- Rajesh R Gandhi flags Gujarat’s rise as a mobility powerhouse
- 250+ Auto Dealers Converge in Ahmedabad | Sector’s Role in Jobs, MSMEs and Green Mobility
- Policy–Business Alignment in Focus | Roadmap to Viksit Gujarat @2047
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, DEC 19
The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations concluded FADA Vyapar Gujarat in Ahmedabad, positioning the auto retail sector as a key accelerator of “Viksit Gujarat Ki Raftaar.” Aligned with the state’s Viksit Gujarat @2047 vision, the conclave spotlighted Gujarat’s emergence as a national mobility hub and the sector’s contribution to economic growth and local employment. The event drew participation from more than 250 delegates from across the region.
Policy Vision Meets Ground Reality
The conclave was inaugurated by Rajesh R Gandhi, Senior Vice President, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with Govind Sinha, Deputy General Manager, State Bank of India, Ahmedabad, as guest of honour, alongside FADA leadership, including C S Vigneshwar, Pranav Shah, and Amar J Sheth.
In a message read out to delegates, Harsh Sanghavi said, “FADA’s journey since 1964 and its role as the apex body of India’s automobile retail industry is truly commendable. The scale at which automobile dealers contribute to employment generation, financial inclusion, and skill development reflects the sector’s deep-rooted impact on India’s economic and social fabric, particularly at the MSME and grassroots level. The theme ‘Vyapar Gujarat – Viksit Gujarat ki Raftaar’ is both timely and meaningful, as automobile dealers play a crucial role in translating policy vision into on-ground momentum. Your focus on sustainability, innovation, and green mobility aligns well with Gujarat’s long-term vision of inclusive and sustainable development under Viksit Gujarat @2047. I am confident that such initiatives strengthen collaboration and ensure that the automobile retail ecosystem continues to act as a powerful engine of employment and economic progress.”
Gujarat: A Mobility Powerhouse
Addressing the gathering, C S Vigneshwar said, “Gujarat has always been synonymous with enterprise and excellence. With its entrepreneurial DNA and rapid adoption of EVs and hybrids, the state is not just a market—it is a mobility powerhouse. FADA remains the institutional bridge ensuring that policy intent and business reality remain aligned. I am particularly pleased to share a significant milestone regarding the Compensation Cess; the Supreme Court has recently admitted our writ petition and issued notice to the Government, marking a critical step in our fight for business continuity and justice. As we move forward, we must focus on bridging the skilled manpower gap through initiatives like the FADA Academy to ensure our dealerships are future ready. Remember, FADA is your seatbelt, ABS, and airbag—all rolled into one.”
He added, “Since 1964, FADA has played a pivotal role as the bridge between the Government, OEMs, and dealers—championing data transparency, model dealer agreements, skill development, and inclusivity through initiatives such as the FADA Academy, WIF, and GenX. We continue to actively pursue key reforms, including the implementation of CMVR and the resolution of the Compensation Cess issue, to safeguard dealer interests.”
High-Impact Knowledge Sessions
The day featured focused sessions on dealership viability and compliance:
- Financial Prudence: Hemal N Thakkar, Crisil Intelligence, on strengthening dealership finances.
- Vehicle Registration: Vinita Yadav and officials from the Commissionerate of Transport, Government of Gujarat, on process updates.
- GST & Compliance: Nitesh Jain, N J Jain & Associates, on key GST concerns.
- Leadership & Strategy: GD Bakshi on resilience and strategy drawn from “Operation Sindoor.”
- Industry Innovations: Briefings on HSRP by FTA HSRP Solutions and exchange strategies with Spinny.
The conclave concluded with partner felicitations and special recognition of Surendra Sharma, Managing Director, Sharma Cars Pvt Ltd, reinforcing FADA Vyapar Gujarat as a pivotal platform for collaboration, learning, and growth.
