Festivities
Lighting Up the Mood
Binod Agarwal, President
Dear friends,
I am happy to note that the automobile industry, which recovered
the lost ground in August has consolidated its position
in September as the sales performance of various manufacturers
indicate. It is gratifying to find that the growth has been
recorded across all segments of industry. To me, the spurt
in sales comes as a no surprise, as, given the continuing
robust performance of the economy, there was no reason why
the industry should slip in this year. FADA and, for that
matter, various renowned institutions and experts have all
along maintained that the Indian automobile industry is
poised for a decent growth in the current fiscal. The recent
report of Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) that the
GDP grew by over 8% in the first quarter inspires further
confidence and buttresses the forecasts for the current
year.
Somewhat lacklustre performance of industry during the first
four months can be attributed to the confusion created by
the introduction of VAT and Bharat II/Bharat III emission
norms. Floods caused by torrential rains in some parts of
the country, particularly Maharashtra and Gujarat also played
spoilsport to some extent. The industry, trade and consumers
having settled down to the VAT regime and new emission standards,
we can look forward to booming sales in the remaining part
of the FY 2005-06. I am sure, the advent of Navratris and
long festive season is likely to light up the mood of various
players in automotive business, including automobile dealers.
As regards the activities of FADA, the new Council constituted
at the AGM has got down to its work in right earnest. FADA
Academy's project of starting certificate/ diploma courses
for training Sales Executives, Service Supervisors and Spare
Parts Supervisors to cater to the manpower needs of automobile
dealerships has made a significant headway. A consultant
to steer the pilot project covering the cities of Mumbai
and Pune has been appointed. The syllabi for the courses
are being given a final shape and the nitty-gritty of the
project taken care of.
Another major initiative of FADA, viz. Helpline for members
of FADA was contoured at a meeting at Delhi recently. Members
are welcome to send their queries, if any, on any aspect
of dealership operations, including issues relating to various
laws governing dealerships, environment pollution, taxation
and Motor Vehicles Act/Central Motor Vehicle Rules, at FADA's
e-mail address-fadadelhi@vsnl.net. We shall refer those
queries to a panel of experts and revert to you with their
expert views and opinion.
FADA's momentous biennial event, namely, Auto Summit 2006
is also shaping up very well. The Summit provides a unique
opportunity for all stakeholders in automotive business
chain to interact and learn from each other. It is a special
occasion for the automobile dealer fraternity, in particular,
to meet their fellow dealers not only from all over India
but also from abroad and, thereby, enrich their experiences.
It also affords an opportunity for them to meet their principals
and industry leaders, most of whom are expected to participate
at the Summit. The special attraction of this Auto Summit
is going to be the presence of a large number of guest speakers
and participants from across the globe. I would, therefore,
urge all of you to avail this unique opportunity by registering
for and participating at the Summit in large numbers.
For most of us in India, it is a festive season with boisterous
Durga Puja, Navratris, Ram Lila and Dussehra celebrations
in full swing. These celebrations will reach their crescendo
with the culmination of Diwali - a festival of lights. We
also have a holy month of Ramzan culminating in Id-Ul-Fitr
adding to the gaiety and festivities. For industry and trade,
it is a bonanza because it is a time when the people in
India are on a spending spree. What we need to do is to
sustain the tempo after the festivities are over. I am sure,
we shall sustain it and end up with a good performance in
this year as well.
I wish you all a lot of fun, gaiety, joy, happiness and
prosperity on the occasion of Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali
and Id-UlFitr.
Yours sincerely
Binod Agarwal
