Didem Ekiz, Director and General Manager MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility Asia Pacific; and Arijeet Gupta, Head of MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility India
In a strategic move to solidify its footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive hubs, MAHLE has announced a significant expansion of its aftermarket portfolio at the ACMA Automechanika 2026. The global automotive giant is showcasing a comprehensive suite of solutions, ranging from advanced filtration and thermal management parts to cutting-edge workshop equipment, signaling a bold commitment to the Indian “Workshop Heroes” and the evolving mobility landscape.
A Comprehensive Portfolio for a Diverse Market
The 2026 showcase serves as a milestone for MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility. By presenting its full aftermarket range in one unified space, the company aims to address the multi-faceted needs of the Indian vehicle parc. The new product rollout is extensive, featuring coolant filtration products and cabin filters being launched for the first time in the Indian market. Additionally, the company introduced specialized AC cooling kits, gaskets specifically engineered for the high-volume two and three-wheeler segments, and new bearing applications.
“ACMA Automechanika is a very strong platform for us to present the full width of our aftermarket portfolio in one place,” stated Ms. Didem Ekiz, Director and General Manager of MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility Asia Pacific. “It allows us to engage directly with customers and partners across segments that are central to India’s growth story.”
The Road Ahead: ICE and Hybrid Dominance
While the global conversation often pivots to full electrification, MAHLE’s strategy for India remains grounded in current market realities. Ms. Ekiz highlighted that the growth of the vehicle parc in India shows no signs of slowing down. Importantly, she noted that internal combustion engines (ICE) and hybrid vehicles are expected to dominate the local landscape for the next 5 to 10 years.
This projected longevity of traditional and semi-electrified powertrains creates a “very positive outlook” for the aftermarket, ensuring a steady and growing demand for high-quality replacement parts and sophisticated thermal management systems.
Deepening Roots: 647 Districts and Digital Tools
Expansion for MAHLE isn’t just about product variety; it’s about physical and digital reach. Mr. Arijeet Gupta, Head of MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility India, emphasized the company’s mission to penetrate every corner of the country.
“Our focus is to deepen distribution across all 647 districts and invest strongly in distributors, retailers, and workshops,” Mr. Gupta explained.
To support this massive logistical undertaking, MAHLE is leveraging digital tools to ensure higher engagement and more efficient supply chain management, ensuring that a mechanic in a remote district has the same access to quality parts as one in a major metro.
Empowering the “Workshop Heroes”
At the heart of MAHLE’s Indian strategy is the “Workshop Heroes” initiative. This program recognizes that mechanics and independent workshops are the primary “demand generators” in the aftermarket ecosystem. By placing these professionals at the center of their business model, MAHLE aims to create a feedback loop that informs future product development.
“Staying close to them helps us shape products and processes that truly work on the ground,” Ms. Ekiz added. By providing these “heroes” with better tools and reliable parts, MAHLE is not just selling products they are building the infrastructure for the future of Indian automotive maintenance.
