India’s automotive aftermarket is undergoing a dynamic transformation, fuelled by the surge in vehicle ownership, heightened demand for reliable replacement parts, and the sweeping influence of digitalisation. While this momentum presents immense opportunities, it also introduces a complex set of challenges that demand thoughtful, agile responses from industry players. In the post-COVID landscape, a notable resurgence of organised aftermarket players has reshaped consumer expectations—offering greater choice, competitive pricing, and the assurance of brand reliability.
Sharing his perspective on this evolving ecosystem, Rakesh Kher, CEO of UNO Minda Aftermarket, told Mobility Outlook, “The Indian automotive aftermarket is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $14–16 billion by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8–10%.” He attributed this shift in part to a post-pandemic acceleration towards formalisation, with organised players now accounting for nearly 60% of the market. This, he noted, reflects a growing consumer inclination towards quality-assured, branded components—marking a decisive move away from unverified and informal alternatives.
Reliability Built In
Adding further momentum to this evolving landscape is the growing demand for high-quality spare parts across all vehicle segments—a trend propelled by increasing consumer awareness around safety, performance, and the authenticity of components. The proliferation of digital platforms has only amplified this shift, making it easier for customers to access genuine products and thereby reinforcing the dominance of organised players in the aftermarket ecosystem.
As competition intensifies across categories, customers are now spoilt for choice. In response, UNO Minda Aftermarket has adopted a strategic and holistic approach by offering a broad-based portfolio that spans two-wheelers (2W), three-wheelers (3W), passenger vehicles (PV), commercial vehicles (CV), and off-road applications. With over 25 product categories under its belt, the company positions itself as a comprehensive, one-stop destination for high-quality automotive spare parts.
“Our distribution network is a core pillar of our strength. With a reach extending to over 50,000 retailers and more than 1,500 distributors nationwide, we ensure product availability even in semi-urban and rural markets—reinforcing accessibility and trust across every tier of the aftermarket,” Kher explained.
“What truly differentiates us,” Kher emphasised, “is our unwavering commitment to innovation.” Powered by six state-of-the-art R&D centres, UNO Minda Aftermarket continuously develops advanced, high-performance products tailored to meet the shifting demands of a dynamic market. This deep-rooted culture of innovation, combined with the brand’s legacy of reliability and expansive market reach, positions the company as a benchmark in the aftermarket space. By seamlessly integrating engineering excellence with customer-centric solutions, the company not only sustains its competitive edge but also reinforces its stature as a trusted and preferred name in an increasingly discerning industry, he pointed out.
Embracing Digital Frontiers
The digitalisation wave is fundamentally transforming the way spare parts are sourced and purchased, ushering in a new era of accessibility, transparency, and customer empowerment. In this evolving landscape, online platforms are becoming powerful enablers—connecting consumers directly with genuine components and reducing dependence on traditional distribution bottlenecks. Although e-commerce currently accounts for a modest 1–2% share of India’s automotive aftermarket, the segment is poised for exponential growth, with projections estimating a CAGR of 15–20% in the coming years, he observed.
Recognising this shift, UNO Minda is strategically enhancing its digital footprint to unlock the potential of Direct-to-Customer (D2C) engagement. The company’s digital roadmap is focused on making high-quality spare parts more accessible, intuitive, and customer-friendly.
“Our multi-pronged approach begins with strengthening our presence on leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and industry-focused marketplaces. This ensures that a wide range of authentic UNO Minda products are just a few clicks away for customers seeking reliability and convenience,” Kher shared.
In parallel, the company is in the advanced stages of developing its own D2C platform—an integrated digital ecosystem designed to provide a seamless buying experience. This bespoke platform will offer access to the brand’s complete product portfolio across vehicle categories, backed by manufacturer-issued warranties and compatibility assurance. Features such as personalised recommendations, faster deliveries, and virtual consultations will cater to the growing demand for user-centric solutions in the digital space.
To address one of the sector’s persistent challenges—installation and product compatibility—the brand is building a robust knowledge repository. This includes intuitive DIY tutorials, detailed user guides, and video demonstrations that empower customers with installation know-how. Enthusiasts and vehicle owners alike will also benefit from an online support hub offering real-time advice and expert assistance.
“By investing in digitalisation and customer-centric tools, we aim to not just expand our market reach, but also elevate the overall ownership experience. Whether it’s a tech-savvy urban consumer or a first-time buyer in a remote town, our digital platforms will help bridge the gap between trust and convenience in the aftermarket sector,” Kher added.
Combating Counterfeits
Despite the remarkable strides made in the organised aftermarket, the shadow of spurious and grey-market products continues to loom large over the industry. Estimates suggest that counterfeit components still account for 10–15% of the Indian automotive aftermarket—posing a significant threat not just to customer safety and vehicle reliability, but also to the reputation of established brands, he cautioned.
UNO Minda believes that safeguarding its brand equity and protecting consumers from the hazards of inferior imitations is both a strategic and moral imperative. “The presence of substandard products undermines years of trust that customers have placed in us. We are committed to upholding the integrity of our offerings and ensuring that every product bearing the UNO Minda name meets the highest standards of quality and safety,” he mentioned.
To that end, the company has instituted a robust anti-counterfeit strategy anchored on three key pillars: prevention, education, and enforcement.
Secure Packaging & Anti-Tampering Features: UNO Minda products are embedded with tamper-proof packaging, holographic security labels, and QR codes that allow customers to authenticate their purchase with ease. These elements make it significantly harder for counterfeiters to replicate or misuse the brand’s identity.
Consumer & Mechanic Awareness Initiatives: Recognising that informed customers are the first line of defence against spurious goods, the company actively runs awareness campaigns across retail touchpoints, digital platforms, and mechanic networks. These efforts empower end users with the knowledge to identify genuine parts and avoid falling prey to fraudulent alternatives.
Strict Legal Action: Complementing these preventive measures is a dedicated legal team tasked with identifying and prosecuting unauthorised sellers. Through coordinated market surveillance and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the company ensures that infringements are met with swift and decisive action.
“These efforts are not just about brand protection. They are about promoting a culture of safety, performance, and reliability on Indian roads. By driving out counterfeits, we help create an aftermarket ecosystem that customers can trust—one that delivers long-term value and peace of mind,” Kher summed up.
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