The Society of Indian Mobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organized the 1st Global Electrification Mobility Summit (GEMS) at Auto Expo 2020 on 7th and 8th of February. Participated by over 200 foreign and Indian delegates, this two-day summit hosted three countries as ‘Guest Countries’ – France, Germany & Japan. The policy makers and industry experts from these countries provided their respective country’s objectives, policy framework around fuel choices including electrification.The Summit was supported by industry associations from across the globe including VDA from Germany, JAMA from Japan and SMMT from the United Kingdom and industry associations from India including ACMA, CII, IEEMA and IESA.
Welcoming everyone present at the 1st edition of GEMS 2020, Mr. Mahesh Babu, Chairman, SIAM Electric Mobility Group and CEO, Mahindra Electric Mobility, said, “The Summit is intended to create a discussion platform to bring everyone on board to embark on the journey of electrification in the country”.Mr. Vinod Agarwal, Treasurer, SIAM and Managing Director & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “The Summit being held in conjunction with Auto Expo at a common venue is a live demonstrator of “walk the talk” where the discussion on electrified vehicles are exhibited at the Auto Expo”.
Chief guest of the GEMS 2020, Mr. Arun Goel, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Govt. of India, said, “While I echo the sentiments of SIAM about the challenges for the industry, India has been playing a subordinate role up to an extent. We need to harness our talent pool to see how we build vehicles and solutions from the grounds-up. Electrification is an opportunity which auto industry in India can tap to become a true maker”.While discussing on the theme of Country’s Electrification Policy Framework and Market Update, the Japanese delegation led by Mr. Takamasa Murakami, Director, Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry, Government of Japan shared their views on the long-term electrification policies being implemented in Japan are supporting all electrified technologies, and going forward, how much of these policies can be helpful for India, if adopted.The Germany Session was led by Mr Adam Mutwil, Deputy Director Division Electric Mobility, Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Government of Germany expressed that policies regarding electrification of automobiles need to be internationally harmonizing.
The French Session led by Mr Patrick Pillon, Deputy Head of Regional Economic Service, French Embassy in India saw eminent industry leader Mr Venkatram Mamilapalle, Country CEO & Managing Director, and Mr Claude Cham, President, FIEV, (French Vehicle Equipment Industries Association); discussed on the theme, ‘France, India and Electric Mobility- Vision and Perspectives’, talked about partnership of trust between Industry and Government is the essence. The road ahead will need full conviction, hundred percent commitment and total perseverance.
The 2nd day of the summit saw power packed thematic panels such as global policy stakeholders from UK, Germany and India. Stalwarts of Automotive CXOs talked about industry pathway to electrification. At this panel, Mr Pravin Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry said “our country is amongst top few nations who had commenced on the journey of electrification since 2013 by way of launching national mission on electric mobility. We feel proud and happy to see that electric mobility is taking its shape. However, it would be a journey and evolution would happen”.
