New Delhi, Jan 22, 2015: The Union Minister for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises Shri Anant Geete has exhorted the automobile industry to face the challenges of competition and advent of new technology. In his address at the inauguration of the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2015) at Pune today he said the future is a future of competitiveness and appealed to the automotive industry to adopt the best world technology. Shri Geete said “Make in India` is a good tiding for the industry and government will give its full support to the industry to make it successful. While admitting that India is not the best in terms of auto industry but expressed confidence that the way we are going we will be the number one in the industry in the world. He said issues of the auto industry will get the support of the Ministry.
Earlier the Minister inaugurated the 3 day Symposium and the SIAT EXPO 2015 in which about 200 companies are participating at the ARAI premises on Paud Road, Pune. President Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) & MD Ashok Leyland Shri Vinod Dasari expressed happiness that new technology is being showcased at the EXPO. Director ARAI Mrs Rashmi Urdhwareshe in her speech said fostering R & D and innovation is crucial in the industry. She said six top vehicle manufacturing companies from China, USA, Japan, Germany, South Korea, India are invited to discuss the issue of `international mobility beyond borders` and the deliberations at the discussions will be submitted to the central government. The Minister also inaugurated through remote mode the new facility of Passive Safety Lab(PSL). Dr David Schutt, Chief Operating Officer SAE International USA also spoke on the occasion. Additional Secretary Ministry of Heavy Industry & Public Enterprises Shri Ambuj Sharma was present at the function. The EXPO & Symposium will conclude on 23rd January 2015.
Addressing a press conference after the inauguration Shri Geete said that industry will get priority as in a young country such as ours as along with development, the generation of employment is also important. In implementing the PMs `Make in India` he said all Ministries are expected to contribute to make it success. His Ministry he said will do all that is necessary in this respect. Geete said issues of environment and technology are becoming important for the auto industry and the auto sector should adopt the `clean and green` technologies. Accepting that energy security and oil is important for the country`s future he said it was important that we work on alternate fuels and the related technology in a sustained manner to get over this problem. He said India is the biggest auto market in the world and technology up-gradation through seven centres of NATRIP is being done in a phased manner. He said ARAI is working on electrical cars, hybrid cars technology including affordable hybrid technology from the Rs 1000 crores sanctioned for the Technology up-gradation program for a two year period.CCI Newswire
