Bajaj Auto Executive Director Rakesh Sharma takes over as IMMA’s President

By OEM Update Editorial May 13, 2020 4:37 pm IST

The International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA) has elected Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto, as President of IMMA for a mandatory term of two years.Sharma has been elected from one of its member organisations, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

The IMMA Spring Congress, originally planned to be held from 20th to 24th April 2020 in New Delhi, was changed into a series of meetings by conference call and correspondence.The election of the new President took place through a General Assembly by correspondence on 21st April 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis.

On being elected, Rakesh Sharma said, “Indeed these are very challenging times and I take up this prestigious appointment, fully conscious of the role the motorcycle industry has to play both as a key industry and a responsible member of the society. Whilst we are facing numerous difficulties, we can also see that in due course, new but different opportunities will emerge.

The role of national, regional and global associations such as SIAM and IMMA is now more important than ever and we will work hard to ensure we play a strong and responsible role in the recovery.’’

Rakesh Sharma joined Bajaj Auto in October 2007 as President (International Business) and is currently the Executive Director. He is a member of the Board of Commissioners of PT Bajaj Auto Indonesia, a subsidiary of Bajaj Auto Ltd and the Chairman of the Exports Council of SIAM.

In his new role, Rakesh Sharma succeeds Johannes Loman, Director of PT Astra International Tbk and Executive Vice President Director PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM) Indonesia, and President of Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries (FAMI) and President of AISI, the Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association.

Loman stated, ‘’IMMA aims to advance the sustainable growth of the two wheeler industry in every region of the world. We are fortunate to have Sharmawith his wide international experience in the two- and three-wheeler industry, to steer IMMA through the difficult time and be the trusted global voice of the motorcycle manufacturers. I look forward to work with Sharma in my role as FAMI representative in IMMA’s Steering Committee.”