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| Western Region Auto Convention on 26th Feb 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Starting 2000, FADA has been organising the Auto Summits biennially at New Delhi coinciding with the Auto Expo. The Summits were a grand success as the summit attracted had the participation of 800-1000 delegates representing automobile dealerships, OEMs and allied businesses from all over the country. The Summit deliberations created a tremendous awakening and enthusiasm amongst the dealer fraternity as well as automotive industry. Encouraged by the grand success of the Auto Summits, FADA has decided to organise regional conventions of automobile dealers in the alternate year at different places in the country. First regional convention, viz. Western Region Auto Convention on the theme "Leveraging Relationships" is being organised at Hotel Grand Hyatt on 26th February 2005 in Mumbai, jointly by FADA and its Founder Member - Automobile Dealers Association of Maharashtra. Sale of more than one million 4-wheeled passenger vehicles and over six million 2-wheelers during the year 2004 has brought excitement and cheers to industry and trade. While all key factors are present to make Indian automotive industry a force to reckon with in global arena, there are challenges galore at the same time, particularly for retail automobile trade, which call for evolving new strategies and partnerships. Retail Business and, for that matter, other stakeholders in automotive business, are increasingly realising the importance of working together in partnership in this intense competitive environment for sustainable growth. It is in this context that the theme of Regional Convention: Leveraging Relationships assumes greater importance and relevance. The participants at the Convention will have the benefit of thoughts and vision of dynamic leaders from industry and allied businesses, Government, renowned management experts and academia. The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra is expected to inaugurate the Regional Convention. In addition to the Inaugural Session, the Convention comprises two business sessions, viz. "Opportunities and Challenges for Dealer" and “Taxation and VAT", followed by an Interactive Valedictory Session on the conclusions emerging from the discussion and the road ahead for retail automobile trade, in particular. There is no gainsaying that margins on sale of new vehicles are shrinking with each passing day. Automobile dealers have to look for other avenues of income from workshop operations, spare parts, accessories and allied business activities. Deliberations of Business Session I will throw light on the new business opportunities, which automobile dealerships should tap to sustain growth. Even as VAT comes in to replace the Sales Tax in the States, there are a lot of apprehensions within the industry, trade and public at large. Over 130 countries depend on VAT today as the key source of government revenue. There is a raging debate at various levels about its pros and cons and desirability in the Indian context. Similarly, there are concerns over the high incidence of tax on motor vehicles arising out of the multiplicity of levies at the Central and State levels, impeding growth of Indian automobile industry. Business Session II on "Taxation and VAT" will, therefore, give an opportunity for better understanding of VAT in Indian economy and sensitising the authorities in the Government on the need for rationalising the taxes and bringing in uniformity in tax structure throughout the country. Keeping in view the importance & relevance of the theme, Western Region Auto Convention offers a unique opportunity for automobile dealers and others connected with automotive business to enrich their experiences and to equip themselves with the current scenario, through interaction with industry, leaders, government officials, management experts and academia. The Convention is also an opportunity to meet fellow dealers and businessmen from all over India and to gauge the automotive scenario across the country and globe. Western Region Auto Convention coincides with Mumbai Motor show scheduled to be held during 25th-28th Feb'05 at Bandra Kurla complex. It is being organised by The Times of India and supported by FADA and WIAA. FADA has made arrangements with the organisers, for special buses for the delegates who wish to visit Mumbai Motor Show. FADA has also made arrangements with Hotel Grand Hyatt, for the outstation delegates at a concessional tariff of Rs. 5,500 per night + taxes (inclusive of breakfast). Delegates needing hotel accommodation may send their requisition at the earliest. The Convention is not all about business alone. Cocktails, 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., await the participants in the evening on 26th February 2005. Avail this unique opportunity and register in large numbers at a nominal registration fee of Rs. 500/- per delegate. The registration form is published at page 19 for the use of intending registrants. Western Region Auto Convention Theme: Leveraging Relationships
About the Organisers FADA Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) is an apex national body representing Automobile Dealers, including 2-wheeler, 3-wheeler, 4-wheeler and tractor dealers, in the country. FADA was founded in 1964 by 4 regional Auto Trade Associations to protect and promote the Indian retail automobile market. T S Santhanam of TVS Group is the founder President of FADA. FADA has come a long way and has achieved steep growth in its membership since its formation in 1964. Currently, FADA has on its rolls, around 1500 members comprising 16 State/city level associations of automobile dealers and over 1400 individual automobile dealers from across the country in addition to 4 Founder Members. Membership of FADA also includes Supporting Members drawn from allied industry and trade, such as, equipment manufacturers, auto component manufacturers, insurance companies, finance companies, banks and oil companies. ADAM Automobile Dealers Association of Maharashtra Ltd (ADAM) - one of the founder members of FADA, was formed in the year 1927 with an objective to promote and protect the interests of the Motor Trade & Industry and in particular the interests of manufacturers and importers of and dealers in motor vehicles at the State level. Nurmahomed M Chinoy, Partner of 'Bombay Garage' was the founder Director and Chairman and Kharshedji Limji of The Bombay Cycle & Motor Agency Ltd, the founder Vice Chairman. In June 2002, ADAM celebrated its Platinum Jubilee wherein the past Chairmen were facilitated for their outstanding contribution to the Association and a souvenir was also released to mark the occasion. ADAM, in December 2003, brought out a compilation in form of 'Compliance Manual for Automobile Dealers' to serve as a guide to automobile dealers to handle day-to-day problems and issues in respect of laws applicable to Automobile Dealers. |
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