World Environment Day 2026: Auto industry leaders back sustainable mobility

Auto Industry Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainability on World Environment Day

As the world marks World Environment Day, leaders from across India’s automotive and mobility sectors have reiterated their commitment to sustainability, clean transportation, and environmental stewardship. From accelerating electric vehicle adoption and advancing carbon neutrality goals to promoting fleet modernization and responsible manufacturing practices, industry stakeholders are aligning their strategies with India’s broader climate and energy security ambitions. Their messages highlight how innovation, policy support, and collective action can drive the transition toward greener mobility while fostering long-term economic growth and environmental resilience. Here’s what key industry leaders had to say on the occasion.

Mr Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India

“What began as a vision to craft European-quality cars in India has evolved into a deeper commitment – to move the nation forward responsibly. Every milestone we’ve achieved has never been just about numbers, but about people: the engineers who dared to innovate, the communities who placed their trust in us, and the customers whose lives we touch every day. 

At Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, sustainability is not a checkbox or a distant ambition. It is the driving force that shapes how we grow, how we innovate, and how we care for the world around us. Guided by Volkswagen Group’s Regenerate+ strategy and the goTOzero mission, we have set our defining goal, aiming to become carbon neutrality by 2050.

We wholeheartedly echo the Honourable Prime Minister’s call for fuel conservation, recognising that every responsible step we take today paves the way for cleaner air, stronger energy security, and a sustainable future for generations to come. At Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, this commitment is reflected not only in our products and processes, but also in reinforced employee initiatives – from hybrid working models to encouraging carpooling and public transport wherever feasible, and promoting fuel‑efficient driving practices across our workforce. 

This vision is already taking root in tangible ways – from reducing our plant operations’ carbon footprint by nearly half compared to the 2018 baseline, to achieving Zero Waste to Landfill and Zero Liquid Discharge, to harnessing 19.5 MWp of rooftop solar capacity across our Chakan and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facilities, and being among the first to make our entire product range E20 compliant. 

Through Project ECOEDGE, more than 110 partners in our value chain now walk this path with us, advancing sustainability maturity together. And because responsibility must extend beyond factory gates, we have planted over 700,000 trees and restored 100 hectares of mangroves, ensuring ecological impact where it matters most. 

Our story is not just about manufacturing vehicles; it is about shaping mobility that is safer, smarter, and more sustainable. We are dedicated to conserving and protecting our planet for generations to come, because the future of mobility must always be inseparable from the future of our environment.”

Dr. Uday Narang, Founder & Chairman, Omega Seiki Mobility

“World Environment Day is a reminder that climate action and economic progress are no longer separate conversations. Every EV on Indian roads reduces emissions, lowers fuel dependency, strengthens energy security, and moves us closer to a more self-reliant future. Energy independence is one of the most critical pillars of India’s growth story and will be instrumental in our journey towards becoming a global superpower in the coming decade. Sustainable mobility is not just an environmental responsibility—it is a strategic national opportunity that can drive economic resilience, innovation and long-term prosperity for the nation.”

Mr. Kunal Arya Co- Founder & MD at Zelio E-Mobility

“World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that the journey towards a sustainable future will be driven by solutions that deliver meaningful impact while integrating seamlessly into everyday life. Transportation is one of the most significant sectors where individual choices can collectively create a substantial environmental difference.

As India advances towards cleaner and more efficient mobility, electric vehicles are emerging as a practical solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower the carbon footprint of daily commuting. At Zelio E-Mobility, we believe the key to this transition lies in making electric mobility accessible, reliable, and affordable for the masses.

Electric two-wheelers, in particular, have the potential to accelerate the shift to sustainable transportation, given their widespread use among millions of commuters across the country. However, sustainability extends beyond vehicle adoption. It also encompasses battery longevity, resource efficiency, responsible manufacturing practices, and delivering long-term value to customers.

Building a greener future requires mobility solutions that are not only environmentally conscious but also practical and convenient enough to become an integral part of everyday life. Through innovation and commitment, we aim to contribute meaningfully to India’s sustainable mobility journey,”