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FADA Commences the 13th Auto Summit 2025: Shaping the Future of Mobility with Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) commences the 13th edition of the Auto Summit 2025, the biennial flagship convention transformed to be an annual show in sync with Bharat Mobility the Global Expo. The summit, themed “Safe, Efficient & Sustainable: Shaping Tomorrow’s Mobility,” provides an overview of the Indian retail automobile industry. The event was attended by senior government officials and prominent figures from the Indian automobile industry, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the sector.
The FADA Auto Summit, widely recognized as the “Maha Kumbh” of the Indian automobile retail industry witnessed the presence of Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Government of India, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Joining virtually, Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, addressed the gathering as the Guest of Honour.
FADA Auto Summit serves as a prestigious platform bringing together manufacturers, government officials, dealers, industry analysts, academia, and thought leaders. It also enables comprehensive discussions on the evolving dynamics of auto retail and services, emerging business opportunities, and strategic visions for the industry’s future. This year Auto Summit 2025, featured over 75 distinguished speakers across 20 sessions, offering an unparalleled opportunity for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange insights, and explore sustainable growth strategies during the event.
Recognizing the automotive industry’s contribution to the Indian economy, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Government of India, said, “The 13th Auto Summit is a pivotal moment for India’s automotive sector, focused on the theme “Safe, Efficient & Sustainable: Shaping Tomorrow’s Mobility.” Safety remains a core priority, with an emphasis on enhancing road safety standards, integrating advanced driver-assistance systems, and improving infrastructure. Achieving this requires collaboration among manufacturers, dealers, policymakers, and consumers to reduce accidents and protect lives. Efficiency is also at the forefront, as evidenced by the 9% growth in vehicle sales in 2024, reaching 26.1 million units. This growth reflects the industry’s focus on cutting-edge technologies that streamline manufacturing and enhance customer experiences across all segments.”
 
He further added, “Sustainability is now a necessity. In 2024, electric vehicle (EV) sales surged to 14,08,245 units. Together, these efforts, supported by FADA and the government, are positioning India as a global leader in safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility, ensuring the sector meets both consumer needs and global challenges like climate change and road safety.”
Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, stated that, “The Indian automobile sector is witnessing a remarkable transformation, growing from ₹7 lakh crore to ₹22 lakh crore, now surpassing Japan globally, and becoming the fastest-growing economy in the world. As the 5th largest economy, India is on track to become the 3rd largest, backed by its immense skilled and youth workforce. The country’s potential in raw materials, especially at reasonable rates, positions us to lead in industries ranging from 2Ws and tractors to alternative fuel options.”
 
He further added, “India is not just leading domestically and now has a strong foothold in the international market, with 50% of the two-wheeler segment being exported. The focus on clean, sustainable energy—ranging from ethanol and biodiesel to hydrogen and electric—underscores our commitment to a greener future. As we work towards reducing our dependency on fossil fuels, we’re creating employment opportunities for millions, with the automobile sector alone poised to generate up to 4 crore jobs. The industry’s future looks promising, with a competitive edge driven by research, innovation, and the focus on quality. We are committed to making India an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, achieving self-sufficiency, while also positioning ourselves as global leaders. Initiatives like the pilot project in Nagpur for ropeway cable cars and flash-charging buses highlight the industry’s focus on cutting-edge technology for urban mass transport. The potential for growth is enormous, as we continue to expand both the domestic and export markets. With strong research, investment in institutions like IITs, and a robust focus on sustainability, India is well on its way to being a global powerhouse in the automobile sector.”
FADA President Mr. C S Vigneshwar said“As we gather today at FADA’s 13th Auto Summit, it is inspiring to reflect on the significant progress our industry has made in shaping India’s automotive landscape. Over the past year, the sector has displayed remarkable resilience, achieving a 9% growth in vehicle retail. This success highlights the strength of consumer confidence and the dedication of all stakeholders in the ecosystem. This year the theme of the summit, ‘Safe, Efficient & Sustainable: Shaping Tomorrow’s Mobility,’ underscores the collective responsibility we share to shape an automotive future that is not only technologically advanced but also mindful of our environmental and societal obligations. As vehicle penetration increases, it is essential that we prioritize road safety, enhance operational efficiency, and accelerate our transition to sustainable mobility solutions. These are not just goals but imperatives for the industry to thrive and for India to emerge as a global leader in mobility.”
He further added, “The successful implementation of FAME I and II, along with the ongoing PM eDrive initiative, are crucial steps in India’s journey towards cleaner and greener vehicles, and FADA remains committed to supporting these efforts.”
 
