Pune: Development of local resources and materials important for Auto Industry’s growth

Pune, 3rd June 2023: India can emerge as one of the leaders in the automotive industry in the coming years, said Vijay Mittal, joint secretary at the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India during the valedictory function of the three-day International Conference on Automotive Materials and Manufacturing AM&M on Friday. The fourth edition of the conference was organized at the Homologation and Technology Centre (HTC) of ARAI at Chakan, Pune.

Speaking virtually, Mittal praised the organizers for conducting a conference where ideas were exchanged for the development of the sector and said, “I’m sure this conference has been highly productive and added value to the past. Over the years, the Indian automotive industry has emerged as one of the world’s leading and fastest growing auto markets. Demographically and economically, India’s automotive industry is well placed for growth, meeting both the domestic and export opportunities.”

“India can emerge as a world-class automotive manufacturing base. Developing indigenous solutions in emerging automotive areas would be important for the growth. The Government of India is working for facilitating a safe and clean mobility ecosystem through regulations and fostering innovation with an underlying belief that technology is the important determinant of growth and development. We at the Ministry of Heavy Industries are focused on promoting technology development, encouraging domestic manufacturing of high-end products, and boosting electric mobility through our various schemes,” he added.

ARAI Director Dr Reji Mathai said that as the regulatory body, the organization will do everything to get everyone on the same page as it is the only way forward. “I can only say that as an agency that provides that platform for bringing in new solutions, we find interactions, joining hands, collaborations are a big yes rather than going solo. We believe that together as a fraternity, we need to develop an ecosystem where we give the necessary guidelines, the strength, the assurance that what we are building on, is going to be taken forward and the investment is not going to be futile,” Dr Mathai said.

Dr N Saravnan, CTO, Ashok Layland and Vice President, ARAI, said along with manufacturing in India, a lot of emphasis should also go into promoting designing in India and developing local resources. “I think for us, it’s time to not just look at manufacturing in India but also designing in India with local materials, only that will give us the transition we need,” he said.

Awards for best technical papers were given at the hands of Guest of Honour Lalit Kumar Pahwa, MD, Pahwa Metaltech Pvt Ltd during the valedictory function. The vote of thanks was given by the convener of the conference Medha Jambhale.