SIAM focus on mobility

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised its Annual Convention 2011 marking a celebration of its 51 years. The theme of this year’s Annual Convention was “Reinventing Mobility: Vision 2020”. Union Minister of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Praful Patel was the Chief Guest with Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia was Guest of Honour at the Convention. Dr Pawan Goenka, President, SIAM and President – Automotive & Farm Equipment, Mahindra & Mahindra welcomed all the guests, delegates present in the convention. SIAM Annual Convention 2011 saw global automotive industry leaders, speakers and policy makers from government sharing the same dais to address the dynamics of managing growth in all spheres. Dr. Pawan Goenka spoke about the challenges ahead for the automobile industry. ‘The growth figures that we are now working out for the 12th Five Year Plan indicate a rise in domestic vehicles sales to 5.6 million and exports to 1.3 million by the end of 2017’, said Dr. Pawan Goenka. He also talked about the new technologies and improving the fuel efficiency and capacity of manufacturing at a larger scale. He also thanked government for their initiatives and also promised to contribute 10% GDP in Indian economy by 2016. Chief Guest of the 51st annual convention, Union Minister of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Praful Patel spoke about improving the infrastructure keeping in mind the future needs of the country. ‘By 2020, where do we have the parking space for 10 million vehicles? Government needs to improve the infrastructure in the country.’ said Praful Patel. He also requested the industry leaders to tap the rural market of the country as he believes it has great opportunities, focusing on improving the fuel efficiency. Praful Patel also focused on developing new technology with Diesel technology to improve on cost. He also asked the market players to have an open dialogue with the govt. to sort the issues. Also, present on the occasion, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia addressed the serious issues related to infrastructure in the country. He asked the industry players to also focus on public vehicles to improve the public transport scenario in the country. Dr Ahluwalia reminded the industry of the robustness of the Indian economy and suggested not to have undue focus on the short-term slowdown in growth. India has emerged as the world’s second largest manufacturer of two wheelers and fifth largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles. It is the seventh largest passenger car manufacturer in the world.