Mumbai / New Delhi, 18th January, 2025: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), today 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.