Government support
components industry have grown quickly and profitably. Innovation historically, they mentioned, have been driven by European suppliers. In the changing global order, the Indian suppliers have found a significant opportunity to innovate, they mentioned. Innovation, said an industry captain on the sidelines of the conference, need not be limited to products and processes, even portfolios and business model make important candidates for innovation. It is they that help to create value, he added.
Quality and technology
Reflecting upon quality and technology, president of ACMA and the joint managing director of Lucas-TVS, Arvind Balaji, expressed that the Indian auto component industry is at a crucial stage where quality and technology will be the key differentiators. To achieve zero defects, the auto components industry will require upgradation of existing facilities and capabilities, he added. He drew attention to the government policy that makes manufacturing more attractive and industry more profitable. India has all the ingredients to be among the leaders of the global automotive industry, mentioned Balaji. “The overall quality levels in the component industry have improved significantly, but there is some more distance to be travelled to meet the global industry levels,” he added. Stressing upon the rapid change the automotive landscape is undergoing globally with integration of digital technologies, and with rising concern for environment and safety, Balaji averred that there is a need for the Indian component industry to move to the next level. With the advent of newer technologies like 3D printing, the digital edge is upon the auto industry, and will lead to unprecedented level of automation. Changes like these will have to be addressed, and will call for significant investment in R&D to create value, expressed an industry figure. Emphasising upon government support, union minister for heavy industries and public enterprises, Anant Geete, in his speech mentioned that his government would leave no stone unturned to ensure the auto industry in India grows. He stressed upon the need for the industry to absorb new technology and find frugal ways of working without compromising quality. “New technology is essential to compete at the international level. There is so much more that has to be worked upon. The level of acceptance of new technologies is high in India, it is the utility value that we must focus upon since it is vital to provide global standards of quality to increase exports and make the Indian auto component industry numero uno in the world,” he stated. Geete expressed that the auto-component industry has displayed excellent performance in the last decade. The growth the industry has achieved, has generated tremendous employment opportunities. Stressing upon the Indian auto industry as the primary contributor to manufacturing sector growth, and for ‘Make in India’ programme, Geete averred that his government will help resolve issues troubling the auto industry. and pledge full support. With implementation of GST, industry prospects will improve, he opined.
Union minister for road transport, highways and shipping, Nitin Gadkari, in his speech, assured the ancillary industry of government support.