The Indian automotive components sector will clock 10-12% growth in revenue in fiscal 2024, riding on continuing domestic growth buoyed by robust demand from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)¹ on the back of high base of past fiscals, and steady aftermarket demand. This is despite exports continuing to remain sluggish.

Continuing demand momentum, driven by OEMs, complemented by cost-efficiency measures by auto component manufacturers should drive up operating leverage. This, along with moderation in prices of key raw materials - albeit still high compared with pre-pandemic levels - will support operating margin inch back to the pre-pandemic level at 12.0-12.5% in fiscal 2024 (~11.9% in last fiscal).

An analysis of ~230 auto component players rated by Crisil Ratings, which account for nearly 50% of the sector revenue of ~Rs 4.8 lakh crore, indicates as much.

Says Anuj Sethi, Senior Director, Crisil Ratings, “Revenue from OEMs is expected to grow 12-14% this fiscal, backed by continued strong demand from almost all segments barring tractors which had hit an all- time high last fiscal. Improving semi-conductor availability will support supplies of passenger vehicles and premium motorcycles. Exports, the second-largest revenue contributor, will remain sluggish amid continuing headwinds in key markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Lastly, revenue from the aftermarket segment, which accounts for the balance, will grow at a steady 6-8%, supported by strong automotive sales in past fiscals.”

Amidst growth, players with high exposure to engine and transmission components - accounting for 22% of the sector’s revenue - will continue to diversify their product basket by enhancing focus on electric vehicles (EV) components.

Says Poonam Upadhyay, Director, Crisil Ratings, “With EV adoption expected to be fastest in the two- and three-wheeler segments, the auto component makers with high exposure to engine and transmission components are likely to focus at diversifying their product basket. This, along with focus on meeting PLI²-related commitments and capacity enhancements, will push up capital spends. Players rated by Crisil Ratings are likely to undertake capital expenditure of ~Rs 17,500 crore this fiscal, up ~20% on-year. Nevertheless, strong balance-sheets, healthy profitability and prudent capex funding will keep credit profiles stable.”

Interest coverage may moderate marginally in fiscal 2024 but will remain comfortable at 7.0-7.2 times compared with ~7.5 times last fiscal. The ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation is also seen stable at 1.5 times (~1.6 times).

Sustainability of demand from domestic OEMs, increased indigenisation of EV components, and the global macroeconomic scenario will bear watching in the road ahead.

¹ Demand from OEMs contribute 63% of overall industry demand; after market is 17% while exports contribute balance 20%
² Production linked incentive or PLI scheme for the auto components sector was introduced in September 2021.