India’s automobile industry is strengthening its focus on sustainable mobility as the country works towards establishing itself as a global leader in clean and advanced mobility solutions by 2047.
The roadmap for this transition was discussed at Special Plenary Session 1 of the 66th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), themed “Driving Global Leadership in Sustainable Mobility.” The session explored the opportunities and challenges facing India’s automotive sector as it moves towards cleaner technologies and a more sustainable mobility ecosystem.
Guest of Honour Mr Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Government of India, highlighted the automotive sector’s significant contribution to the Indian economy and emphasised the need to accelerate the country’s mobility transition.
“India’s mobility transition must accelerate towards cleaner fuels, with electric, biofuels and green hydrogen shaping the way forward,” Kapoor said.
He stressed the importance of strengthening charging infrastructure and accelerating the electrification of heavy vehicles. He also highlighted the need to build a robust export ecosystem and position India as a global hub for advanced mobility technologies and manufacturing.
The discussions underscored the growing importance of electrification, alternative fuels, infrastructure development, exports and advanced automotive technologies in shaping India’s sustainable mobility landscape.
With 2047 as the long-term horizon, the Indian automobile industry is increasingly positioning itself not only as a major domestic mobility market but also as a global centre for sustainable mobility innovation and manufacturing.
Mr V Umashankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, said, “The auto sector represents a growth story that is unparalleled driven by strong collaboration amongst all stakeholders. Government’s PARIVARTAN scheme for commercial vehicles in Delhi-NCR is gaining momentum and would transform this segment in this region.”
Mr Kamran Rizvi, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, said, “India’s electric mobility journey is a masterclass, from FAME to PLI, government have supported the sector all through to developed scale. Over the next 10–15 years, the scales will be tipped towards electric mobility. We need to shorten the catch-up time in technology. We need to become inventors of technology.”
Mr Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., said, “Affordability has been key to expanding car ownership in India, and GST reforms have made mobility more accessible to first-time buyers. India is making strong progress on sustainability while keeping mobility affordable and strengthening its alternate fuel ecosystem. With CNG and biofuels available at scale, India is reducing its dependence on fossil fuels significantly.”
Addressing the Session virtually, Mr Ola Källenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Ltd. and President, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), highlighted ‘Global Experiences of Leveraging AI in Sustainable Mobility”, and said, “India has the largest R&D centre outside of Germany, a key local production hub for ICE & EV, and takes a front seat in our industry’s global transformation, from voice assistants to automated driving. Together, India and Europe can shape the digital future.”
The session also witnessed an engaging presentation by McKinsey & Company on ‘Leveraging AI for Driving Global Leadership in Sustainable Mobility’, delivered by Mr Nitesh Gupta, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company. Mr Shenu Agarwal, Vice President, SIAM and Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland Ltd., was also present during the session. Mr R Velusamy, Chairman, SIAM Passenger Vehicle CEOs Council and President – Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., highlighted how India can utilise AI to drive innovations that foster sustainability in the Indian automobile sector.
