India is such a big and diversified country; seeking the right channels might be the key challenges

Dennis.Liou -GM Advanced Connectek

Advanced Connectek is a Taiwan-based company with experience of over 30 years in manufacturing connectors and 5 years in manufacturing Electric Motorcycle chargers (Plug and Receptacle) and cables for scooters and motorcycles. Globally there is strong support towards electric vehicles, with more than 10 Million electric cars on the world’s roads in 2020. Electric Vehicle (EV) sales have increased in all three top auto markets: China, the US, and Europe. Although the electric vehicle (EV) market is still in its infancy in India, it is expected to be more important going forward, as the government has undertaken various initiatives to promote electric vehicles in the country. The country has an ambitious target of becoming an all-EV nation by 2030. Indian ICT Manufactures such as Lava, Mircomax and Lyfe have one of the lowest market shares due to quality of the parts such as connectors. To address the above two situations, Advanced Connectek, a subsidiary of ACON group can help provide apt solutions.

Here are insights from Dennis Liou, GM, Advanced Connectek on the strategic focus for the company in India and their future plans.

· Give us a brief history of Advanced Connectek?

Acon is a professional connector/Cable Assembly manufacturer from 1986. With full function operations in China and Laos and Sales Service Centers in AP, NA, we can provide timely and comprehensive support – product-wise, technical-support-wise and business-wise.

· What specialized products does Advanced Connectek offer?

Besides our wide ranges of product family applied in Automotive, Industrial, Medical and Consumer segments, our U4 connector and cable assembly have secured Intel’s certification, among one of three makers around the world.

· What are the key big trends you foresee for your sector over the next 5 years?

It will be getting more digital and greener. Thus, the relevant demands utilizing 5G, IoT is explosive; the demand of EV with high efficient power is on the rapid rise.

· How is technology and innovation helping your sector to build more efficient and future ready products?

Utilizing smart manufacturing, embarking on developing high power, high frequency products, we can have the right products, catering to the very needs of clients.

· The future talks about wireless devices, smart machinery, so will you see a drop in demand over the next few years or will there be product innovations to stay relevant then?

Especially for I/O connectors, with wireless devices prevailing, we can see a drop in demand. Anyhow, Acon is churning out the products that suit the new requirements – high power and high frequency.

· Why is India a lucrative market for Advanced Connectek?

India is such a vibrant and growing market that we can see strong growth in many sectors – Automotive, Consumer and Medical, where we can supply the right products.

· Which are the sectors in India that you see potential demand for your offering?

Our products can see great potential in the Automotive, Industrial, Medical and Consumer sectors.

· What is the potential business you expect to garner in India?

We do like to garner business in Automotive, Industrial, Medical and Consumer sectors.

· How does Advanced Connectek stand out against the local manufacturers in India?

With over three decades of experience and well-equipped expertise, we can provide comprehensive service and support.

· In how many countries have your presence outside Taiwan ?

We have operations in China and Laos. And, with the long-standing good communications, we serve the clients worldwide. Acon has gained presence in all the major Territories – AP, NA, EMEA.

· What was the strategic focus to partner with TPC?

To penetrate into the lucrative India Market, we do like to gain access through TPC’s great support and channels.

· Do you have any presence in India? What are the business plans in India for the next 5 years?

We have won some presence in India but do Intend to increase it extensively through the close cooperation with TPC.

· What are the key challenges you face in the Indian market?

India is such a big and diversified country. Seeking the right channels might be the key challenges.

· Post Covid how has the sector fared and what are your key strategic plans?

Our sector remains strong even during Covid, Anyhow, we plan to step up the sales promotion and activities, gaining a strong foothold in India soon.

· Give us a sense of the growth numbers in the last fiscal and the expected growth this fiscal?

In 2020, one of our major clients will suffer seriously due to the Sino-US trade war. Thus, we don’t see good growth this year. Anyhow, we can see about 20% growth next year due to that the prospect is still very robust and promising in our sector.

· How do you plan to expand your business in India?

We plan to enhance the cooperation with TPC and also seek the right Representatives in India. We plan to have 2~3 more Representatives shortly, gaining the channels by aiming at our targeted sectors.