At Automechanika Frankfurt, where automotive industry leaders gather to showcase innovations, Kalaiichelvan Mananathan, Managing Director of Manatec, highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to technological advancement and market expansion. With a history of consecutive participation in this renowned exhibition, Manatec seizes the opportunity to unveil new products and innovations to a broad audience.
“This is our seventh consecutive participation here at Automechanika,” Kalaiichelvan noted. “Every time the show gets bigger, and it seems our presence is also expanding, which is encouraging.” Manatec has solidified its commitment to the European market over the past three years by establishing Manatec Europe and maintaining a warehouse in Belgium, reflecting a strategic investment in the region.
Kalaiichelvan emphasized that this exhibition not only allows them to showcase their innovations but also provides reassurance to their European customers about Manatec’s dedication to quality and service. “This exhibition helps us receive customers predominantly from Europe, reaffirming our commitments,” he said. “We also look at various new technologies that arise in our field, which helps us stay ahead of the curve.”
Manatec’s focus on innovation was underscored by their recent achievements. In 2018, they received an innovation award for their 3D Truck Aligner, a testament to their cutting-edge technology. “The patent for our 3D wheel alignment technology is unique in our industry,” Kalaiichelvan remarked. “This recognition opens doors to collaborations with leading automotive manufacturers, and we see tremendous potential in these partnerships.”
This year, Manatec is emphasizing their advancements in the Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) segment. “Our innovative products are designed to add significant value to key stakeholders, including garage owners, fleet operators, and technicians,” Kalaiichelvan explained. He detailed the efficiency gains provided by their technology, which offers wheel alignment up to 12 times faster and run-out measurement 36 times faster than traditional methods. “What typically takes an hour can now be completed in just 20 minutes, allowing fleet owners to save valuable time and resources,” he added.
With a global export strategy that has been in place for over 12 years, Manatec has expanded its operations internationally, opening its first U.S. office in Houston in 2021 and establishing local presences in Europe and Brazil. “We have stepped up our efforts to have local operations in key markets to expedite our access to these regions,” Kalaiichelvan shared. Currently, exports constitute about 35% of their business, with a goal to increase this to 50% in the next two years as they ramp up their international operations.
In discussing the evolution of mergers and acquisitions in the automotive equipment industry, Kalaiichelvan observed a trend of consolidation among companies. “In the past decade, we’ve seen significant M&A activity as companies seek strategic value in acquisitions,” he noted. While Manatec has had opportunities in this space, their primary focus remains on product innovation and market expansion.
With the Indian automotive market poised for growth, Kalaiichelvan expressed optimism about the company’s future. “India is the third-largest automotive market, and we are witnessing a surge in sales across the industry,” he stated.
To capitalize on this growth, Manatec is diversifying into automotive electronics, including designing and manufacturing Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). As part of their strategy, Manatec is launching Manatec Mobility to explore new product lines in automotive electronics, particularly in defense applications. “Our new product ideas include central inflation systems and steering wheel sensors,” Kalaiichelvan shared, indicating a forward-looking approach that promises to expand their product portfolio. “We are the first company in India to provide a comprehensive range of TPMS solutions for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger cars, and trucks,” he added.
With a clear vision and innovative mindset, Manatec is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in both European and global markets. As they continue to explore new technologies and solutions, the company’s commitment to adding value to the automotive ecosystem remains unwavering.
