With over six decades of experience in India’s automotive aftermarket, International Trading Corporation (ITC) has evolved alongside the country’s commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1960 by the late Mr. Shyamlal Raheja – father of Mr. Kishore, the business began as a specialist in Jeep components before expanding into truck parts, bearings, engine components and other critical aftermarket products. Over the years, the company built a strong reputation for reliability, technical expertise and customer service, laying the foundation for its continued growth across multiple aftermarket segments.
From Jeep Parts to Complete Aftermarket Solutions
International Trading Corporation steadily broadened its portfolio to include fuel injection components, bearings, engine parts, filters, lubricants, suspension and under-chassis components, while forging long-standing relationships with leading brands such as TVS Group, MANN-FILTER, Rane Kar Valves and ZOOMOL. Its expertise today spans parts for Ashok Leyland, Tata, BharatBenz, IVECO and Scania commercial vehicles, enabling International Trading Corporation to offer customers a comprehensive range of genuine aftermarket solutions backed by decades of technical knowledge and trusted customer service.
Today, while International Trading Corporation caters to multiple product categories, Kishore Enterprises operates as a dedicated SKF automotive distributor, reflecting a focused strategy built around quality, service and long-term customer relationships.
Speaking about the company’s journey, Mr. Kishore Raheja, Partner, Kishore Enterprises, credits steady diversification and strong partnerships for its sustained growth.
“Over the years, we built strong relationships with leading manufacturers, especially SKF, and transformed a small business into a well-established distribution network. Today, with the support of the next generation, we continue to strengthen both International Trading Corporation and Kishore Enterprises while adapting to the changing needs of the market,” he stated.
The company’s association with SKF dates back several decades, with Kishore Enterprises being established as a dedicated distribution business in the early 1990s. What began as a bearings-only business has since expanded to include grease, bearing kits, oil seals, universal joints, centre support bearings and several other drivetrain and chassis products as SKF broadened its aftermarket portfolio.
According to Mr. Kishore, commercial vehicles continue to remain the company’s primary strength, although its product range today serves everything from two-wheelers and passenger vehicles where bearings play a critical role.
Adapting to a Changing Aftermarket
Discussing the current aftermarket environment, he observes that market demand remains healthy but supply chain uncertainties and changing inventory patterns have significantly altered business dynamics. Unlike earlier years when distributors benefited from carrying large inventories, businesses today must maintain carefully planned stock levels based on market demand and production availability.
“The aftermarket has become much more dynamic than before. There was a time when stocking heavily was considered an advantage, but today inventory has to be managed scientifically. Global uncertainties, production fluctuations and slower money circulation have made inventory planning extremely important. If you maintain the right stock at the right time, you can meet customer demand without locking unnecessary capital,” he explained.
He believes one of the biggest challenges facing distributors is reduced profitability despite higher business volumes. Margins have become tighter, making efficient working capital management and digital planning indispensable. At the same time, he sees significant opportunities for businesses willing to embrace change, invest in customer engagement and continuously explore new revenue streams.
Technology and Customer Engagement Drive Growth
Technology has become central to this transformation. Digital ordering platforms, inventory visibility across warehouses and data-driven forecasting now enable distributors to make faster and better-informed decisions. Mr. Kishore emphasises that analysing historical sales data and understanding customer buying behaviour have become essential tools for sustaining profitability.
Beyond operational efficiency, Kishore Enterprises continues to invest heavily in market development alongside SKF through mechanic meets, retailer engagement programmes and technical awareness campaigns. These initiatives help educate workshops about product quality, proper application and the long-term value of genuine components.