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The 16th edition of the Auto Expo 2023 - Components Show, jointly organised by Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is scheduled from 12-15 January, 2023 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Over 800 companies from 15 countries will be displaying at the expo. With the show returning after a hiatus of three years, the overwhelming response to the 16th edition is a testimony to the industry's indomitable spirit of resilience.

Putting across his views on the response to the show, Vinne Mehta, Director General, ACMA, cited, “The participation has been overwhelming, and this is despite the fact that we are coming back after three years. There is a lot of excitement, and we are very happy that the show has done so well. The very fact that we are completely sold out, with a waiting list, is a clear indicator of the faith our community has in the show.”

Sharing the highlights of the show, Sunjay Kapur, President, ACMA, and Chairman at Sona Comstar, said, “I am delighted that the 16th edition of Auto Expo 2023 - Components, the most awaited event of the automotive industry, has shaped very well. With participation from over 800 companies, several of them from overseas, we have been completely sold out. In the backdrop of strong economic recovery and rising vehicle sales in the country, the Auto Expo 2023 - Components is expected to create newer opportunities for the components industry, as also provide a platform to showcase its prowess as it strives to stay relevant in a fast-transforming industry. With confirmation of several business and sourcing delegations, the event will provide an ideal opportunity for networking, striking international partnerships and gaining insights into the future of mobility.”

In fact, last year was a record year for profits and aftermarket growth. Speaking in terms of the industry growth in 2023, Mehta said, “The numbers of the current year are pretty robust. We are hopeful that we will close this year on a sound note.”

Talking about the focus of the show, Vipin Sondhi, Chairman, CII National Committee on Future Mobility and Battery Storage as also Chairman CII National Committee on Technology, R&D and Innovation, said, “With significant disruptive changes being witnessed in the automotive ecosystem world over and in India, the Auto Expo 2023 - Components show will be reflective of these dominant trends, including electric mobility, ADAS, biofuel and flex-fuel-based engine technologies, vehicular safety technologies, sustainable and ecologically sound manufacturing practices, digitisation, automotive start-ups, innovative technologies and solutions and much more. In tune with these, our theme pavilion 'Technovation' is designed to be a crystal ball of future of mobility, showcasing cutting-edge technology offerings from our domestic companies.”

Speaking more on 'Technovation', Mehta said, “The whole show is themed ‘Technovation’ because the entire industry is going through a transformation, from electric mobility to bio-fuels to hydrogen. Hence, there is a huge change in the dynamics of the industry. Apart from that, the CAFE II norms have already kicked in, there will be a lot of lightweighting, digitalisation of the shop floors and sophistication in terms of engine technologies happening.”

The key details of the show are –

Show size and venue
This edition of the components show is larger than the previous editions, spread across an area of over 60,000 square metres, covering the newly constructed halls (Halls A2 to A5 ground floor and first floor), with additional facilities at the Mezzanine level for parallel networking and conference events, at Pragati Maidan.

Participants
The show has attracted participation from over 800 companies from 15 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK and USA, with six country pavilions – France, Germany, Japan, Poland, South Korea and the UK.

Theme and focus
The components show is themed 'Technovation - Future Technologies & Innovations', and will have the following focused pavilions –

• EV components, innovation and start-ups
• ACMA safer drives
• ACMA industry services
• Bearings pavilion
• Garage equipment pavilion
• REA, Gujarat state pavilion

Showcasing future technologies
It is expected that innovative and advanced technologies in the components sector, in both greener and cleaner energy-saving formats, will be unveiled and showcased through these pavilions.

Networking platforms
The following parallel events are scheduled during the Components show –

• ACMA Aftermarket Summit
• ACMA Global Summit & Automotive Technology Partnership Summit & Expo (ATPSE)
• ACMA IPO Forum
• Stakeholders Awareness cum Consultation Workshop for Development of National Strategy for Phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
• ACMA-AIWA Conference on Spare Service Support in a Changing Environment
• SIAM Sourcing Group Forum

These forums will effectively engage the business community to conduct meaningful discussions and initiate dialogues for the future, with an objective to bring the latest and best technologies to the Indian automotive industry.

New products
The participants at the Components Show are using this once in two years opportunity to showcase new products and technologies with around 200 companies launching/displaying over 1,400 new products and technologies.

Visitor facilitation
The following initiatives have been undertaken for business visitors to make the best use of their time, and avoid the long waiting times at registration counters –

• Register and print your own badge/QR code in advance
• Get your pre-registered badge printed at the registration counter by giving your registration number
• Use QR code on mobile phones to enter
• Use tabs at registration counters to fill in details to get your badge

Whilst more than 10,000 business visitors have already used these mediums of registration, the Components Show is expected to be attended by over 100,000 visitors, including businessmen, government officials, diplomatic community and the media, from 40 countries.

Show timings and entry gates
The Auto Expo - Components business hours are 1000-1800 hrs on 12-14 January, 2023 and 1000-1300 on 15 January, 2023. The general public hours are 1330 -1700 on 15 January, 2023.

Entry to the exhibition halls closes every day 30 minutes prior to the closing time, while entry to the events venue closes one hour before closing. There are two gates to enter Pragati Maidan – Gate 4 on Bhairon Road and Gate 10, Metro Gate. Free shuttle services at Gate 10 will be available for the visitors from Pragati Maidan Metro Station to the exhibition halls. Whilst exhibitors can avail of the underground parking at the venue, paid parking facility will be available on Bhairon Road, Opposite Gate 4 of Pragati Maidan.

