The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) recently convened the inaugural edition of its national aftermarket confluence, STEER 2025, in New Delhi. The event, held under the theme “Safe, Tech, Empower & Engage, and Reach,” brought together a distinguished gathering of policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to deliberate on the future of India’s approximately $12 billion automotive aftermarket. The conclave served as a crucial platform to address the sector’s challenges and unlock emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving mobility landscape.
High-Level Participation and Keynote Insights
The conclave was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Minister of New & Renewable Energy, who delivered the keynote address. He was joined by Shradha Suri Marwah, President of ACMA; Vinnie Mehta, Director General of ACMA; and Ramashankar Pandey, Chairman of the ACMA Aftermarket Sub-Committee, Sujit Nayak, Sr. VP, Brakes India, Amit Makijha, Head Marketing – Lumax Auto Technologies and other eminent personalities from the automobile industry.
In his address, Minister Joshi commended ACMA for organizing a platform to shape a future-ready automotive aftermarket. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the industry and highlighted the importance of collaborative policy and industry action to tackle the sector’s challenges.
Shradha Suri Marwah, ACMA President, underscored the strategic importance of the aftermarket, stating, “The aftermarket today is not just a support system, it is a strategic pillar of India’s automotive value chain. It connects manufacturers, distributors, service providers, and end consumers, playing a vital role in mobility, employment, and consumer satisfaction.”
Key Themes and Panel Discussions
The day-long conference featured a series of insightful panel discussions that delved into the most pressing issues facing the aftermarket. The discussions revolved around the core pillars of the STEER 2025 theme:
Combating Counterfeit Parts and Ensuring Safety: A significant portion of the discussions was dedicated to the menace of counterfeit automotive parts. Participants highlighted the severe safety risks these fake components pose to consumers and the detrimental impact they have on the industry’s reputation. The dialogue emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach, including stronger enforcement, consumer awareness campaigns, and the adoption of advanced anti-counterfeit technologies. The government’s “Right to Repair” initiative was also a key topic, with experts discussing how it could be leveraged to promote the use of genuine parts and transparent repair services.
The Role of Technology and Digitalization: As the automotive landscape undergoes a digital transformation, the conclave focused on how digitalization can drive change in the aftermarket. Discussions explored the potential of e-commerce platforms, data analytics, and connected vehicle technologies to streamline distribution channels, improve service quality, and enhance the customer experience. Eminent personalities shared their views on how technology adoption is crucial for component manufacturers to stay competitive and cater to the needs of modern vehicles.
Skills Development and Capacity Building: The rapid technological changes, particularly the advent of electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), have created a demand for a skilled workforce. Panelists stressed the need for upskilling and training programs for mechanics and technicians to handle new-age technologies. The discussions centered on bridging the skills gap to ensure that the aftermarket is prepared to service the next generation of vehicles.
Market Access and Supply Chain Resilience: The conclave also addressed the challenges of fragmented distribution networks and the need for a resilient supply chain. Experts discussed strategies to improve market access for component manufacturers, particularly for MSMEs, and build robust supply chains that can withstand future disruptions. The goal was to generate actionable recommendations to create a globally competitive and consumer-centric automotive aftermarket in India.
The STEER 2025 conclave concluded with a strong reaffirmation of ACMA’s commitment to working closely with both government and industry stakeholders. The insights and recommendations generated from the event are expected to serve as a roadmap for the future growth of India’s automotive aftermarket, fostering an environment of safety, innovation, and sustainable development.
