The inaugural plenary session of SIAM‘s 63rd Annual Convention centered around the theme “Balancing Growth Aspirations with Sustainability,” was expertly moderated by Mr. Shailesh Chandra. He holds the position of Vice President at SIAM and serves as the Managing Director of both Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. During this session, Mr. Kamran Rizvi, who holds the position of Secretary at the Ministry of Heavy Industries, highlighted India’s burgeoning support for electric vehicles (EVs) compared to the reduction of incentives in China, the UK, and Europe. He urged Indian companies to seize the opportunity to become global leaders in the electric vehicle sector and advocated for campaigns to lower the Total Cost of Ownership of EVs to drive greater adoption.
Additionally, Mr. Anurag Jain, Secretary at the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, emphasized the need for the automotive industry to prioritize quality, sustainability, safety, and advanced technological research in their business operations. He also stressed the importance of establishing infrastructure for vehicle testing and scrapping facilities nationwide to support a sustainable scrapping and recycling ecosystem.
The session included the perspectives of Mr. Rajesh Jejurikar, who holds the position of Executive Director for Auto and Farm Sectors at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Mr. K N Radhakrishnan, who serves as Director and CEO of TVS Motor Company Ltd., and Mr. Baba Kalyani, who is the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd.
About SIAM
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is a prominent national organization that represents major vehicle and engine manufacturers in India. It operates as a registered society with charitable goals as outlined in the Societies Registration Act of 1860. SIAM’s mission encompasses several key objectives, including bolstering the automotive industry’s role in India’s economic growth and development, aiding the industry in fulfilling its societal responsibilities, promoting overall industry efficiency in the Indian context, and working towards the betterment and preservation of the environment. This environmental focus includes efforts to combat global warming, control pollution, and enhance the safety of vehicle users and the public at large. In recognition of these objectives, SIAM has received official registration as an institution with charitable purposes under the Income Tax Act of 1961.
