Staff Writer
Patna: The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex body of the country’s auto component industry, opened the 2nd edition of the ACMA Aftermarket Expo in Patna on Monday. The expo was inaugurated by Shravan Kumar, Minister of Transport and Rural Development, Government of Bihar, alongside Mr. Manav Kapur, Chairman, ACMA Aftermarket Committee, and Mr. Ramashankar Pandey, Mentor, ACMA Aftermarket Sub-Committee.
With participation from over 30 leading aftermarket players from across India, Day 1 also highlighted the industry’s growing focus on formal skilling and inclusivity, with ACMA recognising Ms. Ankita, an ASDC-trained automotive technician from Bihar for her achievement as one of the first formally certified women technicians in the region, reflecting the expanding reach of structured training and women’s participation in the automotive aftermarket.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Shravan Kumar appreciated ACMA’s efforts to train, upskill and engage technicians, mechanics and independent garages. He also highlighted the Government of Bihar’s commitment to supporting women in technical domains and referenced several state initiatives aligned with this objective.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ramashankar Pandey commended the diverse participation at the expo and reiterated the industry’s commitment to excellence, genuine products and continuous improvement in the delivery of aftermarket services. Earlier, welcoming the Minister, participants and visitors, Mr. Manav Kapur emphasised ACMA’s focus on strengthening the aftermarket value chain through upskilling and enabling a level playing field for independent garages with access to quality, authentic components.
The expo also hosted a free eye check-up camp for mechanics, which drew strong interest. Free near-vision glasses were also provided as part of ACMA’s community social responsibility effort.
Leading industry brands such as ARB Bearings, Banco Products, Brakes India, Gabriel, Hindustan Composites, J.K. Fenner, KK Lighting, Lucas Indian Service, Lumax Auto Technologies, MACAS, Mann & Hummel, Minda Corporation, Neolite ZKW Lighting, Paracoat Products, Rane Aftermarket Division, SMIC Autoparts, Steelbird International, Sugan Cables, Suprajit Engineering and Zunax Energy Products are showcasing their offerings at the expo.
Day 1 recorded a footfall of over 500 business visitors, including distributors, mechanics, fleet operators, retailers, workshop owners and transporters from across Bihar and neighbouring regions. Visitor turnout is expected to increase significantly on Day 2.
The auto components aftermarket in Bihar and Jharkhand accounts for nearly 5% of the national aftermarket, backed by a robust network of around 155 automobile dealers, 1,000 auto component retailers and numerous repair workshops across Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Munger, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro and Dhanbad, as well as along key highway routes.