Studds Accessories

Studds Accessories, a leading two-wheeler helmet manufacturer, has launched the Raider Youth Looney Tunes Edition in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products at prices starting at INR 1,395.

The helmet features character graphics from the Looney Tunes franchise integrated onto Studds’ full-face youth helmet architecture.

The graphics incorporate characters including Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Daffy Duck, Taz, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote alongside the Looney Tunes logo across the shell, rear, and chin-bar. The series is produced in six base colours: Blue, Baby Pink, Flame Blue, Pastel Green, White, and Black.

The helmet carries Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS/ISI) certification and is manufactured in XXS (520 mm) and XS (540 mm) sizes.

Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director, Studds Accessories, said, "For young riders and individuals with smaller head sizes, finding a helmet that balances uncompromised full-face safety with expressive design has historically been a challenge in the market. With the Raider Youth Looney Tunes Edition, our intent was to bridge that gap by integrating safety engineering with design philosophy that brings instant joy and nostalgia. This collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery is not just about adding graphics, it is about making helmets that young riders are genuinely excited to wear every day, and at the same time are safe."

The base Raider Youth model was introduced in August 2026 for riders with smaller head dimensions. The Looney Tunes variant retains the mechanical specifications of the original helmet, including an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) shell, expandable polystyrene (EPS) liner, top air exhaust ventilation, scratch-resistant quick-release visor, quick-release chin strap and micro-fibre lining.

Uno Minda Launches Compact 4-Channel Automotive Amplifier At INR 13,999

Uno Minda - Amplifier

Tier 1 automotive supplier Uno Minda has launched its new 4-channel audio amplifier, model UNO-AMP-4-100, targeting the automotive aftermarket sector.

The amplifier measures 191 mm by 105 mm by 48 mm, allowing for installation in confined areas within vehicles, including underneath seats. It produces power outputs of 150 W per channel at 2 Ohm and 100 W per channel at 4 Ohm across four speaker channels. In bridged mode, the system converts to a 2-channel setup delivering 320 W per channel at 4 Ohm to power subwoofers or higher-capacity speakers.

Technical specifications for the device include a total harmonic distortion rate of equal to or less than 0.05 percent, a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 96 dB and an operational frequency response range from 10 Hz to 20 kHz. Input sensitivity ranges between 400 mV and 6 V to enable connection with factory-fitted and aftermarket head units. Electrical protection is supplied via twin 40 A fuses.

Anand Kumar, Business Head, Uno Minda Aftermarket, said, “At Uno Minda, we understand the evolving expectations of car owners who seek enhanced in-car experiences without compromising on practicality. With our new 4-Channel Amplifier, we have combined powerful audio performance with a compact, palm-size form factor to offer greater flexibility in installation. The amplifier's versatile output, wide compatibility and audio performance make it a suitable solution for customers looking to enhance their existing car audio systems while making efficient use of available space.”

The UNO-AMP-4-100 is priced at INR 13,999 and is distributed through physical automotive retail stores alongside e-commerce portals including Uno Minda Kart, Amazon and Flipkart.

Tata Power EZ Charge Opens New EV Charging Hub In Mumbai

Tata Power EZ Charge

Tata Power EZ Charge has commissioned an electric vehicle charging hub at New Mahakali Nagar in Malvani, Malad West, Mumbai.

The facility comprises eight parking bays and four fast-charging units, including one 120 kW unit and three 60 kW units that can be upgraded to 120 kW capacity.

The station operates continuously without parking fees for public and commercial fleet users. Situated near Mindspace Business Park and Infinity Mall, the location provides charging access for commuters and logistics fleet operators traveling through the Malad corridor.

With the addition of the Malad site, Tata Power’s EZ Charge network includes over 2,400 charging points across Maharashtra, with more than 1,800 points located within the Mumbai and Navi Mumbai municipal areas. The installed units support CCS2 charging standards to accommodate compatible electric vehicle models.

EV users can locate the station, view real-time charger availability and execute transactions using the Tata Power EZ Charge mobile application. Nationally, the EZ Charge infrastructure network encompasses more than 250,000 home charging setups, over 6,500 public and commercial charging points, and 1,200 electric bus charging points across 700 cities and towns.

New Bridgestone India Select Store in Pune

New Bridgestone India Select Store in Pune

Bridgestone India has commissioned a new 'Select' store at Hinjewadi Phata in Pune to further strengthen its retail footprint in the region. The 'Select' store, called as Deepraj Tyres, is designed to offer customers a complete tyre and wheel care experience under. Along with premium tyres, customers can expect expert guidance, modern equipment and services that focus on safety, comfort and long-term performance.
Opening the store in response to the growing demand for reliable and high-quality tyre solutions in the region, the 'Select' store is set to serve as a convenient, one-stop destination for tyre and allied services for passenger vehicle owners. It will stock Bridgestone’s latest premium tyre range including the Turanza 6i and Dueler All-Terrain A/T002 besides providing services like wheel alignment and balancing, nitrogen air filling and tyre change. 
“Pune is an important market for Bridgestone. The opening of this Select Store in the city reflects our commitment to offering customers easy access to premium products and trusted services. Our focus is on building long-term relationships by delivering safety, quality, and a consistently good experience,” said Rajiv Sharma, Executive Director, Sales & Marketing, Bridgestone India.