The 8th edition of the Auto SCM Summit, organized by Indian Transport & Logistics News, a STAT Media Group publication, concluded on December 5th at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Pune. Industry leaders convened to share insights through business sessions and presentations focused on advancing the automotive sector.
Key Discussions and Insights:
1. Localisation and Geopolitical Challenges
The first panel addressed “India Emerging as a Manufacturing and Exporting Hub for Global Automakers.” Panelists explored the challenges of supply chain dependency on China and the broader impacts of geopolitical tensions.
- Sanjay Suranglikar, Senior General Manager – Central Purchase at TATA AutoComp Systems, highlighted concerns about reliance on Chinese suppliers, stating, “There is a little reluctance when it comes to the supply chain from China.”
- Om Vijayvargiya, Head of SCM & Logistics at Schaeffler India, discussed how geopolitical conflicts, particularly around the Red Sea, complicate logistics.
- Atit Mahajan, Managing Director at CMA CGM India, pointed out rising sea freight costs due to rerouting caused by regional tensions.
2. Technological Transformation in Supply Chain Management
The second panel explored “How Technology is Transforming India’s Automotive Supply Chain Management,” focusing on sustainability, traceability, and countering counterfeit products.
Panelists also discussed the integration of alternative transport methods such as electric vehicles (EVs) and the evolving landscape of global automotive regulations.
Opening Remarks:
Roland Weil, Vice President Sales-Cargo, Frankfurt Airport, provided updates on air cargo developments. He noted infrastructure expansion at Frankfurt Airport, including the addition of a fourth runway that boosted airside capacity by 50%. He also revealed future plans for new warehouses and airside facilities over the next 10-15 years.
Weil announced Frankfurt Airport’s intention to launch freighter services from Pune Airport, recognizing Pune’s significance as an automotive hub.
The summit underscored the need for localisation, collaboration, and technology-driven innovation to navigate supply chain challenges and ensure sustainable growth in the automotive industry.
Market Insights and Digital Innovations
Aritra Ghosh, Vice President – Manufacturing Engineering at Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, highlighted the maturing Indian automotive market and the transformative role of digital innovations in the sector. Nitish Rai, Founder and CEO of FreightFox, emphasized the ever-evolving nature of technology, calling it a crucial enabler for the industry’s progress.
Fueling the Future with LNG Technology
A fireside chat on “Fueling the Future: LNG Technology and Its Path Towards Automotive Sustainability” featured A. Ramasubramanian, Chief Technology Officer of Blue Energy Motors, and Charles Devlin D’Costa, Vice President of GreenLine. They explored LNG’s potential as a sustainable fuel option in India’s transportation sector. Devlin D’Costa highlighted the safety features of GreenLine’s LNG-powered trucks, including advanced camera systems enhancing driver safety.
Air Cargo’s Role in Automotive Growth
A panel discussion on “Air Cargo’s Role in the Growth of India’s Automotive Sector” brought together industry leaders such as Thakur Purushottam Singh, Business Head – GMR Goa Air Cargo, Hemant Rai, Head of Auto Division at Tiger Logistics, and Huned Gandhi, Managing Director – ASL Indian Subcontinent at Dachser. They underscored air cargo’s strategic role in connecting global markets and enabling faster automotive exports.
Singh shared updates on airport infrastructure development under the GMR Group. Rai stressed the need for customer education and strategic collaboration, stating, “We are on the right track with air cargo but need to raise customer awareness and build stronger partnerships.”
Logistics Fueling Automotive Manufacturing
The session titled “From Spare Parts to Accelerating Beasts: How Logistics Fuels Automotive Manufacturing in India” focused on localization and industry collaboration. Kedar Rele, Managing Director, Umicore Autocat India and Thailand, emphasized India’s potential in the global market, stating, “Localisation and the aspirations of India’s youth are on the rise, driving progress through improved industry collaboration.”
Mudit Dobhal, Senior Vice President – Strategy & Business Development at IndoSpace Development Management, predicted significant growth in warehouse automation, projecting a 25-30% increase in the coming years.
EV Logistics and Emerging Challenges
The final panel centered on EV logistics, with Deepak S, Head of Logistics at Ather Energy Limited, highlighting recent challenges in EV reverse logistics, noting, “Logistics companies have been hesitant since April 2024.” Manjula Girish, Business Head EVCS, PVI, Delta Electronics India, pointed out the unorganized nature of EV charging infrastructure, making logistics planning difficult.
The panel also discussed government policies driving EV adoption and the need for standardization across the sector.
Event Partnerships and Key Takeaways
Presented by Frankfurt Airport, the AUTO SCM Summit 2024 featured CMA CGM as the Gold Partner, DACHSER as the Silver Partner, Acviss and FreightFox as Associate Partners, and CargoFL as the Exhibiting Partner.
The summit underscored logistics’ crucial role in shaping the future of India’s automotive industry. It provided a platform for addressing challenges and exploring collaborative opportunities, setting the stage for continued innovation and growth.
