Western Auto LLC is a Dubai-based company and part of the $7 billion ETA Star Group, a leading automobile trading, leasing, marketing and consulting company with global presence, including India. Western Auto sells 12,000 vehicles, in addition to construction equipment, auto components and commercial vehicles.

Western Auto got its start two years ago by importing spare parts for European trucks and buses and selling them on the Indian aftermarket. They started dealing in Telma brake retarders two years ago and this has now become an important business unit within their Indian operations. Telma retarders are a frictionless electromagnetic braking system. Western Auto has started a new innovative initiative in India, RACE, which is involved in research, analysis, consulting, and engineering services in automotive applications and transportation.

Recently, most truck and bus manufacturers have started addressing the customer’s needs through completely built units. Currently, only 10% of the total sales come from fully built units (FBVs) and the other 90% are spread across a few organized and other largely unorganized body builders. Studies report that customers buy FBVs for convenience, ready delivery and full finance availability.