SIAM hosts 11th Auto Trade Dialogue to highlight evolving automotive trade landscape, ET Auto

Session 2 on localisation polices and their impact on tradeThe Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted the 11th Auto Trade Dialogue in New Delhi, alongside the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The event, themed “Changing Paradigm of Global Trade Practices in the Auto Sector,” convened government officials, industry leaders, and academics to discuss the evolving automotive trade landscape. Discussions focused on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities, with particular emphasis on clean energy transition, trade agreements, localisation policies, and building resilience in a dynamic global environment.Who all were present?

The dialogue featured several prominent speakers, including ambassadors and high commissioners from various nations, executives from major automobile manufacturers, and representatives from industry associations. Three dedicated sessions explored key aspects of the automotive sector’s global trade dynamics.

The dialogue’s opening session included addresses from several dignitaries. These included H.E. Kenneth F. H. da Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India; Cedrick Crowley, Deputy High Commissioner of South Africa; Dr. Sven Halldorn, Director General, Federal Ministry of Digital & Transport, Germany; Rahul Bharti, Chairman, SIAM International Relations & Trade Policy Group and Executive Director, Maruti Suzuki India; and Sachin Arolkar, Co-Chair, SIAM International Relations & Trade Policy Group, Head – International Operations, Mahindra & Mahindra.

Rahul Bharti said “The global auto industry stands at the crossroads of clean energy transition. Energy, economics, and environment are critical aspects and addressing them requires honest, quantitative problem assessment. Continued dialogue is essential to navigate these shifts, balance divergent positions, and address challenges with shared solutions.”

H.E. Kenneth F. H. da Nóbrega highlighted “Brazil’s recent tax reforms have streamlined value chains, making our market even more attractive. The potential for integrating production chains between Brazil and India is immense. This is a prime moment to deepen investments and leverage the mutual expertise developed over decades for a just and sustainable transition.”

Multiple factors affecting auto global trade practices

The first session, titled “Integrating investments in trade agreements”, was moderated by Bhagwan Bindiganavile, Co-Chair, SIAM International Relations & Trade Policy Group, Executive Vice President, VE Commercial Vehicles. The panel included Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT); Angela Mans, Head of Foreign Trade and International Relations, German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA); Jonathan Oriordan, Trade Director, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA); Dr. Pritam Banerjee, Head, Centre for WTO Studies; and Feroz Khan, Head – Global Regulations Technical & Homologation, Hero MotoCorp.

Bhagwan Bindiganavile emphasised “The changing paradigm of global trade practices in Auto Sector is influenced by technology, demographic and geo-political shifts. This will also impact the evolving discussion on integrating Investments in Trade Agreements. We look forward to friendly and collegial dialogue to take the ideas from the panel forward.”

Mike Hawes highlighted “The UK has seen a remarkable 50% increase in EV sales in 2024 which indicates growth potential when trade and technology align. By embedding innovation and collaboration into trade policies, we can unlock new opportunities for shared progress.”

Localisation policies and its impact

The second session focused on “Localisation policies and their impact on trade”. It was moderated by Yash Pal Sachar, Co-Chair, SIAM Exports Group, and Vice President, Ashok Leyland. Participants included Charaka Perera, Immediate Past Chairman, Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA); Hamendra Singh, Vertical Head – Export Sales, Hyundai Motor India; and Madhu Singh, Vice President – Electric Mobility, TVS Motor Company.

Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Additional Secretary & Director General, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, stated “We aim to collaborate with the industry to ensure schemes are implemented efficiently and with a greater degree of automation. I strongly believe that India’s auto industry is well on its way to producing automobiles of the highest standards at competitive rates.”

Presentations were delivered on Sri Lanka’s vehicle manufacturing policies by Charaka Perera and Nepal’s auto policies by Karan Chaudhary, President, NADA Automobile Association of Nepal.

Karan Chaudhary discussed Nepal’s high EV penetration and its exploration of repurposing EV batteries. “Nepal boasts an EV penetration of around 70% and we are exploring innovative ways to repurpose EV batteries for their second life by integrating them into the energy grid. Governments are actively considering public-private partnerships to integrate advanced technologies into manufacturing processes and drive sustainable development.”

Developing resilience in evolving global trade scenario

The final session, “Developing resilience in the evolving global trade scenario”, was moderated by Sumanta Chaudhari, Principal Advisor, International Trade Policy Division, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The panel consisted of Shinichiro Oka, Vice President & Director General, General Policy Affairs Division, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association; Vinod Pandey, Director, BMW India; and Ankush Arora, CEO, Mansour Automotive Company, Egypt Automotive.

Shinichiro Oka emphasised “The focus is on redefining global trade practices in the automotive sector. Tariff reductions have significantly strengthened supply chains. Tackling CO2 emissions requires a collaborative approach among stakeholders”.

Asif Shamim, Co-Chair, SIAM Exports Group, delivered the closing remarks. The event underscored the importance of collaboration, policy alignment, innovation, and resilience in the automotive sector’s sustainable growth. Delegates emphasized adapting to evolving trade practices.

• Published On Jan 22, 2025 at 02:04 PM IST

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