Dr. Abhay Firodia, Chairman, Force Motors Ltd., was conferred the “Order of Merit” of the Federal Republic of Germany by Dr. Leopold Theodor Heldman, Consul General, Mumbai, at an award presentation ceremony organized on February 16 at the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce in Pune.
The “Order of Merit” is the highest honour awarded to individuals for their exemplary services to the Federal Republic of Germany. Individuals who have made significant contributions in social, intellectual, economic or political realms are honoured with this award.
The previous recipients of this award include Chancellor Helmut Kohl, Mr. Subrato Haldar, Mr. B.G. Roy, Sister Mary Prema; Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity of Calcutta, and Amha Selassie; Emperor of Ethiopia.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Firodia said: “It is a great honour and privilege to be recognized by the Federal Republic of Germany with the “Order of Merit”. I would like to thank all members associated with this award. Force Motors’ relationship with Germany dates back to 1950 when Shri. N.K. Firodia partnered with Vidal & Sohn Tempo Werke Germany to manufacture the HANSEAT 3-wheelers. Our association and collaboration has grown steadily over the past five decades with business and technical alliances with global leaders like Daimler, MAN, ZF and other leading companies.”
Under his guidance Force Motors has created a strong engineering infrastructure and R&D facility. His leadership continues to guide the company in the manufacture of utilitarian, cost-effective, and quality products, especially suited for the Indian economy and rural conditions.
Force Motors’ half-a-century of active collaborations with German companies has been enhanced by Dr. Firodia with new alliances and partnerships in the last decade.
Mrs. Firodia, Dr. Abhay Firodia, Chairman, Force Motors Ltd., Dr. Leopold Theodor Heldman, Council General at the German Consulate in Mumbai, and Mr. B. Steinruecke, Director General, Indo German Chamber of Commerce, at the award presentation ceremony in Mumbai.