'Auto sector needs scale for global leadership'

India's auto sector must transition beyond resilience to build a globally competitive, technology-driven, and sustainable value chain, according to industry leaders. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Shailesh Chandra emphasized this during the Annual Session of Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) in New Delhi. Chandra believes the next phase should focus on converting resilience into global competitiveness, technological leadership, scale, and global influence.

He highlighted that India's auto industry is already a significant economic pillar and has immense potential for scale and global leadership. Chandra stated that India is emerging as a crucial automotive manufacturing and technology hub worldwide, with record performance in exports. He urged India to move beyond import substitution, aiming to establish itself as one of the world's leading automotive manufacturing and mobility centers.

Chandra stressed the importance of moving from import substitution to design and manufacturing in India, using the phrase "design in India, develop in India, manufacture in India, and export from here." He argued that while India should not disconnect from global value chains, it should become a preferred node in the global value chain. Chandra proposed a clear ambition: to build globally competitive, technology-rich, and sustainable automotive value chains from India.

Sharing similar views, ACMA President Vikrampati Singhania pointed out that India is among the world's largest automotive markets, boasting a robust manufacturing ecosystem, entrepreneurial spirit, and globally recognized engineering capabilities. He emphasized that the next phase should shift from "make in India" to "design in India, develop in India, and innovate in India," benefiting both India and the global community.