NEW DELHI, 27.05.22-India is the 7^th largest Commercial Vehicle manufacturer in the world, accounting for around 3.5% of the global CV production, and is one of the largest exporters of commercial vehicles. During the last two years, the pandemic offered an opportunity for the Indian Commercial Vehicle Industry to reimagine business processes by leaning on new emerging technologies and business opportunities.

The 1^st Edition of the CII Indian Commercial Vehicle Conclave sought to create a platform for deliberations on future strategies for the commercial vehicle industry; ongoing regulations; expectations from the Government; supply chain and logistics; emerging technologies; comprehensive electrification, alternate fuels; and future of mobility.

“Collaborations and partnerships will form the key to future success of Indian CV Industry”, said Mr Kamal Bali, President & MD, Volvo Group India. Elaborating further, Mr Bali emphasised that competitors must join hands and take advantage of the growth of demand created on account of sustainability imperatives and arising opportunities from mega trends in automation.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Abhimanyu Sharaff, Chairman, CII Faridabad Zone & ED, Vikas Group said that to capitalize on the emerging opportunities and to overcome associated challenges, Indian CV industry needed to develop or acquire new technologies and capabilities to produce vehicles that meet future market needs.

In his remarks, Mr P Kaniappan, MD, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems said that agility and speed fundamentals were the need of the hour to be at par with the new products in the Indian CV Industry.

Ms Anjali Pandey, VP – Engine & Component Business, Cummins India Ltd, shared that it had become important to come up with sustainable creative solutions which are fit for Indian CV Industry that take care of the energy security agenda of our country.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Panch Sahadev, Head – Commercial Vehicle & Off-Road Business, Bosch Ltd said that mega trends affecting CV Business were Sustainability, Globalization, Growing Population and Urbanization.

Who’s who of the industry addressed the participants at the conclave which was attended by around 350 delegates. The senior industry representatives who addressed delegates included Mr V Kamath, MD, Fronius India Ltd; Mr Michael Berger, MD, Durr India Pvt Ltd; Mr Anuj Kathuria, COO, Ashok Leyland Ltd; Mr Diego Graffi, CMD, Piaggio Vehicle Pvt Ltd; Mr Mukund Vasudevan, MD, Moglix; Mr Lokesh Bopanna, MD, Schunk Carbon Technology India Pvt Ltd; Mr Aniruddh Kulkarni, VP & Head – CV Engineering, Tata Motors Ltd; and Mr Kalyan C Korimerla, MD, Etrio Automobile Pvt Ltd amongst others.

The increase in demand for Commercial Vehicles in the next few years will have a 'multiplier effect' on the income and employment prospects of the entire extended value chain. Therefore, it would be fair to anticipate that the CV industry will create fresh waves of jobs across the industrial spectrum, thereby supporting the lives and livelihoods of millions attached to the ecosystem.