Sunjay J Kapur, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd (Sona Comstar), and former President of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), passed away on 12th June 2025 in England following a sudden heart attack. He was 53.
Kapur was a towering figure in India’s mobility and manufacturing landscape. Under his strategic vision and stewardship, Sona Comstar evolved into a global mobility technology company anchored in innovation, sustainability, and purposeful growth. Known for his passion, clarity of vision, and focussed drive for excellence, Kapur inspired countless colleagues and peers across the automotive ecosystem.
Beyond his corporate contributions, Kapur was a devoted father and an influential mentor to many. His leadership extended beyond the boardroom, as he championed India’s rise as a manufacturing powerhouse and a centre for automotive innovation on the global stage.
Industry Stewardship During Transformation & Turbulence
As ACMA President in 2021, Kapur played a key role in navigating the Indian auto component industry through rapid transformation, from post-pandemic recovery to EV acceleration. His tenure was marked by strong export growth, digitalisation drives, and deep policy advocacy—cementing his reputation as a progressive and respected industry voice.
Kapur led the industry through one of its most challenging and transformative phases, marked by COVID-19 disruptions, supply chain constraints, and a rapidly evolving global trade landscape. He brought clarity and data-driven insight to complex issues, championing growth drivers such as rising vehicle sales, expanding aftermarket demand, and the increasing value-add in components.
A strong proponent of localisation and diversification, Kapur actively promoted the 'China+1' strategy to broaden India’s export footprint and reduce supply risk. His leadership contributed to India’s auto-component industry achieving a record turnover of INR 5.6 lakh crore ($69.7 billion) in FY 2022–23—a 32.8% year-on-year growth—underscoring the sector’s resilience and global competitiveness.
Kapur also steered the industry's growing contribution to the national economy by highlighting robust domestic OEM demand and a vibrant aftermarket, which alone grew 15% to INR 85,333 crore. Under his watch, exports rose 5.2% to INR 1.61 lakh crore, despite macroeconomic pressures in key international markets. He advocated export-led growth and greater technology adoption, positioning India as a global manufacturing hub aligned with supportive policy initiatives.
Significantly, he oversaw the early traction of electric mobility in the components sector, with the EV share in turnover rising from 1% to 2.7% in FY 2022–23. Prior to his presidency, Kapur chaired ACMA’s Electric Mobility Committee (2015–16) and Sustainable Development Committee (2014–17), and played a key mentoring role through the Young Business Leaders’ Forum (YBLF), nurturing the next generation of auto industry leadership. His influence also extended to CII, where he co-chaired the National Manufacturing Council, building bridges between industry, government, and innovation.
A passionate sportsman, Kapur was best known for his love of polo, captaining the Sona Polo team and playing in global tournaments. His early years were marked by active involvement in hockey, football, swimming, water polo, and tennis.
Kapur’s passing is a profound loss to the automotive community and the larger business fraternity. The Sona Comstar family and industry peersacross the globe, including Mobility Outlook mourn the loss of a dynamic leader. May his soul rest in peace.
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