The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organized its Annual Convention 2013 in New Delhi on September 4 to commemorate the social and economic value created by the Indian automobile industry. The theme of this year’s convention was “Contribution of Auto Industry in Economic Development”.
The Minister for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Mr. Praful Patel, was the Chief Guest, and Mr. Kamal Nath, Minister of Urban Development, was the Guest of Honour at the convention.
Delivering the opening address, Mr. Praful Patel stressed the need for the Government and the industry to work together to ensure economic development. “This is a challenging time for the automobile industry, as well as the Indian economy as a whole. The decline of the automobile industry can be attributed to various factors, including the general economic slowdown, high interest rates, increase in fuel prices and decline in the number of new buyers. The Government is feeling a renewed sense of urgency to ensure that the sector is re-energized, and I would be happy to organize a joint meeting between the Ministers and stakeholders to develop an immediate and effective solution to rectify the problems faced by the sector.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. S. Sandilya, President, SIAM, and Chairman, Eicher Motors Ltd. – Unit Royal Enfield, said: “The deceleration of the industry is primarily due to both external factors as well as domestic structural issues. The automobile industry is one of the highest contributors of revenue and employment in the country, and needs a more moderated tax and excise duty structure in order to ensure further growth of the industry. I am confident about the long-term growth of the industry and feel that if the Government and the stakeholders work together, India will have a unique opportunity to emerge as a leading global player.”
Proposing a vote of thanks, Mr. Vikram S. Kirloskar, Vice President, SIAM, & Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, referred to the role of the national mission on electric mobility which will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote cleaner technologies.
Vikram Kirloskar elected SIAM President,
Vinod Dasari chosen Vice President
Mr. Vikram Kirloskar has been elected President and Mr. Vinod Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, as Vice-President of the Society of the Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Mr. Lowell Paddock, President and MD of General Motors India, has been chosen the new Treasurer.
“I am honored to be appointed as the President of SIAM. Our effort will continue to strive towards building a brand for the Indian auto industry which not only leads the manufacturing landscape of the country, but grows in a responsible manner keeping the customer benefits in view”, said Mr. Kirloskar, while commenting on his new role.
The election took place on the sidelines of the 52nd Annual Convention organized by SIAM. Themed ‘Contribution of Auto Industry in Economic Development’, the convention saw attendance by hundreds of industry professionals, including CEOs and senior representatives from the Indian and global manufacturers, who shared various perspectives about the sector’s larger role in the emerging India.
SIAM facilitates dialogue between the Indian automobile industry, the Government, national and international organizations. It also works closely with concerned stake-holders and helps evolve rules, regulations and policies related to the automobile industry.