ACMA Automechanika New Delhi 2026: What went right & what went wrong

As always, the media has to register much before the event to get its exclusive media pass. I got mine and as I walked in with my team members, I could hear the distinct announcement on the public address system, “No smoking in the hall. No photography”. That’s daft, I felt. What is a public event without photography? Please Mr Vinnie Mehta (Director General of ACMA-Automotive Component Manufacturers  Association of India),  there are more sensible announcements that can be made. No smoking, I fully endorse, but no photography, why that?

The media’s job is to highlight the show, the products on display and try to give as much publicity as possible to the show. In fact, before the show, the organisers of the show need to be briefed on the media and its involvement. Anybody with a “Media” badge needs to be given full access to any stall that is open to public. When around 870 exhibitors are displaying their products, it’s all the more important that the organisers ensure that each of these participants get a fair share of media publicity. There should be a drop box in a media room where press releases and other publicity material should be made available to the media. If the latter finds it interesting and newsworthy, they can definitely use them in their reports. Unfortunately, there was no separate media room, and no coffee or tea for them. As usual, they were treated like cattle.

I remember walking into Mansions pavilion and I was confronted by a lady there who asked me about my details. After 35 years in this profession, if I am asked about my credentials, them I must say, I am a bit disappointed. I explained to her about my career and my professional life. She was convinced.  She asked me whether I knew the Khandujas. I asked her “Who Khanduja?”. Her retort was a bit rude I felt, “You say you are a journalist for 35 years and you don’t know the Khandujas…” I could have given her a befitting reply and maybe asked her, “your company is in existence since 1956 and how come you don’t know about Motown India or me?”

In short, I put the blame on the organisers. They have to take the media seriously. They have to give the participants the full list of the media with contacts so that they can approach whosoever they want for publicity or press releases via their emails or their mobile phone numbers. Media management reeked of obsolete standards at the Acma Automechanika New Delhi 2026. Mr Vinnie Mehta, you and I know the state of today’s media. B2B is the only space where influencers have not cast their ugly shadow. In the B2C industry (car and bike launches, etc), influencers and the regular media look more or less the same, like silly clowns in a silly circus. More of that later, in a different article.

Last but not the least, while we boast of a digital world, at the food stalls, no digital transaction was entertained. Only hard cash. No UPI transaction, no credit cards, no debit cards. Imagine how difficult it would have been for the visitors who nowadays seldom carry cash with them. Later, I learnt at the AI Summit at the Bharat Mandapam, it was a similar scene. Only hard cash. There goes the Vishwaguru’s big lecture on digital payments. What’s happening? 

ACMA AUTOMECHANIKA NEW DELHI 2026: The 6th edition of ACMA Automechanika New Delhi 2026, the leading trade fair for auto components and the aftermarket industry, concluded with a strong turnout, drawing 35,750 visitors, making it one of the most successful editions, according to a press release. Presenting the next phase of products, technologies and solutions, the trade fair brought together 870 exhibitors from 20 countries showcasing 3,000+ brands on the showfloor. The trade fair reflected strong industry momentum of localisation endeavours and interest of global companies for India’s auto component and aftermarket industry, creating industry wide engagement.

The show recorded a surge of new participants as well as reflected strong interest from the participants from countries like Belgium, Cambodia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Laos, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE and the USA - in India’s fast-growing auto components and aftermarket industry to grow trade setting a bold new milestone. Knowledge sessions across the three-days ensured a high engagement, coupled with intriguing discussions and networking with industry experts.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India on 5th February 2026. During his address, he stressed that the Indian auto component industry will be the trusted partner of the European Union as well as the USA and will ensure that components for EVs and automobiles receive the necessary impetus for growth, enabling India to deliver world-class products.

India’s auto component industry is expected to attract USD 2.89- 3.46 billion in FY26 for capacity expansion and EV part localisation, following an estimated investment of USD 1.73-2.31 billion in FY25. MSMEs in the industry provide critical parts ranging from precision forgings to electronics sub-assemblies. Participation and presence from the component and aftermarket industry from tier-2 and tier-3 cities at ACMA Automechanika shows the changing diaspora of the industry.

First-time participant from Spain, Horse Technologies is looking towards India as a positive destination for their components. The brand has introduced its hybrid engine for Toyota Fortuner, set to be launched in Diwali 2026. ZF Aftermarket India has introduced a new range of corrosion-resistant Sachs clutch discs and kits for agricultural tractors that deliver durability, comfort and reliability for demanding farming conditions across India and the wider IMEA region.

On the global front, ACMA Automechanika New Delhi featured bold new product launches and technologies. Participants highlighted Asia as one of the fastest-growing regions, driven by rising exports and robust domestic consumption. With vehicle penetration at just 48 cars per 1,000 people in India versus over 800 in EU and Western markets, the long-term growth potential remains significant.

International pavilions also noted accelerating aftermarket demand in India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities, supported by rising passenger and commercial vehicle sales. Favourable government policies and localisation incentives are encouraging global companies to manufacture in India, positioning the country as a hub to serve domestic demand as well as African and Middle Eastern markets. ACMA Automechanika New Delhi saw companies participating from 20 countries.

Some of the key perspectives from these participants included:

Germany: Exploring India as a manufacturing base for exports to Africa and the Middle East, while actively investing in EV motors, sensors and electronic components.

Taiwan: Strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem through investments such as PSMC’s partnership with Tata Electronics. Focus on OEM supplies and sensors for the EV ecosystem.

China: Showing strong interest in passenger and commercial vehicle components, backed by India’s expanding highway network and rapid growth in road freight transport.

Sri Lanka: Increasing dependence on India for cost-effective two- and three-wheeler parts, engine spares and heavy-duty commercial vehicle components, aided by geographic proximity and faster logistics.

The show encompassed vivid exhibits and displays of auto parts & components, electronics & diagnostics, body & paint, tyres, batteries, lubricants, workshop equipment, solutions for 2-wheelers, passenger, commercial & agricultural vehicles, backed by manufacturing and technology innovations.

ACMA Automechanika is part of the Mobility and Logistics portfolio of Messe Frankfurt GmbH and has been recognised as a leading trade fair brand under the segment. Automechanika is organised across 16 countries worldwide representing and connecting the entire automotive aftermarket value chain.