SIAM advocates for sustainable mobility at the Viksit Bharat Conference

By OEM Update Editorial June 19, 2024 6:40 pm IST

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted a landmark international conference titled Integrating Mission LiFE in the Automobile Industry: Transitioning Towards Viksit Bharat, aligning with the World Environment Day 2024 celebrations.

SIAM is leading the charge towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2070 and advancing the Viksit Bharat initiative by 2047 with several key decarbonisation initiatives. These include the electrification of mobility, promoting ethanol use in transportation, enhancing recycling practices, developing infrastructure for gas-based mobility, and fostering the hydrogen fuel ecosystem.

The event graced by the Chief Guest Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, featured a line-up of eminent speakers from government and industry leaders from India and around the world. Their insights were instrumental in discussions on sustainable mobility.

He said, “The government emphasises environmental preservation for a sustainable future, with EVs at the core. Our goal is to make India a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles, serving both domestic and global markets. Indian companies have immense potential to transform the country into a global EV leader. Most critically, we should find ways to move towards sustainable transportation without affecting any aspect of life.”

Highlighting the significance of partnerships for green energy solutions, the Guest of Honour, Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega, H.E. Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Brazil, said, “As we transition to green energy, firm collaborations are crucial. India and Brazil’s close partnership on bio-fuels highlights ethanol’s potential as a new green fuel, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions.”

Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM said, “SIAM is committed to Building the Nation Responsibly, advocating sustainability in line with India’s green ambitions. With commendable support from vehicle manufacturers, we are optimistic about reducing emissions and advancing towards green mobility swiftly.” He urged industry leaders to continue innovation to achieve sustainability goals and integrate LiFE principles in their business processes.

Among 3 sessions, Thematic Session 1 focused on ‘Pathways for curbing environmental pollution,’ while 2nd explored ‘Strategies for conservation of existing resources.’ The third session delved into ‘Systems for harnessing renewable energy.’ The session also included a thematic presentation from Sukhmal Jain, Director, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., on ‘Decarbonisation on Transportation: Oil Industry Perspective.’ Concluding the session, Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM, extended gratitude to all the dignitaries for sharing their valuable thoughts on sustainability in the automobile industry.

SIAM also signed an MoU with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) to foster sustainable mobility and decarbonisation in the automobile sector. The event aimed at educating vehicle owners and road users about India’s sustainable mobility transition and responsible road behaviours.