India Day celebrations further strengthen Indo-German ties

The just-concluded Automechanika at Frankfurt witnessed a record number of participants from the Indian auto component sector. This clearly confirmed the 60 years of strong bilateral relationship between India and Germany, which is expected to grow further in the coming years. The bilateral trade between two countries is in fact projected to touch Euro 20 billion by the year end as compared to Euro 18.37 billion during 2010.

These remarks were made by Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Consul General of India, Frankfurt, while delivering the inaugural address at the India Day celebrations at Automechanika Frankfurt organised jointly by the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPCINDIA) and Messe Frankfurt.

He said currently cars and components are the major items that figured most in the trade between two countries. The recent announcement of Volkswagen’s additional investment of Euro 100 million and Mercedes-Benz’ Euro 20 million were clear indication that the scope of mutual trade is much bigger. Since the Government of India has announced various attractive schemes under the Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) 2016, German companies could very well take advantage of the situation by making greater investments in the country, particularly in areas like electric and hybrid vehicle production.

Mr. Surinder P. Kanwar, ACMA President, and Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Gears Ltd., gave an overview of the Indian economy and the great untapped potential available in the automobile and component industry.

Mr. Michael Johannes, Brand Manager, Automechanika, in his detailed presentation, said Messe Frankfurt is one of the biggest organisers of fairs worldwide, including Automechanika. It was in 1971 that the first Automechanika was held in Frankfurt, and its success paved the way for the safe conduct of the aftermarket event regularly with the support of over 50 national and international industry-related associations. In India too, Messe Frankfurt has its synergy with ACMA.

Mr. Jaysinh Babla, Chairman – Territorial Committee, EEPCINDIA in his presentation, said his company has been participating in Automechanika for the last 14 years and has never gone back without doing reasonably good business. Any talented businessman must be able to do good business at this popular fair.

He also pointed out that when he visited Automechanika during 1980s, many trade visitors didn’t express confidence in the quality of Indian products. However, the situation has completely changed ever since Maruti Suzuki made its entry into India. Currently the country offers immense potential for global investment, particularly in view of the abundant availability of young and skilled workforce.

Earlier, Mr. Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH, in his welcome address, shared his joy for the increasing number of participation from Indian companies in Automechanika 2012. Though started in a small way with just 300 exhibitors in 1971, Automechanika Frankfurt has grown to its current status by attracting over 4,600 exhibitors from 80 countries. It is also truly an international fair attracting visitors from 181 nations across the globe.

Today, with around 12 Automechanika fairs in different parts of the world, it remains the most successful trade fair brand in the industry. The next step by the organisers is to move on to Incredible India whereby the ACMA Automechanika will be organised in February next. Already several leading firms, including Bosch, have shown interest in participating in it.

Mr. Vinnie Mehta, ACMA Executive Director, in his concluding remarks, acknowledged the great support extended by Messe Frankfurt and also expressed confidence that ACMA Automechanika will also prove an equally successful show.

A book brought out by EEPCINDIA was also released on the occasion.