115,000 dedicated trade visitors from 20 countries contributed to the massive success of the fair, convincing many exhibitors of the need to participate in the next edition as well.
Expressing satisfaction on the success of the event, Mr. Nirmal Minda, ACMA President, said: “It’s heartening that the expo has received such an overwhelming response from the exhibitors and the trade visitors alike. The show truly reflected the potential of the Indian auto component industry and its readiness for the future. It is noteworthy that the exhibitors displayed next generation products compliant with the recent emissions, safety and environmental norms prescribed by the Government. Further, top leadership from most OEMs and IPOs showed active interest in the products and technologies displayed at the expo.”
Sharing her views, Ms. Shobhana Kamineni, CII President, said: “The 14th Auto Expo Component Show has been an unparalleled event. It showcased the capabilities of Indian component makers for the world market. The auto component Industry’s zeal of propelling ‘Make in India’ is truly appreciable.”
This year’s Auto Expo – Components has been a successful showcase of path-breaking technologies to address challenges the auto industry is facing in India and also around the world. Several exhibitors launched new products and technologies in conformance with the BS-VI and other safety regulations. Besides, the ACMA Safer Drives pavilion featuring virtual reality games and other special displays aimed at spreading awareness on road safety was indeed a big crowd-puller.
A day before the event, the 3rd New Delhi Automotive Summit on ‘Making the Indian Auto Component Industry future ready’ was organised wherein deliberations by national and international automotive experts on mobility technologies were held.
The other events and activities during the Expo included the 6th Regional Workshop Owners Meet of All India Automobile Workshops Association (AIAWA), Auto Waters 2018 – Driving Towards a Sustainable Future for the Auto Sector, seminar on the opportunities for suppliers in xEVs, Weaving Synergy – Spot innovation Contest, and the Indo-German working group meeting.