The Automotive Sector Will Play A Major Role In Making India A USD 5 Trillion Economy: Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey

Pune, September 29, 2021: “India will become a manufacturing hub and the automotive sector will play a major role in making the country a USD 5 trillion economy. The government is very much focused on the development of Electric Mobility and the project work undertaken by ARAI to establish components and systems for Electric Vehicles (EV) in the country is a big step towards the future,” said Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister for Heavy Industries, GoI during the inauguration of 17th edition of Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) 2021 today.

Organized by The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) in association with SAEINDIA and SAE International (USA), SIAT 2021 with the theme ‘Redefining Mobility for the Future’ was held in virtual mode for the first time.

Members of ARAI including C.V. Raman, President, Dr. Reji Mathai, Director, Rashmi  Urdhwareshe, President SAE India and Dr. S. S. Thipse, Sr. Deputy Director, Convenor, SIAT 2021 were present during the session. Abhijit Mulay, General Manager-ARAI hosted the session.

“Several businesses including the Automotive industry took a hit during the pandemic but now it is recovering. Research work, manufacturing and acquisition for EV components like charging points, batteries, fuses, bio-gas resources and other parts will be supported by the government. We believe that the progress in the sector will also give rise to employment generation among the youth and the government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ will be fulfilled,” Pandey said.

The minister also stated that the Union Cabinet had also approved Rs 26,800-crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the auto sector focused on promoting the manufacturing of EV and hydrogen-fuel vehicles.

C.V. Raman said, “Research and development for EV is necessary. The Indian Auto sector is facing challenges but we are committed to establish eco-friendly, safer and high-powered autos to satisfy market aspirations.”

A safety booklet based on the compendium of global automotive safety regulations focusing on EV crash, child and pedestrian safety was launched during the session. ARAI Journal of Mobility Technology was also launched during the event.

SIAT will be held till October 1 and will serve as a forum for exchange of ideas and brainstorming for the automotive industry, with participation of eminent experts worldwide in various automotive arenas and will cover topics including Active and Passive Safety Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Advanced Powertrain Technology, Biofuels, Construction Equipment Vehicles, E-mobility, Emission Measurement & Control Technology, Harmonization of Regulations, Materials & Manufacturing and Public Transportation Systems among many others.

The expo will attract automotive OEMs, Tier – I, Tier – II and Tier – III suppliers, equipment manufacturers, CAD/CAM/CAE tool providers, technologists, engineering service providers and test agencies, to showcase their products and service capabilities and would be open to all automotive fraternity and interested individuals. Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Govt. of India will be a chief guest for Valedictory Function on October 1.