As India’s automotive aftermarket evolves into a highly dynamic and competitive arena, companies that prioritise quality, digital innovation, and supply chain agility are emerging as clear frontrunners for sustained growth. With increasing vehicle parc, greater consumer awareness, and the accelerating shift toward connected and electric mobility, the aftermarket sector is poised at a transformative inflection point.
In an exclusive interaction with Mobility Outlook, Rakesh Kher, CEO - Aftermarket & Chief Strategy Officer, UNO Minda Group, emphasised that adapting to shifting consumer expectations and regulatory imperatives, while leveraging the power of e-commerce and service-led innovations, will serve as key differentiators in this rapidly maturing ecosystem.
“At UNO Minda Aftermarket, we are pursuing a focused strategy built on three core pillars. Alongside strengthening our national and regional distributor network, we are investing significantly in digital platforms to enable real-time inventory visibility and seamless order management. This not only enhances supply chain responsiveness but also supports long-term operational efficiency,” Kher said.
He further noted the company’s commitment to building deeper linkages within the value chain. “We are actively collaborating with local garages and independent service centres, equipping mechanics with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to recommend and install genuine UNO Minda parts,” he added. These initiatives will not only help streamline the aftermarket but also lay the groundwork for a more organised, transparent, and future-ready ecosystem.
Strengthening Backbone
Recognising that rural and semi-urban regions contribute to over half of India’s aftermarket demand, the company has made supply chain optimisation and last-mile connectivity a cornerstone of its growth strategy. “Ensuring timely and efficient delivery to even the most remote locations have become a strategic imperative for us,” noted Kher.
To this end, the company has deployed a suite of technology-driven solutions aimed at enhancing demand forecasting accuracy, streamlining inventory flow, and minimising lead times. “Our eight strategically positioned warehouses across the country form the backbone of our distribution network, allowing us to respond quickly and efficiently to regional demand variations,” he said.
In tandem with infrastructure, the company is also deepening its footprint in rural India by onboarding new distributors, empowering local retailers, and engaging directly with mechanics through awareness and training initiatives. “By harnessing digital tools and a decentralised logistics model, we’re not just delivering products—we’re delivering assurance and dependability to the farthest corners of the country,” Kher added.
Gearing Up For Emerging Technologies
As the global automotive landscape transitions toward electric mobility and connected technologies, the aftermarket too is undergoing a profound transformation. UNO Minda is keenly aware of this shift and is actively aligning its capabilities to meet the evolving demands of a rapidly electrifying and digitising ecosystem, he pointed out.
“With electric vehicles and connected cars increasingly dominating product pipelines, the aftermarket is no longer just about mechanical spares—it’s about intelligent, electronics-driven solutions,” Kher observed. To stay ahead of the curve, the company is executing a forward-looking strategy that integrates innovation, product diversification, and network upskilling.
A key pillar of this transformation is the company’s deliberate expansion into EV-centric components and systems. “We are augmenting our product portfolio with offerings such as off-board battery chargers, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), EV-specific lighting systems, switches, sensors, and high-performance electronic control modules,” he shared. These solutions cater to both OEM requirements and emerging aftermarket needs, reflecting its focus on comprehensive market coverage.
Recognising the vibrant growth of India’s EV ecosystem—particularly driven by agile startups and new-age OEMs—UNO Minda is also fostering strategic collaborations to co-create customised, high-quality aftermarket solutions. “We are working closely with leading EV brands across two-, three-, and four-wheeler segments to ensure reliable spare parts support and seamless service availability,” he said.
Beyond electrification, the rise of connected mobility is unlocking new aftermarket verticals. The company is investing in R&D to develop smart car solutions spanning telematics systems, IoT-enabled sensors, and AI-powered diagnostic tools. These technology-led interventions not only enhance vehicle performance but also create value through predictive maintenance and personalised driving experiences.
“Our approach is holistic—we are expanding our product architecture, skilling our service ecosystem, and investing in smart technologies to be future-ready,” Kher asserted. Through this multi-pronged strategy, the company aims to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s next-generation aftermarket, one that is clean, connected, and customer-centric.
Charting The Road Ahead
With a clear focus on agility, innovation, and market responsiveness, UNO Minda has laid out a meticulously crafted roadmap that balances short-term agility with long-term transformation. “Our commitment is to not only maintain leadership in the automotive aftermarket but to anticipate and shape its evolution,” said Kher. This commitment is reflected in the company’s multi-layered strategy that harnesses technology, deepens consumer trust, and expands global reach.
In the near term—over the next one to two years retail network expansion remains a priority, with targeted penetration across Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural markets to ensure that the company’s diverse product range is accessible across the country’s aftermarket value chain.
UNO Minda’s long-term aspirations are equally ambitious, encompassing investments in next-gen mobility, advanced digital tools, and international market expansion. As the automotive landscape embraces electrification and intelligent systems, the company is ramping up R&D in EV-centric aftermarket solutions, including high-performance off-board battery chargers, EVSE infrastructure, and smart modules tailored for connected vehicles. At the same time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning are being integrated into supply chain systems to enable smarter forecasting, real-time inventory visibility, and faster market responsiveness—bringing operational efficiency to the next level.
The company is also preparing for a broader global play. With a strong foundation in India, it plans to deepen its footprint in South Asia, ASEAN nations, and the Middle East by offering trusted, reliable, and competitively priced aftermarket solutions tailored for regional requirements.
In anticipation of the rising adoption of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and connected car features, the company is investing in smart accessories and AI-driven safety solutions designed to enhance the driving experience. These include sensor-based tools, intelligent driver aids, and connected car innovations that are becoming integral to the modern vehicle ecosystem.
“Whether it’s EVs, ADAS, or AI-powered logistics, our mission is to deliver future-ready solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers—both in India and across the globe,” Kher concluded.
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