SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) India is a leading resource for mobility technology in the country and an associate of SAE International, a global association of more than 128,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries.
Both SAE India and SAE International had an important role to play in bringing the FISITA World Automotive Congress to India for the very first time.
We spoke to Mr. Murli Iyer, Global Advisor, SAE International and VP Americas – FISITA, on the sidelines of FISITA 2018, to know more about the key takeaways for the Indian auto industry from the globally-acclaimed platform.
Excerpts:
This is the first time the FISITA World Automotive Congress is being held in India. What were the preparations that went into bringing the mega event to our country?
FISITA is a Federation that is primarily meant for the European market. SAE International had joined hands with FISITA many years back and when SAE India came into existence in 2001-02, it became a member of FISITA.
At SAE, we were of the opinion that if India is to be recognized in the global arena, then we should establish the region as a global player. When India’s name was suggested as a possible host for the FISITA Congress, initially there were few eye-brows raised but then the decision was agreed upon.
Over the last four years, we have been working day-in and day-out to put this Congress in place and are delighted with the tremendous response it has received.
What are the key takeaways for our auto fraternity from FISITA?
The main purpose of FISITA 2018 is for India to showcase its technological capabilities to the rest of the world and also for us to listen to the views of the rest of the world.
Experts have been invited from various fields for which SAE International played an important role. This event provides a great platform for our engineers to rub shoulders with global experts, listen to and learn from them.
At the end of the Congress, Indian automotive engineers including engineering students will have an opportunity to know what is going on in other parts of the world, what is the state-of-art in mobility engineering and what all they can adapt in their working environment.
What are SAE India’s short-term plans and what is the roadmap for more such events to be held in India?
SAE India will continue to work closely with SAE International. There is a MoU between the two societies to organize a number of programs including aerospace programs, student programs, conferences, workshops, professional development programs, etc. in India.