In a significant development for India’s automotive industry, Shailesh Chandra, the Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, has been elected as the President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) for the 2024-2025 term. The announcement was made yesterday, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the influential industry body. Chandra succeeds Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO of VE Commercial Vehicles, who previously held the position.
With over two decades of experience in the automotive sector, Shailesh Chandra has made notable contributions, particularly in the passenger vehicle segment. Prior to his election as SIAM President, Chandra served as the Vice-President of the organization, where he was involved in shaping policies aimed at promoting sustainable growth in the Indian automotive industry. His engineering background and innovative approach have been key drivers behind Tata Motors’ success in recent years, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) segment, where Tata Motors holds a leadership position.
During his tenure at Tata Motors, Chandra has been instrumental in launching several groundbreaking products, particularly in the EV space. Under his leadership, Tata Motors has expanded its portfolio of electric and hybrid vehicles, contributing to India’s push towards greener mobility. His experience in driving innovation in this sector is expected to align well with SIAM’s overarching goals of sustainability and future-oriented growth.
As President of SIAM, Chandra will play a pivotal role in advocating for the interests of India’s automotive manufacturers and shaping policies that promote the sustainable development of the sector. One of the key focus areas during his term is likely to be the acceleration of the transition to electric vehicles and the reduction of carbon emissions in line with India’s broader environmental goals. Additionally, SIAM under Chandra’s leadership will likely focus on technological advancements, supply chain resilience, and enhancing domestic manufacturing capacities to bolster India’s position in the global automotive market.
Chandra’s appointment comes at a crucial time for India’s automotive sector, which is navigating challenges such as rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, and evolving consumer preferences. His expertise and forward-thinking approach are expected to help SIAM chart a path toward sustained growth and innovation.
