CLOSER ALIGNMENT BETWEEN AUTO, TYRE SECTORS NEEDED: ATMA

ATMA Annual Convention 2019 has called for closer collaboration between Auto OEMs and Tyre Industry with a view to addressing the emerging realities of mobility. The event has brought together automotive and tyre industry leaders, top policymakers, government officials, thought leaders and consultants. Three past chairmen of ATMA- K M Mammen, Dr Raghupati Singhania and Satish Sharma-led the Tyre Industry in welcoming the dignitaries from the Auto sector.

In his welcome address, Anant Goenka, Chairman ATMA said, “Auto Industry is going through tremendous change and therefore the bonds between Auto OEMs and the Tyre Industry become all the more important. There are new concepts such as electric vehicles, connected vehicles, shared vehicles and autonomous vehicles, all being talked about and being visible in different parts of the world. Against this backdrop, it is more important for us to partner even closer, develop technologies closely and work and think together as to how we can take advantage of this change and convert these changes into strong opportunities for the entire value chain”

Speaking through video conferencing, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari stated that Indian tyre industry was creating new landmarks in domestic growth as well as exports contributing to a growing economy. He advised the industry to develop new technologies with a single-minded focus on road safety which is the top priority of the Government. He urged the industry to join hands with MoRTH in running drivers training institutes and skilling people for improving road safety.

Chief Guest Vikram S Kirloskar, President Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “If the economy grows mobility will increase and if mobility increases, the economy will grow. There is a large headroom for growth in India. However, there are three major challenges facing Auto and Tyre industry – Energy security of the country, Environment issues that we are facing and third is the challenge of Make in India. Auto & Tyre sectors need to collaborate in meeting all three challenges”.

In a special session with ATMA Managing Committee held on the sidelines of ATMA Annual Convention 2019, Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog expressed confidence over the progress made by Tyre industry in India and urged the members to continue to focus on manufacturing excellence and lead the world in size and scale.

Anuj Kathuria, President, Global Truck, Ashok Leyland presented a keynote on the emerging scenario in the Commercial Vehicle segment. Rakesh Batra Partner & National Leader -Automotive Sector, E&Y and Rajiv Budhraja, Director General ATMA presented an overview of Auto and Tyre sectors respectively.

ATMA Convention had three high-profile panel discussions, one each on Commercial Vehicles (CVs), Passenger Vehicles (PVs) and 2-Wheelers. The CV Panel comprised Satish Sharma (Apollo Tyres), Rajiv Prasad (JK Tyres), Rajesh Kaul (Tata Motors), Suvendu Moitra (Ashok Leyland), Pradeep Mishra (VE Commercial Vehicles) and was moderated by Rakesh Batra (E&Y).

Kavan Mukhtyar (PwC) moderated the PV Panel which had Koshy Varghese (MRF Ltd), Parag Satpute (Bridgestone), Deepak Sawkar (Maruti Suzuki), Abhishek Sahi (Honda) and Chanchal Chauhan (Editor BTVi)

2-Wheeler panel had representation from leading 2-wheeler makers and included Nitish Bajaj (Ceat) and Mr. P. Vijayaraghavan (TVS Tyres); Mr. Deepak Manchanda (Hero MotoCorp); Rahul A. Karambelkar (Bajaj Auto) and Mr. Ashok Goel (Hero MotoCorp). The panel was moderated by Mr. Shamsher Dewan (ICRA).

Anil Srivastava, Adviser (Infrastructure Connectivity) & DG-DMEO, NITI Aayog said, “Govt has been working very hard on the issue of electric vehicles and significant policy decisions have been taken including FAME2. Several policy decisions have been taken for switchover and smooth transition to electric vehicles whether related to power tariffs or setting up of charging stations. Ministry of Housing has amended byelaws for charging infrastructure. Ministry of Science & Technology is working on charging protocols. Heavy Industries has come out with FAME and fiscal incentives. State governments have also come forward with incentives like no road tax on 2-wheelers, no permits required etc.

ATMA Tyre Safety Awards
During the event, Tyre Safety awards were presented to stakeholders who have helped the tyre industry in spreading the message of tyre safety. The recipients were- RSDC, ISRPL, Amity University and TDI International School. Anil Srivastava conferred the awards along with Satish Sharma (Apollo Tyres) and V K Misra (JK Tyres).

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