Text: Anusha B
Technology secrets of automotive industries get public with Messe Frankfurt’s initiative of organising various technology strengths under 1 umbrella which render auto professionals a sneak peek at the advents and accessibilities. The 9th edition of Automotive Engineering Show (AES) 2015, which recently concluded in Chennai saw more than 100 exhibitors highlighting their engineering capabilities. After inaugurating the 3-day event P Thangamani, Minister of Industries, Govt of Tamil Nadu said, “Tamil Nadu has become a front runner amongst Indian States in-terms of industrial development. With the presence of top 10 renowned OEMs in the World, improving infrastructure, the availability of skilled manpower and industry-friendly policies, Chennai is now positioning to be a top 10 automobile manufacturing centres in the World.”
Chennai is emerging as one of the top 10 global automakers where 13,80,000 cars are outputted every year which gives an astonishing statistical figure of 3 cars per minute and 1 commercial vehicle in 90 minutes. Hyundai, Renault Nissan has made Chennai a global export hub for their small car segments. There will be a global investors meet on september 2015 and central Government is targeting to attract more than 1 lakh crore investment which further fuels auto business and the industries will transpose to a new paradigm shift.
Raj Manek, Executive Director, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holding Ltd, said, “The AES focuses on indigenous manufacturing which fits well with current government initiative, Make in India to enhance India’s manufacturing competitiveness in the automobile sector. Bringing together companies whose technologies are used by major automotive players across the world, the 3-day business fair will open new doors for business, networking and sourcing cost –efficient automobile factory solutions. With low-cost, reliable and efficient technologies dedicated to engineering and design processes of automotive industries along with target planning, shop floor and quality control technologies on display, the fair will be an important stopover for any vehicle manufacturer looking at expanding their manufacturing capabilities.“
Manek also said that they are planning to take this show to overseas and AES will debut in Mexico in 2016 followed by South Africa and China. “We have done our ground work in Mexico and South Africa and they are our priority markets to begin with,” said Manek. He also said the synergy of this show with Automechanika is massive and visitors can crossover. There are a lot of OEMs, who come for Automechanika, can visit AES as well. The idea is to bring AES alongside the Automechanika, wherein it remains a standalone entity, marketed independently.
Companies like Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi electric, FARO, Mahr, SICK India, Olympus, Panasonic, Bharat Fritz Werner, Nordson EFD, Bettinelli Automation Components, Blue Start, Cybernetik Technologies showcased their latest automotive manufacturing techniques and exchanged contacts with 3,300 industry professionals who visited the fair. For 3 days, intense business meetings and live demonstrations reaffirmed the high interest of automation adoption among auto players down south amidst plans of Tamil Nadu Government making Chennai one of the top 10 global manufacturing centres for cars.
Automation expo like events stage the floors with plethora of companies showcasing their bespoke technological innovations under one roof. The event is spotted for a big bash and indubitably this event is a platform for all the auto component manufacturers to exchange technology inputs and trade-off the viabilities pertaining to their manufacturing process. The history of agency’s success in this market is obvious and event-on event the success still pinnacles their coups with elated emotions. Fingers crossed as the agency succeeds so their assignments and beneficiaries do.
Commenting on the relevance of having a professional business event like Automotive Engineering Show in Chennai, Mr Sathya Narayan, Regional Head – Chennai, Bharat, Fritz Werner Ltd said: “When you think Automotive Engineering – Pune and Chennai markets are the first that come to your mind. Chennai, in particular, has very good infrastructural set-up, access to facilities and leading auto companies which makes it very relevant to have a focused show like Automotive Engineering Show here. The response at the show has been fantastic because Indian market is ready to invest and is waiting for intelligent investments where ROI is high. Our challenge as technology providers is to meet these expectations.”
Resonating similar challenges for technology players, Mr Gautam Dutta, Director Marketing, Product Lifecycle Management, Siemens said: “Indian Auto Suppliers have the potential of being the largest exporters and producers of automotive products, not for just domestic market but fulfilling global needs. We, therefore, need to keep a check on the quality aspects and continue innovating while leveraging technology to make way for smarter, system-driven modern product designs.” He further added: “The Automotive Engineering Show is a true representation of the Indian automotive industry and the various technologies it is capable of delivering for the automotive systems of the future. By bringing together people from the right segments it can enable the skill and knowledge transfer essential for taking us to the top.”
Changing trends and regulations in the Indian automotive sector is drawing attention of global technology providers who are well-equipped with their high-quality automation and relevant solutions for the Indian market. First time exhibitors at the show, Dharmesh Shah, National Sales Manager, Automotive Plastics & LES Solutions from Dow Corning said: “Off late, automotive industry in India is witnessing shifting trends. Cars with enhanced safety features and better fuel efficiency are catching up. Globally, hybrid cars are the next big thing. Dow Corning provides electronic and component solutions for these and participating at Automotive Engineering Show has been very beneficial as we could promote it to the right market.”
Another trend noticed at the exhibition was the growing emphasis of auto manufacturers towards anti-pollution technologies. Marishkumar, Asst Manager – ME Casting, India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd said: “Pollution control is one of the major focus areas in factories today and we found some very interesting solutions for regulating pollution and mist collection. We have given our requirements to some of the companies here who have assured to design a customised solution based on our factory specifications.”
The accompanying one-day seminar alongside which initiated discussions on connected cars, IoT, industrial robots between 12 technology and sector specialists and over 75 delegates from some of the renowned companies including Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, General Motors, Diamler, Fiat and MRF Tyres set the wheels of smart automotive factory concept in motion.
