SIAM organises the 9th Automotive Logistic Conclave

Hyderabad: Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex body of the automobile industry, organised the 9th SIAM Automotive Logistics Conclave. The conclave-themed ‘Road to Sustainability: The Future of Automotive Logistics’ witnessed active participation from several coveted speakers including senior government officials, logistics heads of automobile companies, and experts from the automobile supply chain.

The first session was centred around “Automotive Logistics: Practices for Enhancing Efficiencies”.

During the session, Ashish Choudhary, Operating Officer, Honda Motorcycle & Scooters India Pvt. Ltd, said, "Implementing disruptive technologies is crucial for improving efficiency in the automotive business. Time, distance, and efficiency are key factors affecting cost and delivery. Emphasising the use of relevant technology, like Google Maps, will facilitate our efforts to achieve the highest level of efficiency and ensure on-time delivery”

The second session was themed “Enabling Seamless Goods Transportation in Inter & Intra State Routes”

Wherein Anil Chhikara, Dy. Commissioner, Transport Department, Government of NCT of Delhi, said, "To enhance ease in transportation and establish India as a driver powerhouse, we must focus on improving drivers' abilities, educating them about rules and regulations, and addressing their issues, primarily developing requisite infrastructure on highways like sanitation facilities. Compliance with government regulations and adopting cutting-edge technology in vehicles will strengthen automotive logistics in India and ensure seamless transportation"

During the third session on “Synergies between Rail & Road Logistics”

S. P. Singh, Joint Secretary (IAHE & Logistic), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, said, "The government is focusing on the 4Is—Infrastructure, Information, IT, and Integration-to improve the effectiveness of the Indian supply chain. Under PM Gati Shakti, government ministries and departments create plans after examining the requirements of India's logistics infrastructure. It is pushing digitization and aiming to create a suitable information system to assist the industry in determining the shortest distance, by placing emphasis on integration”

Prakash Gaur, CEO, National Highway Logistics Management Limited, added, "A multi-stakeholder approach is required for the automobile industry to expand and successfully meet consumer demand. The government is continuously working to lower logistics costs, which is crucial for enhancing the customer experience and fostering the sector's expansion. The private sector must come up with plans to create a strong logistics ecosystem.”

During the concluding session, Vinod Aggarwal, President, SIAM and CEO & MD, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd., said, "The Indian automobile industry needs to increase efficiency and long-term sustainability. In accordance with the National Logistics Policy (NLP), it must focus on lowering logistics costs of transportation, warehousing, and administration, which account for about 14 percent of GDP. Additionally, the issues faced in increasing efficiency, such as time-consuming tasks like loading and unloading of cargo, must be highlighted. Additionally, the industry must concentrate on addressing the driver shortage by enhancing the appeal of this profession, by improving amenities like insurance and working conditions."