SIAM's 63rd Annual Convention stressed on pathways to sustainable mobility

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), a grouping of all automakers in the country, hosted its 63rd Annual Convention at New Delhi yesterday under the theme "Sustainable Mobility - The Way Ahead for Indian Automobile Industry." 

The yearly conference brought all industry stakeholders, policy makers, and experts in one platform to discuss on the emerging trends in the Indian automotive industry and pathways towards achieving balanced growth by embracing the tenets of sustainable mobility. 

In his keynote address at the inaugural session, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, asked the automakers to expedite the adoption of green technologies such as biofuels, battery-electric and hydrogen. He also pushed for the increased use of biofuels by aligning the auto industry's approach with global biofuel alliance announced during the G20.

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"In 2014, the global automobile sector was ranked 7th, but today, it is at 3rd position. The automotive sector serves as a growth engine for our nation, aligning perfectly with the honorable Prime Minister's vision to elevate India from its current fifth largest economy in the world to third. Our ultimate goal is to become the world's leading automobile hub", he observed. 

Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of Heavy Industries, Government of India, in his guest of honor speech, echoed the importance of the auto industry in nation's emission reduction and net zero vision. "India's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and reducing 1 billion tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030 aligns with the ambitious 'Amrit Kaal: Vision @ 2047'", he said. 

The minister also noted that the union government has extended the PLI scheme by another year to enable the auto industry to reap the benefits of the incentives provided for manufacturing advanced automotive technologies. 

The inaugural session was moderated by Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEML). "The Government's commitment to the Amrit Kal vision 2027, along with the imperative to achieve net-zero emissions, sets the stage for a forward-looking India". 

"We are witnessing a remarkable transition towards EVs, aligning our industry with global benchmarks. Our collective commitment to sustainability is the path toward a safer, more holistic future that lies ahead for the country", he said. 

The convention featured three panel discussions on the themes of sustainable mobility, bio-fuels, localization and export potentials of the auto industry, participated by leading figures in the Indian automotive ecosystem. 

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Speaking at the valedictory session titled 'Aatmanirbhar: The Roadmap to Increased Localization and Harnessing Export Potential of the Indian Auto Industry', Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said that the 'Aatmanirbharta' and sustainability of the auto industry should go hand in hand. 

"We must encourage significant investment in electronic components and products made in India, boost R&D within our nation, and nurture domestic industries. We must also reduce our dependence on imports and should rather trust our localized capabilities within our own ecosystem", he commented. 

At the annual convention, SIAM President Vinod Aggarwal remarked that the domestic auto industry has achieved impressive growth, with its current size pegged at ₹12.46 lakh crores, including ₹ 3 lakh crores worth of exports. He further identified six sustainability pillars that the auto industry and government of India are working together including electrification, green hydrogen, and recycling.