Text: J Srikant
ACMA in association with Messe Frankfurt is all set to host the second edition of ACMA Automechanika in New Delhi in February. One of the biggest auto shows to happen in India, the expo will prove to be a tool to gauge the sentiment of Indian auto industry which is limping back from the longest slowdown which has stretched for nearly 3 years. ACMA Automechanika New Delhi will be held from 26 February to 1 March, 2015 at Pragati Maidan.
This is a part of Messe Frankfurt’s Automechanika Brand, which is held in 13 locations across 4 continents and was held in India for the first time in 2013. The first edition attracted over 8,000 visitors, which included industry professionals, OEMs, distributors from 58 countries and regions, and had stalls from 256 exhibitors. Supported by ASA – Federal Association of the Manufacturers and Importers of Automobile Service Equipment (Germany) and ZDK – German Federation for Motor Trades and Repairs (Germany), the show will also have exhibitors from other countries such as Malaysia, Italy, China, Japan, Thailand, UAE, Taiwan, USA, Republic of Korea etc.
According to the ACMA Automechanika New Delhi official website, ‘67% exhibitors stated that they would definitely participate in the next edition, while 22% ranked ACMA Automechanika New Delhi as the number one trade fair for the country’s automotive Industry.’
Hoping to repeat the success of the first edition, ACMA Automechanika New Delhi 2015 will be spread over an area of 15,800 sqmt. It will feature products in categories namely Parts & Components, Electronics & Systems, Accessories & Tuning, Tyres & Batteries, Repair & Maintenance, IT & Management and Service Station & Car Wash.
Concerned with the growing number of spurious auto parts in the aftermarket, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) together with Messe Frankfurt has taken a strong initiative to address the rising concerns on counterfeit products sold in the replacement market, at this second edition.
It is estimated that nearly 36% of the aftermarket sales of auto parts in India are counterfeit. “The recent thrust by the government on vehicular safety is indeed very critical towards the future development of Indian automotive industry and aftermarket. Mobilising participation from the biggest players of auto parts and components, ACMA Automechanika New Delhi will present a reliable platform to source aftermarket products, apart from educating the industry and consumers through Messe Frankfurt’s global initiative ‘Messe Frankfurt Against Copying’, ACMA’s ‘Asli Naqli campaign’ and the various conferences at the trade fair,” Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member of Messe Frankfurt Asia Holding Ltd said.
Bringing some of the most prominent names in the automotive industry together, ACMA Automechanika New Delhi 2015 will serve as a platform to source and gain insights into the new aftermarket products available in the market and understand the process of registration and assertion of intellectual property rights.
Commenting on the importance of the show to the automotive industry, Vinnie Mehta, Director General of ACMA said, “A strong effort to combat counterfeiting starting with helping the sector to evolve into an organised one, ensuring genuine product availability by deepening the distribution chain and devising strategies to bridge the price gap is the need of the hour.”
He added that with the purpose to connect aftermarket players with auto component manufacturers at ACMA Automechanika New Delhi, this professional platform will add to ACMA’s efforts in bringing about the necessary change in the aftermarket practices.
Some of the most critical auto parts required for the safe operation of vehicles is among the most commonly counterfeited products available in the market with grave implications to public safety and revenue loss to the government. These losses stood at around Rs 2,200 crore ($ 3.56 million) per annum to the exchequer in 2011.
ACMA Automechanika New Delhi will also host a seminar on February 27, titled ‘Transformation to be world class,’ which will have government officials and industry experts as speakers.
