FADA (Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations) India, Founded in 1964, is the apex national body of Automobile Dealers in India representing over 6000 Automobile Dealers dealing in the sale, spares and service of vehicles. In an official press conference held on 21 December 2011, Mr Nikunj Sanghi, President, FADA announced the 7th Auto Summit on 9th & 10th January 2012 in New Delhi during Auto Expo 2012. The theme of the biennial Summit will be “Shifting Gears – Terrain Ahead.”
image – FADA India Press Conference At New Delhi on 21 Dec 2011
The theme of the Summit assumes an added significance in the backdrop of volatility and cyclic slowdown witnessed periodically. The growth has been tapering off of late and the Indian auto market is once again faced with the downbeat sentiment. If the past experience is anything to go by, the growth cannot be taken for granted. Like the industry, automobile dealers have to be prepared to stand up to the current and emerging challenges. The theme of FADA’s 7th Auto Summit emphasizes the need for switching gears in sync with the current and emerging scenario.
Addressing the media today to raise curtain on FADA’s 7th Auto Summit, Mr Nikunj Sanghi, President, FADA said,
“The Summit is being held in the midst of a none-too-buoyant automotive market and, for that matter, economic scenario, which are looking somewhat subdued. The macroeconomic indicators are not encouraging either to rekindle the hope that the present downbeat sentiment is transitory and will pass off soon. Signals emanating from Euro zone are disturbing. Rupee is witnessing a free fall, making imports costlier.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vinay Nevatia, Chairman, Auto Summit 2012 said
“The Auto Summit 2012 is also going to the stepping-stone for the formation of an international organisation of automobile dealer associations of various countries. FADA expects to sign an MoU with some of the countries that will be represented at the Summit, which will pave the way for formation of the international body representing auto retail at the global level.”
Elaborating on other salient features of Auto Summit 2012, Mr Rakesh Jain, Past President & Director – Conventions, FADA said,
“The programme of Auto Summit 2012 has shaped up very well. We are overwhelmed by the participation and support received from various quarters. We have an impressive array of industry leaders and eminent speakers from within and outside India, including Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Dy Chairman, Planning Commission of India; Mr Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman & MD, Mahindra and Mahindra; Mr S Sandilya, President, SIAM & Chairman, Eicher Group; and Mr Stephen Wade, Chairman, National Automobile Dealers Association. Auto Summit 2012 is going to be billed as the biggest ever event organised by FADA.”
The shortage of skilled manpower is a major concern today for automobile dealerships. While formation of Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC) jointly founded by SIAM, ACMA and FADA under the aegis NSDC, will go a long way in filling the skill gaps in long term, for effective HR management, a workshop on Strategic HR has been scheduled as a part of the programme of Auto Summit.
About FADA Auto Summit
Commencing from the year 2000, FADA has been organizing biennial Convention of Automobile Dealers, viz. Auto Summit at New Delhi coinciding with the Auto Expo. The Summits were a grand success attracting participation of 700-800 delegates representing dealerships, vehicle manufacturers, oil companies, banks, insurance & finance companies and media from all over the country and abroad. Practically, all leaders of automotive industry and allied businesses have addressed at this forum in the past on various issues of marketing, human resource management, customer satisfaction, E-commerce, customer satisfaction, etc.