India to host FISITA World Automotive Congress 2018 in Chennai 

The 37^th edition of the FISITA World Congress is to be held in Chennai between October 2-5, 2018 at the Chennai Trade Centre. The four-day international conference, on the theme of ‘Disruptive Technologies for Affordable and Sustainable Mobility’, is being organised by SAEINDIA (Society of Automotive Engineers) and FISITA along with the support of SAE International.

Dr Pawan Goenka, managing director, Mahindra & Mahindra and Patron – FISITA 2018, and also the first Indian to be awarded the ‘FISITA Medal of Honour’, said: “Since 1947, the FISITA World Automotive Congress has been a forum for industry experts, engineers and executives to exchange ideas and discuss trends that will drive the automotive industry forward. We are proud to host the 37^th edition of the FISITA World Automotive Congress in Chennai, India.”

Dr Goenka further added, "Globally, the automotive industry is going through a period of disruption where new technologies and newer business models are being adopted that can potentially disrupt and change the existing order. In keeping with this theme of the conference, the age of connectivity, shared mobility and electrification is upon us. I strongly believe that India as a venue for FISITA 2018 is a recognition in itself, of the growing importance of the country in the global automotive space. By bringing together global experts, FISITA is offering us the right platform to look into the future which will be all about affordable and sustainable mobility”.  

Dr Aravind Bharadwaj, chairman, FISITA 2018 Steering Committee, said: “SAEINDIA is the biggest affiliate of SAE International with a membership base of over 50,000 and has been associated with FISITA, the association of automotive societies across the world. The FISITA World Automotive Congress is a major global event for the automotive sector. SAEINDIA successfully bid to move the conference from developed countries to India. The rapid growth of the automotive industry in India makes it an ideal destination to host this congress.”

N Balasubramanian, chairman, FISITA 2018 Organising Committee, said, “This conference will attract the automotive fraternity in India and abroad which will include over 500 international delegates and over 1,000 delegates from India. This conference would witness over 500 research papers in the latest technology domain to define the path for the future automotive world. In addition, over 150 exhibitors are expected from across the world to showcase their technology products.”

India and disruptive tech
Electric and hybrid vehicles, advanced driver assistance, autonomous driving, active safety, connectivity and infotainment are fast becoming the distinguishing features in the market. Software competency and capability are the primary prerequisites for automotive manufacturers. Further disruptive technology is emerging as an important part of R&D in the automotive industry. There is a need to be an integrated mobility service provider enhancing the value proposition to the end user. Finally, mobility is getting redefined as people are gradually moving from owning a vehicle to owning mobility.

According to the organisers of the FISITA World Automotive Congress 2018, India is expected to play a major role to create disruptions and hence this conference is the need of the hour for the automotive world. They have also invited technical papers from experts pertaining to the event’s theme. More information on FISITA 2018 is available at www.fisita-congress.com