Auto Parts Asia — October 2017

AutoPartsAsia | OCTOBER 2017 | 7

Kurian Abraham

Editor-in-Chief

A

t the recently concluded annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile

Manufacturers (SIAM) the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin

Gadkari, has warned the Indian automotive industry that it will be bulldozed if it

does not switch to cleaner vehicles. Two important and expensive mandates are

given to the industry: To upgrade to BS-VI norms by 2020, and to go completely electric

by 2030.

Though the intention is clear the tone was too terse for the industry that has been making

significant strides in reducing the carbon footprint. The problem has to be looked at in a

wider perspective. For instance, over 65 percent of the road pollution is done by the more-

than-15-year-old vehicles, and about 25 percent by those between seven and 15 years,

which can be addressed if they are maintained as per OE specifications. The rest is owing

to poor maintenance of even the latest vehicles.

Instead of bulldozing the automotive industry that contributes up to 7.5 percent of the

country’s GDP, the Government should take steps to drive out older vehicles with End-of-

Life Policy and similar other definite actions. Electromobility, though a welcome move, will

need very strong infrastructure and material support, including the network of charging

stations, and long-lasting batteries at affordable and viable cost. A bigger issue, yet to

be more visible on the radar of the policy makers, is the cheap import of poor quality

automotive parts and products. The Government should ensure that what has been

happening to the tyre industry, which was affected by cheaper imports, is not repeated for

electromobility. Therefore, a prudent approach is needed.

The Cover Story of this edition, ‘Software Steers New Mobility,’ highlights the development

of software and vehicle connectivity applications that will lead to and support more safe

and efficient driving, even autonomous driving. In addition we have an interview with the

top management of Axalta, the coating company, and other regular features and reports.

Happy reading.

Prudent Approach

October 2017 | Vol. 3 | Issue No. 5

Editor-in-Chief: Kurian Abraham | President: Antony Powath | Editor: Murrali Thalor |

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EDITORIAL