At the 65th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Special Plenary Session 1 titled “Key Enablers Driving Global Leadership in Sustainable Mobility” brought together industry leaders and policymakers to discuss strategies for establishing India as a global frontrunner in sustainable mobility by 2047. The session underscored the importance of policy support, technological advancement, and industry-government collaboration to realize this ambitious vision.
Guest of Honour, Mr. Tarun Kapoor, Adviser to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, acknowledged the automotive sector’s vital contribution to the national economy. He emphasized the need for the industry to partner with the government through initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation to build a complete innovation-driven value chain within India. Mr. Kapoor urged the sector to focus on expanding the use of biofuels, gaseous fuels, and electric mobility, noting the significant potential of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) in the Indian context. While the domestic market is set to grow with rising consumer spending, he stressed the importance of aiming for a strong presence in global markets.
Delivering the special address, Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, emphasized the importance of sustainability for India’s future. He noted, “Since 2015, the Ministry of Heavy Industry has been promoting electric mobility through various schemes supporting the automotive sector. The industry has contributed by establishing over 8,900 charging stations and deploying around 10,900 electric buses. Moving forward, the focus must shift towards increased investments in heavy electric vehicles. Our collaboration with SIAM is crucial, as it drives our Vision 2047 and propels sustainable mobility efforts.”
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Past President SIAM and Chairman, Steering Committee on Advancing Local Value-add & Exports (SCALE), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, said, “In the last four and a half years, India’s automobile exports have grown nearly 20% annually, three to four times higher than the rest of the world. My vision is to see 50% of our production going into exports. The auto industry’s importance is not just in numbers but in its economic contribution, advanced manufacturing, and the strongest MSME ecosystem. As India moves towards becoming the third largest economy and realises Vision 2047, sustainable mobility will play a central role. Clean air and safer roads will improve quality of life, energy-independent mobility will strengthen national security, and exports will drive prosperity. Technology leadership in EVs and hydrogen can make India not a follower but a global leader in mobility solutions.”
Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Vice President, SIAM and Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland Ltd., emphasised the commercial vehicle segment’s role, stating, “The commercial vehicle sector, despite a 1.2% de-growth in 2024-25, is pivotal for sustainable mobility. By advancing CNG, LNG for long-haul trucks, and deep localisation of electric mobility, we can drive India’s sustainability agenda forward.”
Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “Bharat stands at a definitive moment toward sustainability in the automotive industry with progressive, environmentally responsible policies, fostering inclusive mobility. GST reforms will boost domestic manufacturing, benefiting rural markets. AI will redefine mobility, guided by a global vision for customer and logistics needs. Under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, India is becoming a global leader in sustainable mobility through holistic electrification, conducive regulatory frameworks, renewable energy, and ESG focus. Hyundai, with SIAM and the Government, is confident in Bharat leading a sustainable, inclusive transformation.”
Mr. K N Radhakrishnan, Chairman, SIAM Two- Wheeler CEOs Council and Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company, said, “India is changing fast, and there is strong investment in R&D, with two-wheeler and three-wheeler companies playing an important role. Thanks to the policies on circular economy, we already have examples of what India has been able to achieve. We have a high-quality supply chain in India, but we must also focus on developing local talent. The customer should remain at the centre of all decision-making.”
Mr. Amit V Gupta, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, was also present at the session.
, Special Plenary Session 1, titled “Key Enablers Driving Global Leadership in Sustainable Mobility,” convened industry leaders and policymakers to discuss strategies for establishing India as a global leader in sustainable mobility by 2047. The session emphasized the crucial roles of policy support, technological innovation, and collaborative partnerships in realizing this goal.){kind=link}