One of the largest in the world, the Indian automobile sector is essential to the nation’s economic growth. More than 35 million people are employed by it, and it makes up around 7.1% of India’s GDP. This dynamic industry has experienced significant expansion, driven by rising consumer demand, advancements in technology, and encouraging governmental regulations. The Indian automobile sector, which is set to undergo substantial change over the next ten years, is examined here along with its present situation, new trends, and potential for expansion.

The Hindustan Ambassador, which launched in 1948, was the first automobile made in India. Domestic brands that produced a small number of models under strict government controls dominated the market for decades. However, the industry was completely transformed by the liberalization of the 1990s. Indian consumers now have many options, competitive pricing, and contemporary production techniques thanks to the arrival of multinational behemoths like Suzuki, Hyundai, and Honda.

The Indian automobile industry as of 2024

India emerged as a major producer of automobiles, particularly compact cars, by the late 2000s. In addition to satisfying domestic demand, companies like Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Hyundai started exporting automobiles worldwide, enhancing India’s standing in the automotive supply chain. The Indian automobile industry saw a significant metamorphosis following liberalization, changing from a closed, state-run market to one that is now globally competitive and supported by both foreign investment and homegrown innovation. This change resulted in more car alternatives, higher production capacity, and a growth of India’s position as a global center for automotive manufacture.

As of 2024, the Indian auto industry is a vital component of the industrial sector and makes a substantial economic contribution. Its strong position is reflected in its worth, which has crossed ₹20 lakh crore. The sector directly affects India’s GDP, now contributing about 7.1%, and accounts for 14–15% of the country’s overall GST revenue.

  1. Growth of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Market – In 2023, over 2 million EVs were sold in India, a market that is expanding quickly. Despite being in its infancy, the EV market is growing rapidly, particularly in the two- and three-wheeler segments that now dominate the market. EV adoption has been significantly accelerated by the government’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME II) program. Significant growth has been made possible by this as well as incentives for consumers and manufacturers. Major investments in EV technology are being made by firms like as Hero Electric, Hyundai, Mahindra, Tata Motors, and startups like Ola Electric, with an emphasis on both vehicle development and charging infrastructure.
  2. Support for Policies and Regulatory Actions – By 2030, 30% of all vehicles on Indian roadways are expected to be electric, according to the government’s aggressive pollution reduction targets. Policies like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has spent more than ₹25,000 crore ($3.5 billion), are promoting the production of innovative auto parts, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric vehicles locally. Vehicle emissions have decreased as a result of automakers investing in cleaner technologies in response to the strict Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) pollution standards that were introduced in 2020.

Automobile industry by 2030

The automobile industry in India is anticipated to see a substantial transition by 2030, utilizing regulatory interventions, sustainable practices, and technical improvements. This is how the landscape would appear given current trends and forecasts:

Auto component domestic market

  • The industry’s turnover reached ₹6.14 lakh crore ($74.1 billion) in FY 2023-24, growing by 9.8% compared to the previous fiscal year.
  • Exports grew by 5.5% to $21.2 billion, while imports rose modestly to $20.9 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $300 million.
  • The domestic market, driven by strong OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) demand, accounted for ₹5.18 lakh crore, with EV-related components comprising about 6%

Growth Drivers

  • Increased Vehicle Production: OEM sales are boosted by the robust demand for electric two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and passenger cars. The need for new parts like batteries and electronic systems is being driven by trends in electrification.​
  • Push for Localization: Government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program encourage the production of high-value components locally. Critical components including batteries, electronics, and sophisticated sensors are the focus of efforts to lessen reliance on imports.​
  • Aftermarket Growth: Due to increased vehicle utilization and the need for maintenance components, the aftermarket sector expanded by 10% in FY 2023–2024.

The Indian auto component market is expected to grow at a 16% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach $200 billion by 2030. The transition to electric and linked mobility, increased vehicle production, and export growth will all contribute to growth. India’s strategic ambitions and the robustness of its manufacturing ecosystem are reflected in this strong performance.

