Third edition of Auto Ancillary Show 2014 focuses on lightweighting technologies

Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) along with the Auto Cluster Development & Research Institute (ACDRI), Pune and Auto Component Manufacturers’ Association (ACMA), the third edition of the Auto Ancillary Show 2014 (AAS) saw good participation from companies offering lightweighting solutions.

Following a theme of lightweighting with focus on polymers and composites, the show was spread over an area of 2,000 square metres with nearly 70 exhibitors displaying different technologies with an elaborate spectrum of products under one roof. The show also sought to serve as an innovative platform for OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 component suppliers to network, explore joint projects, and interact with the government officials.

In sync with the theme of the show, it also saw a series of seminars on relevant topics adding significant value to the event. The topics included auto components design and the role of polymer composites, innovative thermoplastic materials and applications for automotive safety and sustainability, economical way of lightweighting technologies for auto ancillaries for enhanced efficiency, and many others. The main sponsor for the seminars, under 'The Automoive Forum', was Autodesk. 

While it is known that advanced materials such as polymers and composites are being heavily considered as suitable alternatives to heavy metals used in the production of vehicles to achieve weight reduction, auto industry heads are enthusiastic about the new business opportunities taking shape in the near future.

According to reports, the Indian composite industry is pegged at Rs 15,000 crore and is expected to grow at 15 percent per annum over the next four years. Given its array of applications, polymers and composites are being increasingly explored for newer applications to make vehicles lighter and thereby more fuel efficient and greener.

With the focus State being Jharkhand, the other state governments of Karnataka, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh also participated at the AAS 2014. Among the technologies under display were products associated with gears, gearbox assemblies, pinions, transmission and propeller shafts, automatic transmission parts, housings and castings, engine components (crankshafts, cylinder heads), machined parts, timing and motorcycle chains, anti-vibration components, dashboard instruments, cables, switches, sensors and many others.

The show was supported by the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India as well as the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune. Autocar Professional was the knowledge-cum-media partner for this event. PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry were the associate partners for the Show.