From ICE and EVs to AI-enabled parts identification and smarter supply chains, the aftermarket is preparing for a technology-led transformation.
India’s automotive aftermarket is poised for significant transformation as vehicle technologies evolve, digitalisation accelerates and customer expectations continue to rise. While electric vehicles are steadily gaining momentum, S. Naresh Ranka, Partner, Subhash Auto Enterprises, believes the country’s vast and growing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle parc will continue to drive strong aftermarket demand well into 2030. He sees the industry’s future being shaped by technology adoption, supply chain resilience, premium-quality products and specialised expertise, with businesses embracing innovation best positioned to lead the next phase of growth.
According to Naresh, the aftermarket is entering a new era where technology and digitalisation will redefine how businesses operate. While EVs and hybrids will create opportunities in batteries, electronics and software-driven diagnostics, modern ICE vehicles are also becoming increasingly electronic, making advanced diagnostic tools and skilled technicians indispensable. He believes digital technologies such as AI-enabled parts identification, predictive inventory management and e-commerce will simplify spare parts procurement, improve operational efficiency and enhance customer experience.
The evolving geopolitical landscape is also creating new opportunities for India. As global manufacturers diversify sourcing under the “China+1” strategy, India is strengthening its position as a manufacturing and export hub for automotive components. At the same time, increasing customer awareness around safety and reliability is expected to accelerate demand for genuine and premium-quality products while reducing the market for counterfeit parts. He also expects distributors, retailers and workshops to become more specialised, focusing on specific vehicle segments and investing in technical capabilities to service increasingly sophisticated vehicles.
To prepare for the future, Subhash Auto Enterprises is building a technology-driven, customer-centric and globally connected business. Its product strategy centres on EV-agnostic categories such as mirrors, horns, bulbs, braking systems, suspension components and wiper systems, alongside partnerships with leading OEMs and global manufacturers for genuine aftermarket products.
Technology remains central to the company’s growth roadmap, with investments in digital cataloguing, AI-enabled part identification, mobile applications and data-driven inventory management aimed at delivering faster, more accurate service. Simultaneously, the company is strengthening relationships with multi-brand workshops, fleet operators, organised garage networks and institutional buyers while enhancing inventory availability and supply chain efficiency. By 2030, Subhash Auto Enterprises aims to be recognised as a trusted, technology-enabled aftermarket partner, believing that companies investing in innovation, quality and customer-centric solutions will define the future of India’s automotive aftermarket.
“Technology will change how the aftermarket operates, but quality, expertise and customer trust will continue to determine who leads it.”