Auto parts makers in Rajkot eye share of German market

Six companies will participate in Automechanika in Frankfurt next month

After tapping the Indian market, Rajkot-based auto components makers are now eyeing a share of the German market. Auto parts makers from Rajkot are heading to Germany to take part in 'Automechanika', the world's leading trade fair for the automotive industry, in September and plan to meet auto giants and dealers in the country under the leadership of Rajkot Engineering Association (REA).

"Rajkot is a well-known place for manufacturing of auto components over the last decade and we enjoy close to 70 per cent market share in India. Now, we are trying to explore business opportunities in Germany," said Gokul Sagpariya, president, REA.

Industry sources say share of exports in overall business is less than 10 per cent. The turnover of the auto components industry is estimated to be Rs 1,000 crore a year. Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Ford India, Hyundai Motors India, Ashok Leyland, Honda Cars India, Hero Motors and others purchase parts from auto component makers in Rajkot.

While a delegation of 14 companies will visit Frankfurt in Germany to participate in 'Automechanika', the world's leading trade fair for the automotive industry, six companies will partake and showcase their products in the trade fair. The exhibition will run from September 16 to September 20.

Sagpariya said, "Companies from Rajkot will take part in buyer-seller meet. We are also trying to arrange individual meetings with auto companies in Germany and are hopeful to get good business from there."

Gokul Auto Manufacturers, Rameshwar Engineering Works, New Usha Engineers, Sensitive Industries, Aashutosh Rubber Pvt. Ltd and Star Techno Engineers will take part in the exhibition. All these are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) based in Rajkot and engaged in manufacturing auto components.

Rajkot has auto component manufacturers in excess of 500, of which around 50 are suppliers to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and rest are SMEs who supply to the retail market.

The industry in Rajkot produces more than 300 types of parts for the automobile industry and employs close to 10,000 people.