The largest automotive aftermarket gathering in South India brought industry leaders together to discuss technology, customer trust, safety and new opportunities for growth.
The automotive aftermarket is entering a period of significant transformation, driven by connected vehicles, electrification, digitalisation and evolving customer expectations. These themes took centre stage at ACMA STEER South 2026, organised by the Southern Region of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA).
Across the inaugural session and three panel discussions, industry leaders highlighted the need for stronger collaboration, reliable parts, skilled technicians, accessible technical information and more efficient distribution networks to prepare the aftermarket for the future.
Inaugural Session: Putting the Aftermarket at the Centre
Welcoming participants, Mr. Raghavan N, President, Lucas Indian Service Limited, emphasised the importance of bringing together OEMs, component manufacturers, distributors, service providers and innovators. He highlighted technology adoption, parts availability and the right to repair as key priorities for the independent aftermarket.
Mr. Manav Kapur, Chairman, Aftermarket Sub Pillar, ACMA, and Executive Director, Steelbird International, delivered the inaugural address, while Mr. Rama Shankar Pandey, Mentor – Aftermarket Committee and CEO, Work with Dignity Foundation, stressed the need to strengthen the ecosystem through collaboration and greater recognition of technicians.
Mr. Pandey also highlighted the importance of repair and maintenance information (RMI), calling for an organised approach to making technical knowledge more accessible to workshops. Mr. Thiru Srinivasan, CEO, Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Research, underlined the aftermarket’s role in extending vehicle value through technology, testing and validation.
The central message was clear: the aftermarket must evolve alongside vehicles, with the capabilities to service increasingly sophisticated technologies safely and effectively.
“Aftermarket is not an afterthought.” – Mr. Rama Shankar Pandey
Panel 1: Safe & Tech – Building a Future-Ready Aftermarket
The first panel, Safe & Tech – Future-Ready Aftermarket: Building Safer Mobility through Technology examined the sector’s responsibility for vehicle safety as customer expectations and vehicle technologies continue to evolve.
Moderated by Ms. Gayathri Kemburu, Head – Aftersales Repair Engineering, Renault Group India, the discussion featured Mr. Manav Kapur, Mr. Ritunch Gupta, Vice President, Sales & Marketing – Aftermarket, Banco Products (India), and Mr. Jaishankar Unnithan, Managing Director, Sankar Sealing Systems Pvt. Ltd.
The speakers discussed the importance of product quality, standardization and effective enforcement of safety requirements. With vehicles increasingly incorporating electric power trains and complex electronic systems, aftermarket businesses must invest in product development, testing and technical capabilities.
The discussion also highlighted the risks posed by counterfeit and substandard components. Ensuring that customers can identify and access reliable parts is essential to protecting road users and building confidence in the aftermarket.
“Giving a choice to the customer is important, but giving the right choice is even more important.” – Mr. Ritunch Gupta, Banco Products (India)
Panel 2: Empower & Engage – Winning Customer Trust in the New Mobility Era
The fireside chat on Empower & Engage: Leadership Conversation – Winning Customer Trust in the New Mobility Era focused on trust, transparency and the relationships that sustain the aftermarket.
The discussion brought together Mr. Raghavan N, Mr. S. Sujit Nayak, Senior Vice President & Business Unit Head – Aftermarket & Friction, Brakes India Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Rama Shankar Pandey, with Mr. K. Venkataraj, Director – Business Development, Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Research, as moderator.
The speakers emphasised that trust extends beyond the point of purchase. Product quality, correct fitment, consistent service and dependable performance all contribute to customer confidence. In safety-critical categories such as braking, reliability is particularly important.
The conversation also examined the need to improve access to repair and maintenance information and to equip technicians with the skills required to work on modern vehicles. Digital tools and artificial intelligence offer opportunities to improve diagnostics and service consistency, but technology should strengthen technicians’ capabilities rather than simply replace them.
“The customer may forgive you for being late, but he will not forgive you for stopping late.” – Mr. S. Sujit Nayak, Brakes India
Panel 3: Expanding Market Reach – New Channels, New Customers, New Opportunities
The final panel explored how aftermarket businesses can expand their reach through new distribution models, digital platforms and stronger customer engagement.
Moderated by Mr. Vignesh Lakshmanan, Associate Director – Mobility Customer Engagement, Frost & Sullivan, the panel featured Mr. Ashish Srivastava, Head of Sales – BL CV Aftermarket India & SARRC; Mr. Mihir Mohan, Founder & CEO, Autoverse Mobility Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Kirti Rathod, Chairman, Delux Bearings Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Gopal Maloo, Executive Vice President, Madras Auto Service.
The discussion identified parts discovery and timely delivery as fundamental challenges for the aftermarket. Digital ordering, improved inventory visibility and collaboration between distributors and technology providers can help workshops obtain the right components more efficiently.
The speakers also highlighted the opportunity to use digital platforms to connect suppliers, distributors, garages and customers. Beyond improving convenience, these channels can support better service delivery and help businesses reach customers across a wider geographical area.
The panel reinforced that growth will depend on combining technology with strong distribution networks, reliable availability and lasting customer relationships.
“The two bigger problems of aftermarket are discovery and delivery on time.” – Mr. Raghavan N, Lucas Indian Service Limited
Collaboration Will Shape the Road Ahead
ACMA STEER South 2026 highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to strengthening India’s automotive aftermarket. From product safety and technical information to technician development, digital distribution and customer trust, the discussions underscored the importance of preparing the ecosystem for changing mobility technologies.
The way forward will require manufacturers, distributors, service providers, OEMs and industry bodies to work together. By combining reliable products, skilled people and technology-enabled solutions, the aftermarket can improve customer confidence, expand its reach and remain relevant in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.