At the 13th edition of the Auto Summit, Mr. Saugato Bhowmik Director CPG & D2C Automotive Meta India along with Mr. Kartick V Nagpal President, Rosmerta Group were present sharing the views & vision for the Indian Automobile industry. Their participation highlighted the growing role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of mobility, further enriching the summit’s focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
The event, themed “Safe, Efficient & Sustainable: Shaping Tomorrow’s Mobility,” was thoughtfully designed to underscore the importance of these aspects for the sector. It featured lively discussions on the critical challenges facing the Indian automobile sector, fostering collaboration and actionable strategies to align with India’s vision for a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future.
 
Inaugural Session : 9:30 AM to 10:20 AM
The inaugural session commences with the Presidential Address by Mr. CS Vigneshwar, President, FADA, outlining the event’s goals. Key highlights include the unveiling of two pivotal reports: Future of Auto Dealerships: Safe, Efficient & Sustainable and META India’s Shift Gears: A Guide to Driving Demand for India’s Automotive Industry. The session will also honor Mr. John K Paul, Past President, FADA, with the Exemplary Contribution Award, followed by an address by Mr. H. D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Heavy Industries. Keynote speeches from Mr. Saugato Bhowmik and Mr. Kartick V Nagpal will offer additional insights, concluding with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Sai Giridhar, Vice President, FADA.
White Paper Presentation : 10:25 AM to 10:35 AM
Mr. Harshvardhan Sharma, Head of Auto Retail Practice at Nomura Research Institute Consulting & Solutions Pvt. Ltd., delivered a presentation on the findings of a comprehensive white paper. This session will provide key insights into emerging trends, challenges, and strategic recommendations for the auto retail industry, offering stakeholders actionable guidance to navigate the evolving market dynamics effectively.
Keynote Address : 10:35 AM to 10:45 AM
Mr. Sumit Bali, Country Head for Retail Assets & Debt Management at YES Bank Ltd., delivered the keynote address, focusing on the financial landscape of the auto dealership ecosystem. His insights will explore opportunities for capital optimization, address challenges in debt management, and provide strategic frameworks to drive financial sustainability in the sector.
Guest of Honour Address : 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM
The Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, delivered the Guest of Honour address, emphasizing the government’s commitment to road safety and sustainable mobility. The address will highlight pivotal initiatives, policy frameworks, and technological advancements aimed at building a robust and eco-friendly transportation infrastructure, supporting India’s vision for a progressive and sustainable future.
Recognition of Excellence : 11:15 AM to 11:20 AM
In this segment, Mr. Rajeev Chaba, CEO Emeritus of JSW MG Motor India, was honored for his remarkable contributions to the automobile industry. The recognition celebrates his visionary leadership and dedication to advancing trade and innovation, which have significantly shaped the sector’s growth trajectory.
Announcement of FADA’s New Two-Wheeler Vertical : 11:20 AM to 11:25 AM
Mr. Pradeep Agarwal, Treasurer of FADA, announced the launch of FADA’s dedicated Two-Wheeler Vertical. This initiative marks a strategic milestone in addressing the opportunities and challenges of the two-wheeler segment, demonstrating FADA’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation within this key market.
Anchor Panel 1 – Safety First: Building a Safer Future for Indian Roads and Vehicles : 12:00 PM to 1:25 PM
The panel focuses on key safety initiatives and innovations essential for improving road safety and vehicle standards in India. Panelists include industry leaders such as Mr. Diego Graffi (Piaggio Vehicles), Mr. Mohan Savarkar (Tata Motors), Mr. Munish Dayal (SK Finance), Mr. Rajinder Singh Sachdeva (VE Commercial Vehicles), Mr. Ranjivjit Singh (Hero MotoCorp), Mr. Sumit Bali (YES Bank), Mr. Tushar Dhimar (SBI General Insurance), and Mr. Ashish Pande (FADA MP). The discussion, moderated by Mr. Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor of Autocar India, will address innovations, policies, and collaborative efforts required to build a safer transportation ecosystem in India.
Concurrent Workshops : 12:10 PM – 1:25 PM
Workshop I: Women in FADA (WiF) – Driven by Courage
Prominent women leaders, including Ms. Kavita HimatsingkaMrs. M. Radha HarshavardhanDr. Ranjana Bansal, and Ms. Pema YK Loyi, will share their experiences and challenges in the automotive world. Moderated by Mrs. Rashmi Kale, the session highlights women’s impact in the industry.
Workshop II: The Next Generation Riding the Automotive Wave
Young leaders Mr. Abhishek Goel and Dr. Elisha Thanawala will discuss their vision for the future of the automotive industry. Moderated by Mr. Rishabh Sanghi, this session focuses on the next generation of industry professionals.
Workshop III: Meta Hyperlocal Strategies
Meta India experts will explore data-driven tools to drive local automotive demand and enhance digital engagement for dealers.
Workshop IV: Self-Assessment Health Check for Auto Dealers
Mr. Hemal N. Thakkar from CRISIL will guide dealerships on performance metrics, providing insights into improving efficiency and competitiveness.
Partner Showcase: Madhus Garage Equipment Pvt Ltd : 02:25 PM to 02:30 PM
Presented by Mr. Nikhil B, Deputy Managing Director of Madhus Garage Equipment Pvt Ltd. The segment highlights the company’s latest innovations in garage equipment solutions designed to enhance service efficiency and workshop operations.
Partner Showcase: Vodafone Idea Business – 02:30 PM to 02:35 PM
Presented by Mr. Rajeev Mehta, Executive Vice President – SME Business at Vodafone Idea. Mr. Mehta discussed how Vodafone Idea’s business solutions cater to the automotive sector, helping companies streamline operations with robust connectivity and data management systems.
Partner Showcase: SpareCare – 02:35 PM to 02:45 PM
Mr. Naveen Chauhan and Mr. Harish Kothari, Co-Founders of SpareCare, presented their innovative solutions that help dealerships manage spare parts and service operations, driving efficiency and improving customer satisfaction.
Anchor Panel 2: Efficiency in Motion – Streamlining Operations & Customer Experience : 02:45 PM to 04:00 PM
The panel will explore how automotive businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer experience. Industry leaders will discuss operational efficiency in parts and service, innovations in customer engagement, and the role of digital tools in transforming the customer journey. Panelists include Mr. Anil Kumar Dhingra (Ashok Leyland), Mr. Gurbinder Singh Dhillon (Orbitsys Technologies), Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar (Kia India), Mr. Rajesh Kaul (Tata Motors), Mr. Saugato Bhowmik (Meta India), Mr. Nalinikanth Gollagunta (Mahindra & Mahindra), Mr. Ashutosh Varma (Hero MotoCorp), and Mr. Ajay Agarwal (GO Auto Pvt Ltd). The session will be moderated by Ms. Aditi Shah (Reuters).

