Countdown Begins Western Region Auto Convention - Leveraging Relationships As the Western Region Auto Convention draws near, there is a palpable excitement and expectation in the air. The Convention is receiving an overwhelming response from automobile dealers and other stakeholders in automobile business. Leaders from industry and allied businesses have not only consented to address and interact with the participants but have also come forward to support the Convention by way of sponsorships. Over 300 delegates comprising dealerships all over the country, representatives of manufacturers, finance, insurance and allied industries, are expected to participate. The Auto Convention scheduled for 26th February 2005 at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai, commences with its inauguration by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh. Other distinguished guests joining the Chief Minister at the Inaugural Session will be M K Sanghi, President, ASSOCHAM; and Ravi Santhanam, Managing Director, Hindustan Motors Ltd. In addition to Inaugural Session, the Convention comprises two business sessions, viz. "Challenges and Opportunities for Automobile Dealers" and "Insurance, Taxation and VAT", fol1owed by an Interactive Open House Session. The timing and topics selected for the business sessions could not have been more appropriate. The viability of automobile dealers is under tremendous pressure due to intense competition in the changing paradigm. Automobile dealers cannot afford to be complacent and have to be on their toes to tap new opportunities. Similarly, with VAT set to replace sales tax from 1st April 2005, there is a mist of apprehension and uncertainty gripping the retail automobile trade, and for that matter, the entire business community. Multiplicity of and variation in taxes on motor vehicles at the state and local levels, coupled with all-pervasive service tax, is another major issue of concern to retail automobile trade. The interaction with manufacturers, Government authorities and other players in automotive business is likely to bring forth answers to some of the niggling questions/issues automobile dealers are faced with today. The participants at the Convention will have the benefit of thoughts and vision of dynamic leaders from industry and allied businesses, renowned management experts, consultants and academia. The impressive array of speakers include: Ravi Chopra, Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd; Imran Hassen, Managing Director, Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd; K S Kumar, Executive Director, Ashok Leyland Ltd; Ganesh Relekar of Frost & Sullivan India at Business Session I; and G K Raman, Chairman, Royal Sundaram Alliance Insurance Co Ltd; Ramesh Chandra, Member Secretary, Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers; and Ms Puloma Dalal, Taxation Expert at Business Session II. Distinguished panelists at the Interactive Session wil1 be: Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor, Autocar India; Sachin Khandelwal, Joint General Manager and Head, Vehicle Business, ICICI Bank Ltd; Rakesh Kalra, CEO, Eicher Motors Ltd; Rajiv Dubey, Vice President (PCD), Tata Motors Ltd; and K Saito, Director (Marketing and Sales), Maruti Udyog Ltd, who will be deliberating upon and answering queries on various aspects related to Automobile Industry. The deliberations at Convention wil1 focus on changing scenario, market expansion, new business opportunities emerging on the horizon, dealership viability, effective dealership management and better communication. The Convention will also help in building and promoting relationships. To cap it all, the Convention is an opportunity to meet fellow dealers and businessmen from all over India and to gauge the automotive scenario across the country and globe. On conclusion of the Interactive Valedictory Session, delegates who wish to visit Mumbai Motor Show at Bandra-Kurla Complex will be taken to the Show in a group. Participants also have an opportunity to unwind themselves after a round of visit to various stalls and pavilions at the Mumbai Motor Show from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. with cocktails at the venue of Show. No doubt, the Convention is set to provide an exhilarating and learning experience for all players in automobile business.