The newly formed Hinduja Automotive UK has appointed Dr. V. Sumantran, former General Motors and Tata Executive, as Executive Vice Chairman of the company. This appointment reinforces the ambitious expansion plans of the Hinduja Group in auto and auto-related businesses globally, including green field operations and new acquisitions.
Dr. Sumantran, along with Mr. R. Seshasayee, Executive Vice Chairman, Hinduja Automotive, and Managing Director, Ashok Leyland Ltd., will be responsible for the further development and execution of the growth strategy and for the overall performance of the global automotive portfolio of the Hinduja Group.
Dr. Sumantran’s extensive global experience includes most recently his own auto industry consultancy practice, where clients included the Hinduja Group. Prior to this, he was the Executive Director of Tata Motors Passenger Car Business and Engineering Research Centre.
In his earlier career, Dr. Sumantran had spent over 16 years at General Motors Corporation, mostly in Detroit and later in Europe, where he served as Director, Advanced Engineering, SAAB Automobile.
In recent months, the Hinduja Group companies have forged major international technology partnerships in the areas of castings, vehicle electronics with Continental AG and are partnering Nissan Motors in a $500 million foray in to the LCV segment. The group has also invested considerably in expansion of capacity in CV manufacturing, foundry, engineering services and environmental technologies.
“Dr. Sumantran’s induction into the Board of Hinduja Automotive Ltd., is a strong step towards realization of the group’s goal to become a leading player in the global auto industry”, said Mr. G.P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Automotive Ltd.”At this exciting point in the development of the Group’s automotive business, the appointment of this senior automotive professional with global manufacturing and engineering experience will be a major boost to our growth plans”, commented Mr. D.G. Hinduja, Co-Chairman, Hinduja Automotive.
