Nitin Gadkari Suggests ACMA to open ARAI-like Research Centers in India for Auto Components

Gadkari suggested that ACMA establish a facility where testing and research of international standards can be carried out in India when discussing a new research centre for auto parts.

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister, has proposed that the Automotive Component Manufacturers of India (ACMA) establish a separate research centre for auto components. The Minister of R&T was speaking at the 62nd ACMA Annual Convention in New Delhi, which was held after a two-year hiatus. Speaking of a new research centre for auto components, Gadkari stated that the ACMA should establish a facility in India where international standards testing and research can be conducted.

The suggestion comes at a time when the industry has emphasised the importance of increasing localisation and investing in new technologies. Vehicle exports are a significant part of the Indian auto industry, and the make-in-India strategy will gain credibility as world-class components are manufactured in India.

Kenichi Ayukawa, Executive Chairman of Maruti Suzuki and President of SIAM, backed this up and said, "We have to go much deeper and find ways to localise the smallest of the components, including raw material, wherever possible." He went on to say that the industry should focus on raising quality standards.

Ayukawa also urged the industry to continue reinvesting in core business, which not only benefits financials but also improves the ability to deal with challenges.

Gadkari further went on to ask the manufacturers to go for six-airbags as well. He said, “Majority of automobile manufacturers in India are exporting cars with 6 airbags. But in India, because of the economic model and cost, they are hesitating." Gadkari questioned why automobile manufacturers do not consider the lives of Indians who drive economy cars. Small economy cars are typically purchased by lower-middle-class individuals.

An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system that, during a collision, interferes between the driver and the vehicle's dashboard, preventing serious injuries. According to the minister, the need of the hour is to reduce accidents in the country.

Gadkari said, “We need cooperation of the automobile industry in reducing accidents. There should be healthy competition among manufacturers to produce safer cars." From October, the government is attempting to make it mandatory for automakers to include at least six airbags in eight-seater vehicles for enhanced occupant safety. Gadkari's remarks are significant because they come at a time when the automobile industry is concerned that high taxes and stricter safety and emission standards for vehicles have made their products more expensive.