The 16^th 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 16^th 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 16^th 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.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has attained another milestone of inaugurating its 5,000th Arena Service touchpoint.

The landmark facility, located in Coimbatore, is spread across 3,200 sqmt. It features four service bays and four bays dedicated to body repair, equipped with advanced tools to offer complete service solutions.

The new service point contributes to Maruti Suzuki's overall network, which now comprises over 5,640 service touchpoints across 2,818 cities. This extensive network includes Arena and Nexa workshops, as well as specialised formats such as Rural workshops and Service-on-Wheels. In Tamil Nadu alone, the brand now has over 400 authorised service touchpoints.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “At Maruti Suzuki, we believe that easy access to trusted service is fundamental to a hassle-free ownership experience. Customers value proximity, affordability, genuine parts and above all, the speed at which we resolve issues. Our expanding service network ensures faster, more reliable care, wherever they are. It is our consistent endeavour to be by the side of our customers and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our dealer partners for their continued support in building this robust and expansive service network. We plan to continuously expand our network in future as well. In FY2024-25, we opened 460 service touchpoints under Arena and Nexa channels, and in FY2025-26, we plan to add a total of 500 service workshops to our network.”

Maruti Suzuki has demonstrated robust service capacity, having serviced over 27 million vehicles in the FY2024-25 – the highest number ever recorded by the company in a single financial year. The overall service network is capable of servicing more than 30 million customer vehicles annually.

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Shell Lubricants India has launched three new lubricant products, developed using technology, to serve customer needs across passenger cars, two-wheelers and pickup trucks. The new products reinforce Shell’s commitment to technical excellence.

The new products include:

• Shell Spirax S4 GX 75W90: This product is the only Shell Branded product globally in this viscosity and is India’s first Shell Branded synthetic gear oil under the Spirax category. It is designed for manual transmissions in passenger cars and LCVs. The company claims that it provides gearbox protection, smoother gear shifts and cost savings. It is approved under API GL-4 and ZF-TE-ML-08 standards and is compatible with OEMs including Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors. It comes in 1L (INR 540) and 2.5L (INR 1300) packaging.
• Shell Advance AX6 5W30: Targeted at the growing BS VI scooter market, this oil provides 360-degree protection for daily commuters. Formulated with synthetic technology, it offers performance under urban conditions, including traffic and frequent stop-start riding. The 600 ml bottle is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, is priced at INR 355 and is available nationwide.
• Shell Rimula Pick-Up: This is an engine oil crafted and tested specifically for pickup trucks navigating city traffic, offering performance and extended drain intervals. The range is available for both BS IV and BS VI engines in 5L and 7L packaging, launched nationwide.

Shell Lubricants recently launched the new Shell Helix Ultra, engineered to deliver performance and protection. It uses Shell’s PurePlus Technology – which converts natural gas into 99.5 percent pure base oil – to offer up to 1.8 percent more engine power, 3.4 percent improved responsiveness and 100 percent engine power retention.

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has inaugurated its 100th Green Workshop, signalling a major commitment to sustainable aftersales service. The milestone facility, located at Bright Kia in Kanpur, follows the first Green Workshop launched in Rohtak in 2023.

The company's Green Workshop initiative is a key part of its environmental efforts and aims to expand the network to over 150 workshops by 2026.

Kia's Green Workshops are fitted with advanced sustainability measures, including rainwater harvesting, natural lighting and motion-sensor systems for greater energy efficiency. They also utilise effluent treatment plants, steam wash systems to cut water usage and waterless urinals.

Crucially, the 100 workshops collectively generate 7.9 MW of solar power. This renewable energy capacity allows Kia India to prevent nearly 9,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year, which the company states is equivalent to the absorption power of 450,000 mature trees. Kia has also implemented a comprehensive recycling programme for automotive waste such as used batteries and oil.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “Achieving the milestone of 100 Green Workshops within a short span of two years underscores Kia India’s commitment to building a sustainable mobility ecosystem. Each workshop brings us closer to a world where progress doesn’t come at the planet’s cost. This initiative, alongside our portfolio of three EVs, is a significant reflection of our continued efforts to reduce environmental impact, enhance operational efficiency, and shape a cleaner, smarter mobility for our future generations.”

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Delhi-NCR-based CarXpert, a multi-brand car service network, is set to expand its footprint into the western Indian market, with a primary focus on Gujarat. The move aims to upgrade local, independent garages into professional service centres by providing them with modern tools, training and brand recognition.

The company's business model is designed to help local mechanics professionalise their operations. CarXpert provides standardised processes, diagnostic technology and skill development programs, allowing garages to offer more reliable service and build long-term customer trust.

Rachit Dhawan, Head of Department at CarXpert, said, “We are happy to announce our expansion plans to other parts of India. Gujarat is one of the growing markets for job creation. Many of these workshops operate without modern tools, standardised systems, or access to training. We are working to change this by giving these workshops an opportunity to become part of an organised, trusted network.”

With over 50 centres already operational in locations across northern India, the company's expansion into Gujarat will cater to the state's growing number of vehicle owners.

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