Impact of EV Penetration on the Auto Component Market in India

The market for auto parts is undergoing a significant transformation due to the growing popularity of electric cars (EVs) in India. The auto component business is adjusting to meet new demands while overcoming major obstacles as the nation speeds up its transition to sustainable mobility. Here is a detailed examination of the implications:

1. A shift in the demand for parts

As EVs become more popular, less conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) parts are required, including:

  • Engines and their parts (turbines, fuel injectors, pistons).
  • Catalytic converters and exhaust systems.
  • The decline in demand for these components is forcing manufacturers to diversify or shift their focus to EV-centric production.

Growing requirement for EV-specific parts and the widespread use of EVs has increased demand for:

  • Battery packs: The market is dominated by lithium-ion batteries, which encourage investment in battery production.
  • Electric motors are crucial for EV propulsion and are responsible for a large increase in production.
  • Power electronics: These days, onboard chargers, converters, and inverters are essential.
  • Systems for thermal management are required to keep batteries at their ideal temperatures.

2. Possibilities for Manufacturing and Localization

PLI Plans Motivating Localization

  • The Indian government promotes domestic manufacture through its Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) programs for automobile components and advanced chemistry cells (batteries). These programs seek to make India a global hub for EV components and lessen reliance on imports.

Growth in Battery Manufacturing

  • India is working to establish a domestic lithium-ion battery supply chain, with the help of programs such as the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage. Additional opportunities are presented by emerging technologies like solid-state batteries.

Manufacturing of Semiconductors

India is investigating local production as a result of the EV ecosystem’s reliance on semiconductors, and government incentives are drawing investments to this vital sector.

3. Effect on Suppliers at Tiers 1 and 2

Changes in Production Portfolios

  • Battery packs, EV-specific electronics, and electric drivetrain systems are becoming more and more of a priority for Tier-1 suppliers.
  • Tier-2 suppliers are banding together to manufacture subcomponents including motor magnets, materials for thermal control, and specialty wiring.

Joint Ventures and Collaborations

  • In order to obtain technical know-how for the production of EV components, partnerships between Indian suppliers and international companies are growing.

4. Transformation of the Aftermarket

The distinctive characteristics of EVs are causing major changes in the aftermarket segment:

  • Reduction in Conventional Repairs: Because EVs have fewer moving parts, they require less maintenance for their engines, transmissions, and oil.
  • EV-Specific Services’ Emergence: New opportunities are being created by software updates, battery pack maintenance, and electric drivetrain component upgrades.

5. The Auto Component Industry’s High Investment Requirements Present Challenges

A significant amount of resources must be invested in R&D, manufacturing facilities, and technology acquisition in order to make the switch to EVs.

Dependency on the Supply Chain

  • Despite its efforts, India still depends on imports for semiconductors and other raw materials like cobalt and lithium.

Transition of the Workforce

  • Many manufacturers still struggle to retrain and upskill employees to handle EV technologies.

Uncertainty in the Market

  • EV adoption is increasing, but it is still changing. Changing regulations and varying demand make it difficult for manufacturers to scale their operations.

EV sales in India by year and type post – covid

Growth of EV Component Revenue – Future

By 2030, it is anticipated that EV components would account for a sizeable portion of the Indian auto component market, led by:

  • Increased use of EVs in the two-wheeler and passenger markets.
  • Government initiatives such as state-level subsidies and FAME II.

Export Potential

  • India has the chance to establish itself as a major supplier of affordable EV components to the world market, particularly to developing nations.

Recycling and Sustainability

  • In order to address environmental issues, the car component business is well-positioned to investigate battery recycling and sustainable production methods.
  • Innovation in batteries, motors, and power electronics will require cooperation and R&D partnerships between automakers, technology suppliers, and component manufacturers.

The establishment of a strong charging infrastructure is directly related to the expansion of the EV market. Given the significance of charging stations, the Indian government has set a goal to install 1.32 million of them by 2030.

Companies like as Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum have already begun installing charging stations throughout the nation, while automakers like Hyundai and Tata Motors have teamed up with charging solution providers to give their consumers with both public and home charging choices.

 

Opportunities for EV components in the aftermarket in India

The automotive aftermarket industry, which meets maintenance, repair, and replacement needs, is seeing unprecedented growth as a result of India’s electric vehicle (EV) boom. Despite having fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, EVs provide a variety of aftermarket options due to their reliance on sophisticated electronics, batteries, and software.

