Indian auto sector committed to decarbonisation: SIAM

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex automobile industry body on Friday pledged to decarbonise the Indian auto sector to help India accomplish its goal of net-zero by 2070.

The third plenary session of its 62nd Annual Convention titled “Decarbonising Indian Auto Sector” witnessed the participation of Dr JR Bhatt, Advisor/Scientist, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Mr Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago, Brazilian Ambassador to India, Mr. Sharad Verma, Managing Director and Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group, Mr K N Radhakrishnan, Chairman, SIAM Two Wheeler CEOs Council and Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company Ltd, Mr Diego Graffi, Chairman, SIAM Three-Wheeler CEOs Council and Managing Director & CEO, Piaggio Vehicle Pvt. Ltd, major automakers and other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, Dr J R Bhatt, Advisor/Scientist, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, said, “Climate change is one of the most important environmental challenges today. India’s vision for transport must be based on low carbon emissions and affordability.”

Mr Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago, Brazilian Ambassador to India, said, “Brazil and India are the two largest sugarcane producers and have the potential to produce enormous amounts of ethanol. Brazil will work with India on Flex-fuel technology, sustainable aviation fuels, 2nd generation ethanol, hybrid flex-fuel vehicles, fuel cells, etc.”

Talking about climate change and the need for sustainable mobility, Mr. Sharad Verma, Managing Director and Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group, said, “India needs to solve 3 key considerations, which are carbon footprint reduction, economic affordability of vehicles, and self-sufficiency of the industry while ensuring continued competitive advantage.”