Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2020, was officially inaugurated at the India Expo Mart by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways & Shipping, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India on the 6th of this month.
Post the ceremonial lamp lighting, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India & Shipping, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, said “I am happy that the auto industry stood together and worked towards achieving the target of BS-VI adoption, in spite of the initial reservations and fear that surrounded it. I thank all the manufacturers of the auto industry and laude your efforts. The government is aware that the automobile sector is most important contributor in the manufacturing sector and in generating large employment. The revenue derived from the auto industry is very important and therefore the government will support the industry throughout. The future is of electric vehicles and I have full faith that in the near future, the Indian automobile industry will become number one in manufacturing and export of electric vehicles.”
He further added, “to support this coveted dream, the government will be developing better infrastructure, adding approximately 40,000 Kms of road network and developing 23 express highways. The government will focus on the ethos of conversion of knowledge into wealth and lay emphasis on investing in R&D.”
Also present at the official inauguration were Mr. Rajan Wadhera, President, SIAM & President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd; Mr. Deepak Jain, President ACMA and Chairman & Managing Director, Lumax Industries Ltd; Mr. Kenichi Ayukawa, Vice President, SIAM and MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited.; Mr. Gurpratap Boparai, Chairman, SIAM Trade Fair Group & Managing Director, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited; Mr. Rajesh Menon, Director General SIAM; Mr. Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA; Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII.
Mr. Rajan Wadhera, President, SIAM & President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said, “The auto industry is an angel of growth & a beacon of Make in India for the country as it contributes 49 percent to the manufacturing GDP and 15 percent to GST and supports host of other industries. We thank the government for supporting the industry for its transition towards BS-VI compliance, reducing emission and improving safety. The Indian automotive industry has circumvented many challenges, the biggest amongst them is reducing emissions, passenger safety and within those boundaries, to provide affordable mobility to the masses.” Setting this context he welcomed the distinguished dignitaries, guests and the industry fraternity at large at the 15th edition of the Auto Expo 2020.”