There is no gainsaying that the Indian auto industry has come of age and has carved out a niche for itself in the global automotive space. Major OEMs such as Bajaj Auto, Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors are conquering new frontiers across the world with each passing day. Indian vehicle manufacturers, backed by a fast developing domestic auto component industry, have risen to the challenge and stood up to the technological and financial might of global auto majors.
The fact that Indian automobile companies are giving the global auto giants a run for their money speaks volumes of the engineering and R&D capabilities as well as the managerial acumen and entrepreneurial skills of Indian industry.
It is in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the growth, development and success of the Indian auto industry that the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has honoured Mr. Keshub Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, and Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto, with the Life Time Contribution Award.
The Awards were presented by a team of FADA members led by Mr. Nikunj Sanghi, its President, in the offices of Mr. Keshub Mahindra and Mr. Rahul Bajaj in Mumbai and Pune on May 22 and 23 respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanghi said: “Thanks to their vision, determination and pioneering efforts, the Indian growth story is making waves all over the world. The Indian auto retail market owes a lot to Mr. Keshub Mahindra and Mr. Rahul Bajaj for the leadership and direction provided by them over the years.”
Mr. Mohan Himatsingka, Vice President, added: “The iconic status of Mr. Keshub Mahindra and Mr. Rahul Bajaj in the Indian industry as a result of their business acumen, ethical business practices and excellent corporate governance track record, have earned them laurels and accolades not only in India but across the globe. Therefore, we, in the automobile dealer fraternity, could not have thought of any better names than Mr. Mahindra and Mr. Bajaj for the honour”.
The other FADA team members present on the occasion included Mr. Bharat M. Sanghvi, Mr. Rakesh Jain, Mr. Vinay Nevatia, Mr. Jayendra Kachalia, Mr. Kailash Gupta, past Presidents, and Mr. Prakash Rao and Mr. Mukesh Jain, FADA officials.