The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) organised first ACMA Aftermarket Expo – North East in Guwahati on November 26 and 27. The expo was organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises and supported by the Guwahati Motor Parts Traders Association (GMTA) and the Federation of All India Automobile Spare Parts Dealers’ Association (FAIASPDA).
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest on the occasion, the Governor of Assam, Mr. Banwarilal Purohit, said: “The 1st ACMA Aftermarket Expo – North East is a unique initiative which will foster economic development of the North-East region. The region offers several incentives for manufacturing, and with the establishment of several engineering colleges, could be an ideal destination for automotive manufacturing. The ACMA Aftermarket Expo will certainly encourage trade prospects in the region.”
Mr. Rattan Kapur, ACMA President, expressing satisfaction over the successful culmination of the expo, said: “I am glad to mention that the 1st edition of ACMA Aftermarket Expo has received an overwhelming response. Eighty leading auto component manufacturers displayed their products while over a thousand dealers and distributors from across the country, including several from Nepal and Bangladesh, attended the expo. We plan to make this an annual feature so that genuine parts and components reach this part of the country and the market evolves in a responsible manner. The North East region is plagued by a significant amount of counterfeit and fake products. However, through this expo ACMA is spreading awareness of using genuine parts though workshops on maintenance best practices for garage mechanics”.
Mr. Parvin L. Agrawal, Director, Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, in his address, stated: “The auto industry in India contributes significantly to the national economy. The Government aims to develop India into a global automotive manufacturing hub. With the Government focus on the development of the North East region through its ‘Look East policy’, the region is expected to emerge as one of the key contributors in this direction. The auto component manufacturers have a huge upside opportunity in this region as it has a vibrant aftermarket which is expected to grow Rs. 2,000 crores by 2016-17 from the existing Rs. 1,700 crores.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA, observed: “The North Eastern is still an untapped market. The ACMA Aftermarket Expo – North East has been able to establish a direct link between the local dealers and the auto component manufacturers, which will ensure availability of quality and genuine products. We want to create Guwahati a hub of auto components distribution for the aftermarket in the region – domestic markets as well as for exports to the South-East Asian markets. We are confident that the expo will help scale up business in the region leading to its holistic growth.”
All praise for Vinnie Mehta
In his inaugural address, Mr. Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Assam, often complimented Mr. Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA, for his dedicated approach and keen interest in organizing the first ACMA Aftermarket Expo – North East in Guwahati as well as for his great social work.
He also expressed his confidence that under the stewardship of Mr. Vinnie, the ACMA membership will cross a landmark figure of 1,000, and assured the Association’s full support if its headquarters is shifted from New Delhi to Guwahati. Assam being the most virgin among the States, he assured total safety and protection for investors there.
Aftermarket business in N-E region may double in two years: ACMA President
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s North-East policy has started yielding positive results, and the region is expected to become a gateway for the neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, etc. The contribution from the automotive aftermarket segment from the North-East region is growing, and it is expected to almost double within the next two years from the current level of Rs. 1,700 crores.
This was disclosed by Mr. Rattan Kapur, ACMA President, in an informal chat with the MOTORINDIA Editor in Guwahati recently. Since both the Centre and the State Government are keen to improve the infrastructure facilities with a better road network, the North-East region can attract more investments from different industry sectors, including the automotive. For instance, Assam has the distinct advantages such as a high-level of education with a growing number of educational institutions. Already one of the Indian automobile manufacturers is keenly interested in setting up its operations in Assam where opportunities are aplenty.
Assam is also considered as a virgin State, and with the pro-active support of the State Government, it can emerge an automobile hub for the entire North-East region.
In order to attract more investments into the auto sector, the Assam Government is also contemplating a new industrial policy. Interestingly, with tourism as one of the main attractions in the State, road transportation has become a primary mode of transport with a growing bus population, Mr. Kapur added.