  1. Battery Replacement and Maintenance
  2. Battery Lifespan: As EV batteries age, their performance and range decrease. The aftermarket can thrive by offering: – Battery diagnostics and maintenance services. – Refurbished or second-life battery solutions for cost-sensitive customers.
  3. Battery Recycling: As EV use increases, there is a significant chance to recycle EV batteries for valuable materials like nickel, cobalt, and lithium.
    1. Charging Infrastructure Services
  4. Home Chargers: There is an increasing need for home charging station installation, upkeep, and improvements.
  5. Public Charging Stations: Upkeep and repair of infrastructure for public charging may develop into a niche aftermarket sector.
    1. Diagnostics and Updates for Software
    1. EVs mainly rely on software to perform tasks like communication, navigation, and battery management.
    1. Software upgrades and troubleshooting are services that the aftermarket can offer. Installing updated software in older EVs to improve functionality and performance.
    1. Repair and Replacement of Power Electronics

EV operation depends on parts like inverters, converters, and onboard chargers. There are chances in the aftermarket in:

  • Replacement and repair of malfunctioning power electronics.
    • Upgrading these parts to accommodate newer technology or increase efficiency.
    •  
    • Electric Motor Servicing

The aftermarket can provide specialized services for motor inspection, winding repairs, and replacement since electric motors are used so frequently.

– Customization: By offering motor tuning or modifications, aftermarket players can satisfy performance fanatics.

                   6.  Retrofitting and Conversion Kits

In India, ICE car conversion to EVs is becoming more popular, especially in rural and cost-sensitive areas. The following can be obtained from the aftermarket:

  • Retrofit kits for compact automobiles, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers.
  • Retrofitted vehicle installation and certification services.
    • Services for Predictive Maintenance

Aftermarket companies may provide predictive maintenance solutions by utilizing IoT and telematics, allowing EV owners to take care of possible problems before

they become more serious.

Challenges & Solutions for the EV Aftermarket

CHALLENGES :

Skill Gap: Insufficient knowledge in managing sophisticated EV systems and components.

Problems with standardization: Different EV models do not have consistent standards for parts and software.

Cost Sensitivity: The high price of EV parts, like as batteries, may discourage replacements or repairs in the aftermarket.

SOLUTIONS :

Development of Skills: Fund educational initiatives to give technicians EV-specific know-how.

Partnerships: Work together with OEMs to gain access to exclusive tools and technology.

Localized Solutions: Provide reasonably priced, regionally produced and recycled parts.

Government Incentives and Policies Driving the Indian Automotive Industry

The aggressive government policies and incentives designed to promote domestic manufacture, innovation, and sustainability have resulted in the exponential rise of the Indian automobile sector. India is becoming a global center for automotive development and manufacture as a result of these actions.

The main government programs and regulations influencing the industry are listed below :

  • The “Make in India” initiative draws in international investment and promotes Indian manufacturing. Local manufacturing facilities and increased investments from international automakers.
  • The Ministry of Heavy Industries and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) collaborated to create the Automotive Mission Plan (AMP), a strategic plan. intends to place India among the world’s top three auto markets.
  • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme introduced to encourage the development of cutting-edge automotive technologies, more research and development of these technologies, and a move toward sustainable transportation.
  • One of the main initiatives to speed up EV adoption is the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) program, which aims to increase EV sales and infrastructure deployment significantly.
  • The automotive industry benefits from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, which simplify taxes for manufacturers and increase customer affordability.
  • To reduce pollution, strict emission standards known as the Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BS-VI) are in place. Better engine technologies and cleaner air are impacted by this.
  • The goal of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) is to electrify the automotive industry.
  • Export-Oriented Unit (EOU) Incentives to increase India’s exports of automobiles by offering tax breaks and duty-free raw material imports.

The automobile sector in India has a solid basis owing to the government’s strong policies and incentives. India is becoming a worldwide automotive powerhouse thanks to regulations that encourage growth and sustainability, such as the “Make in India” campaign and EV policies.

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