The ACMA Mobility Foundation hosted the first-ever Cluster Conference 2026 in Pune, bringing together policymakers, vehicle manufacturers, auto component makers and industry experts to discuss ways to build globally competitive automotive supply chains. The conference also celebrated 25 years of the ACMA Cluster Movement, an initiative that has helped improve manufacturing standards, quality and collaboration across India’s automotive component industry.
Held under the theme “Building World-Class Automotive Supply Chain – The ACMA Way,” the conference highlighted the importance of innovation, technology adoption and continuous improvement in strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem. Pune, often referred to as India’s automotive manufacturing hub, was chosen as the venue because of its strong industrial base. The city is home to more than 4,000 automobile and auto component units and has become a major centre for engineering, research, electric vehicle development and advanced manufacturing.
Addressing the gathering, Vikrampati Singhania, President of ACMA and Managing Director of JK Fenner (India) Ltd, said the ACMA Cluster Movement was launched 25 years ago with the belief that companies could achieve greater success by learning and improving together. He said the initiative has created a culture of knowledge sharing, benchmarking and operational excellence across the industry.
Mr Singhania noted that India’s auto component industry recorded a turnover of more than ₹7.6 lakh crore in FY2025-26, while exports reached $24 billion, more than doubling over the past five years. He added that future growth will depend on continued investments in technology, engineering, quality, innovation and skilled talent.
Sriram Viji, President-Designate of ACMA and Managing Director of Brakes India Pvt Ltd, said stronger partnerships between industry, government and technology institutions will be essential to develop globally competitive supply chains. He added that the Cluster Movement has played an important role in helping micro, small and medium enterprises improve quality, adopt digital technologies and strengthen manufacturing capabilities.
The conference featured a keynote address by Vinamra Mishra, Joint Secretary (Administration & Technology), Ministry of MSME, Government of India. He said the Ministry is strengthening its Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) and Lean Manufacturing programmes with higher incentives for technology upgrades, quality certification, market access and international outreach to make manufacturing MSMEs more competitive.
A panel discussion involving senior leaders from Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, VE Commercial Vehicles, JSW Motors, TVS Motor Company and Cummins India explored emerging trends in global automotive supply chains and the need for stronger collaboration across the industry.
As part of the silver jubilee celebrations, ACMA released a commemorative film on the Cluster Movement’s 25-year journey, launched a special edition of its publication IMPACT, and honoured Cluster Star Performer Companies for excellence in manufacturing and continuous improvement.
Concluding the event, Vinnie Mehta, Director General of ACMA, said India’s auto component industry continues to benefit from strong domestic demand, technology investments and growing global confidence. He added that the ACMA Cluster Movement has supported over 2,500 manufacturing plants and thousands of professionals over the past 25 years, helping build a stronger, more competitive and future-ready automotive supply chain.
The ACMA Mobility Foundation (AMF) is an initiative of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) that promotes innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth across the mobility sector. The foundation works to bring together established automotive companies, emerging mobility businesses and other industry stakeholders to strengthen the value chain and support the development of a future-ready mobility ecosystem.
