The 13th edition of the prestigious FADA Auto Summit 2025 was launched today, marking a significant milestone in the Indian automobile industry. Hosted by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), this year’s summit has transitioned to an annual event in line with the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. With the theme “Safe, Efficient & Sustainable: Shaping Tomorrow’s Mobility,” the summit serves as an essential platform to discuss and explore key trends and developments within the Indian retail automobile sector.
The summit witnessed the participation of over 1,800 delegates, comprising industry leaders, policymakers, dealers, manufacturers, and technology experts. A total of 75 distinguished speakers shared insights across 20 focused sessions. The event kicked off with a powerful address by Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Government of India, who was joined by Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, who participated virtually.
As the “Maha Kumbh” of the Indian automobile retail sector, the FADA Auto Summit brings together key stakeholders to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy highlighted the government's focus on road safety, manufacturing efficiency, and the adoption of clean technologies in the automobile sector. He noted that the industry’s growth trajectory, with a 9% increase in vehicle sales in 2024, reflects the sector’s ability to adapt and innovate amidst changing consumer preferences and policy frameworks. He also acknowledged the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), with sales soaring to 14,08,245 units in 2024, marking a substantial leap toward a sustainable automotive future.
Echoing similar sentiments, Shri Nitin Gadkari underlined the significance of India’s automotive sector in the global context, revealing that it has grown from ₹7 lakh crore to ₹22 lakh crore. He noted that India is on track to become the third-largest economy, with immense potential to lead in sectors such as two-wheelers, alternative fuels, and electric vehicles. His speech underscored the importance of the industry’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy, with initiatives in ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, and EVs set to propel India to the forefront of global mobility solutions.
FADA President, Mr. C.S. Vigneshwar, in his address, reflected on the substantial growth the Indian automotive industry has experienced in recent years. The summit’s theme, “Safe, Efficient & Sustainable: Shaping Tomorrow’s Mobility,” aligns with the sector’s ongoing efforts to adopt technology, streamline operations, and embrace sustainability. He emphasized that FADA remains committed to supporting initiatives like FAME I & II and the PM eDrive scheme to further the adoption of green technologies and cleaner vehicles in India.
In addition to the government and FADA leadership’s participation, industry experts such as Mr. Saugato Bhowmik, Director, CPG & D2C Automotive, Meta India, and Mr. Kartick V. Nagpal, President of Rosmerta Group, shared their vision for the future of the automobile industry. Their discussions focused on leveraging emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital tools, to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability across the automotive ecosystem.
The summit also featured a series of dynamic panels and workshops, including a session on “Safety First: Building a Safer Future for Indian Roads and Vehicles,” which explored innovations in road safety and vehicle standards. A notable highlight was the “Efficiency in Motion: Streamlining Operations & Customer Experience” panel, which delved into the role of digital transformation in improving the customer journey and operational efficiency.
In addition to the main sessions, the summit included workshops that showcased women’s leadership in the industry, the next generation of automotive leaders, and strategies for local demand generation. The event also highlighted the launch of FADA’s new Two-Wheeler Vertical, designed to address the unique opportunities and challenges within the two-wheeler segment.
As the summit continued, keynotes from industry leaders and presentations on white papers offered actionable insights into the challenges and strategies for navigating the evolving automotive landscape. These discussions set the stage for further collaboration between manufacturers, dealers, and policymakers, paving the way for a future where India leads in safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions.
Key Takeaways from the 13th FADA Auto Summit:
- Safety Innovations: The importance of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), safety standards, and improved infrastructure was a central focus.
- Efficiency Gains: The industry’s focus on technological advancements has helped achieve a 9% growth in vehicle sales in 2024, underscoring the success of efforts to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.
- Sustainability: The surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales and the government’s focus on clean energy alternatives signal a strong push toward a greener future.
- Collaboration Across Stakeholders: The summit highlighted the need for continued cooperation between manufacturers, dealers, government bodies, and consumers to achieve sustainable and efficient mobility.
The 13th Auto Summit 2025 was a testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of India’s automotive retail industry, fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth. As the sector adapts to new technologies, regulatory frameworks, and consumer expectations, the event provided invaluable insights that will shape the future of mobility in India and beyond.