Chennai is the major city in Southern parts of India. It is on the East coast and has major seaport. It is the capital of Tamil Nadu and one of the four metro cities of India. It is well connected to all parts of the country by rail, road and by air. There are number of industrial estates housing the manufacturing facilities of SMEs, spread over to the length and breath of the city. Majority of the auto component manufacturers are concentrated in Ambattur Industrial Estate in North (up to Arakonam, Thiruthani of 60 Km) and at Guindy Industrial Estate at South (up to Chengalpat of 60 Km). There are about 1000 Auto Components manufactures spread in Chennai with in South and Northern part. Chennai is known as the Detroit of South Asia and is one of the major auto hubs in the country. Major OEM’s such as Hyundai, Ford, Mitsubishi, Lancer, Ashok Leyland and TAFE are located in Chennai. Many Tier-I suppliers like Wheels India, Lucas – TVS, Brakes India, Sundaram Brakes linings, Sundaram Fasteners, TI Metal forming, Rane Madras, Rane Brake linings, Rane Steering, Rane Engine valves etc., have major presence in Chennai. Many Tier II and Tier III ancillaries supplying components to these industries which are located in Ambathur Industrial Estate, Guindy Industrial Estate, Maraimalai Nagar Industrial Estate and Sipcot Estate in Sriperumpudur. Tamil Nadu Govt. also is supporting these industries and is taking all possible efforts to make Chennai as auto hub. An auto testing facility has also planned and is likely to be established. BMW, Mahindra & Mahindra also planning to establish their production facility at Mahindra Industrial Park at Chennai.

             The action in Chennai is proposed to address the following major areas A: Delivery Schedule. B: Inventory Cost / High Inventory. C: Hiring skilled manpower. D: Non availability of Institutional support / Lack of interaction with academic. E: Low exports and Market limitation. F: Conventional / Old technologies. G: High manpower turnover. H: Lack of Systematic analysis of customer complaints including approvals.

             Chennai being capital of Tamil Nadu, there a good number support institutions around the cluster to support. Following are the various support institutions at Chennai 1. Mogappair Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association 2. SIDCO Industrial Estate Villivakkam Manufacturers Association 3. TALCO Manufacturers Association 4. The Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association 5. Thirumazhisai Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association 6. Thirumudivakkam Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association 7. Ambattur Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association 8. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association 9. Industrial Complex Manufacturers Association 10. Kodungaiyur Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association 11. Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) 12. Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) 13. TANSTIA 14. National Structural Research Institute 15. Central Leather Research Institute 16. National Road Research Institute 17. Quality Institute of TVS 18. Auto hub Testing Laboratory 19. Indian Statistical Institute