New Delhi,February 2020: Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), concluded its 11th Edition of Auto Summit 2020, yesterday in New Delhi. The theme of this edition was an apt topic that has a lot of relevance in the present context, ‘Thriving Amidst Disruption’. The annual convention was graced by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways & Shipping, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, who inaugurated the convention. Also present at the convention were Mr. Ashish Harshraj Kale, President, FADA, Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President, FADA, Mr. Manish Raj Singhania, Secretary, FADA, Mr. Nikunj Sanghi, Past President, FADA, Mr. C S Vigneshwar, Treasurer, FADAalong with distinguished luminaries, senior officials from the OEMs, senior government dignitaries from different ministries, industry think tanks and over 700 dealer members of FADA.

Addressing the annual convention, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways & Shipping, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, said “I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of the mobility eco- system, especially the dealer fraternity for offering employment opportunities in the interior parts of the country, without the hassle of relocation of the individual.”

He further added, “Going forward he would expect the dealer fraternity to support the government in establishing 1000 private training, pollution andfitnesscheck centers. Considering dealers from the interior backward, tribal & rural parts of the country will play significant role in generating employment opportunities as the country has scarcity of over 22 lakh  trained  drivers. He also requested the dealer fraternity to utilise the water transport mediums, considering cost effectiveness, to reduce the logistical cost and thus reducing overall costs for the dealers, which can be passed on to theconsumers.”

Mr. Ashish Harshraj Kale, President, FADA said, “I would like to thank the Hon’ble minister and the distinguished guests of the auto fraternity for coming together at this annual convention, deliberating the future discourse in a volatile & disruptive environment. We as an association are thankful to the entire automotive fraternity for congregating under one roof and making this convention successful.” He further added that we are gratefulto Shri NitinGadkari, Hon’bleUnion Minister, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways & Shipping, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India for gracing us with his presence today and his unflinching support for the industry, which will help us thrive amidst disruption.”

 The auto summit had different sessions with more than 50 speakers deliberating on various aspects. The sessions were on Electric Mobility, CMVR & Vahan 4.0, Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles and Two-Wheelers focused on Future and Challenges of Dealerships, BS- VI and the world beyond. There were also Keynote address by dignitaries such as Mr. Rajeev Chaba, President & MD, MG Motor India Pvt Ltd. and Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar, Director - Marketing & Sales, Great Wall Motor.

A special session was organized on the “Seven Habits of highly effective people”, a short motivational session by Sadhu Gyanvatsaldas Ji, who expounded the essence of trust and effective management to the attendees at the annual convention. Also, a commercial vehicle panel discussion, about BS-VI and The World Beyond, where the moderator was by Mr. KVS Prakash Rao, Past President, FADA.

On this occasion Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group was felicitated with award for his exemplary contribution to the Indian automobile industry, also Mr. Nikunj Sanghi was conferred with an award for his exemplary contribution to the Automobile dealer fraternity for many years.

The evening culminated with an interactive and motivational session by former Indian Cricket Captain, Kapil Dev, who motivated the dealer fraternity sharing insights on his cricketing experience and encouraging moments in the dressing room during the 1983 World Cup. Also, as the Chief Guest he felicitated FADA dealers for their immense contribution and pioneering excellence in different dealership categories.