New NIE-Eicher Centre for Auto Technology

MYSORE: In continuation of its tradition of promoting technical education and training, ‘Eicher Trucks and Buses’ – a business area of VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV) formerly inaugurated the NIE-Eicher Center for Automobile Technology – collaboration between VECV and the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore (NIE). The inauguration was followed by the opening ceremony of the Automotive Technology Fair 2010, which was held within the premises of NIE. Inaugurating the Center, Vinod Aggarwal, CEO (designate), VECV, said, “Low availability of skilled manpower is one of the key areas of concern for the automotive sector. There is a significant gap compared to industry needs and the problem is bound to aggravate with the entry of many more manufacturers, more number of new products being introduced and the inclusion of sophisticated, contemporary technology. The Automotive Mission Plan envisages a requirement of an additional 25 million people in India’s automotive industry by 2016. Industry- Institution tie up is essential to bridge this skill-gap. Recognizing this, VECV is tying up with leading institutions across the country to teach students the latest in automotive technologies.” “The NIE-Eicher Centre for Automobile Technology will offer a PG diploma in automobile engineering. The syllabi and the curriculum will be worked out by institution and industry experts. Hands-on, operational training will set the tone of these courses. Experts from manufacturing, product development, quality assurance, supply chain management, customer service management etc, drawn from various auto manufacturers will form the faculty. On completing their courses, the students will be given the opportunity to join VECV’s manufacturing plants or dealer networks. They will also be free to exercise the option of joining any other automotive company of their choosing.” The Automotive Technology Fair 2010 was inaugurated by Ashok Rao, President and whole time Director, Automotive Axles Limited. The theme of this exhibition was 'Emerging Technologies in Commercial Vehicles - Trucks and Buses'. On exhibit at the fair were Eicher’s truck and bus range as well as products from other participating companies like Bosch, JK Tyres, Apollo Tyres, Wabco, Meritor, Indian Oil Corporation, Brakes India, Turbo Energy, Automotive Axles and Exide amongst others. There were CEO round-tables and technic l seminars spread over three days of activity; providing insights into the Indian automotive industry and a depth of automotive technology information. The fair was an opportunity to meet up with several auto industry veterans. The automotive industry is one of the key drivers of India’s economy. It contributes 5% of the GDP. It is expected that the automotive Industry in India would be the 7th largest world-wide by the year 2016.