Maruti Suzuki, TVS Motor call for concrete steps to revive auto sector
New Delhi, August 25
Auto industry leaders, RC Bhargava of Maruti Suzuki India and Venu Srinivasan of TVS Motor, on Wednesday hit out at government officials for only paying lip service to the sector and not taking any “concrete action” to reverse the decline in growth over the past few years.
Speaking at industry body SIAM’s 61st annual convention, the veteran industry leaders wondered if contribution of the auto industry towards India’s growth is being recognised and lamented that cars seem to be still considered as luxury, that only the rich could afford.
“We have been going through a situation where this industry has been declining over a long period of time,” Bhargava, who is the chairman of Maruti Suzuki India, said.
Earlier in the day, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said, “It will be impossible for India to grow at high rates for a long period of time without the automobile sector being the key driver of India’s growth.” Bhargava said, “I’m afraid words don’t get us very much in the terms of extra sales but you need concrete action to make this happen.”
Expressing similar views, TVS Motor Company chairman Venu Srinivasan said a two-wheeler which is “the basic mode of transportation for the country” is being taxed at 28% GST, the highest and at a level equal to that of a luxury product. — PTI
Committed to clean, modern mobility
The 21st century India is committed to move forward with the goal of clean and modern mobility. Holistic steps are being taken for the value chain associated with auto manufacturing so that the industry becomes more productive and sustainable Narendra Modi, PM
Not seen any action on the ground
There have been a lot of statements about the importance of auto industry but I haven’t seen any action on the ground — RC Bhargava, chairman, Maruti Suzuki
Is the auto industry being recognised for what it has contributed to jobs, to revenue and to earning of foreign exchange? — Venu Srinivasan, chairman, TVS Motor