Concurrent Sessions :
Workshop V: FADA Academy: Accelerating Excellence (02:45 PM to 04:00 PM) highlights FADA Academy’s achievements and future plans for skill development. The session begins with a welcome address by Mr. Manish Raj Singhania, Chairman of FADA Academy. Mr. Arindam Lahiri, CEO of ASDC, inaugurated the Technical Skill Training Centres. Ms. Geetika Vig from Meta India will discuss the META Blueprint Program, while Mr. Raman Kumar Sharma from ASDC will cover “Management by Dashboard.” Prof. BK Panigrahi from IIT Delhi shared insights on advanced certification programs, and Dr. Sunil Anand and Mr. Pranjal Maheshwari will talk about on-the-job training.
Workshop VI: From Junk to Jumpstart (02:45 PM to 03:20 PM) delve into how vehicle scrappage schemes are revitalizing the retail sector. Mr. Laxminarayan Mishra, Deputy Secretary – Transport, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, presented the government’s vision for vehicle scrappage, while Mr. Nitin Chitkara, CEO of Meta Materials Circular Markets,  highlights the role of the circular economy in vehicle disposal. Mr. Kartick V Nagpal and Mr. Sourabh Agarwal will discuss how scrappage impacts dealerships.
Workshop VII: New Business Opportunities for Dealerships by Sun Mobility (03:20 PM to 04:00 PM) explore the emerging opportunities for dealerships in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Mr. Ashok Agarwal, CEO of Sun Mobility, will discuss how battery swapping technology is driving new business models for dealerships in the EV sector.
 
Keynote Address : 04:40 PM to 04:45 PM
Mr. Girdhar Bagri, Country Head – Supply Chain Finance, Business Banking, HSBC India, will present a keynote address on supply chain innovations and how they are transforming the automotive industry.
Concurrent Sessions :
Workshop VIII: Bodyshop Management KPIs: Key Parameters to Improve Profitability (04:45 PM to 05:20 PM) focuses on the key performance indicators that bodyshops should focus on to enhance profitability. Mr. Vivek Sahai, Sales Manager – Vehicle Refinish, India & Sri Lanka at Akzo Nobel, leads this session, providing valuable insights into how bodyshops can optimize operations and improve their bottom line.
Workshop IX: Shift Gears in Auto Retail: Unlock Value with an IPO (05:25 PM to 06:00 PM) explores the potential for automotive businesses to unlock value through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Mr. Aaditya Gutgutia, Executive Director at DAM Capital Advisors Limited, Mr. Suraj Malik, Founder & CEO of Legacy Growth, and Ms. Garima Misra, FADA Executive Committee Member & Managing Director of Group Landmark, shared their expertise on navigating the IPO process and the benefits it offers to auto retail businesses.
The session concluded with a Felicitation of Partners followed by a Vote of Thanks.
 

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