FADA hosts dealer conclave in Tamil Nadu

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), the apex body of automotive retail dealers in India, recently hosted the eighth edition of Vyapar in Tamil Nadu. The conclave saw participation from over 100 two-wheeler, three-wheeler, passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle dealers.

The apex body has been organising state-level conferences called Vyapar in every FADA state chapter, aiming to address concerns of auto dealers related to the automobile retail industry.

FADA says the contours and dynamics of the retail automotive businesses are changing at an alarmingly fast pace. Competition is intensifying with each passing day and, above all, the businesses are being confronted with GST (Goods and Services Tax) and RTO (Regional Transport Office) issues with the implementation of Vahan 4.0 that brings in new challenges and complexities never confronted before.

It is, therefore, incumbent on automobile dealerships to keep pace with and change in tune with the fast-changing scenario and business dynamics. Else, they would be unable to survive the disruption caused by a host of these challenges.

Bharat Chordia, chairman of FADA Tamil Nadu, emphasised that  automobile dealers must appreciate the important role played by them in building the nation, by providing jobs to more than 5 million people and skilling them too.

He said the auto retail industry is one of the highest contributors to the national exchequer by means of tax contributions. This is despite many disruptions the industry is facing by way of policy changes and reduced offtake of vehicles at  dealerships.

In his address to the gathering, Ashish Kale, president, FADA thanked the Tamil Nadu automobile fraternity to attend the event and spoke about FADA and its dynamic role in working towards getting resolution to dealers on dealership issues.

The chief guest for the event was Air Marshal S Varthaman, PVSM AVSM VM VSM (Retd), who shared his thoughts on how leadership should transform from being proficient to being efficient and on the importance of prayer sharing his experience in trying moments. 

Arindam Lahiri, CEO, ASDC (Automotive Skill Development Council), emphasised the importance of skilling and said that the auto retail industry is one of the largest employment generators, which at present is facing severe crunch of industry-ready personnel. He said this lack of skilled manpower is an issue ASDC is trying to address, for which it has roped in the industry and TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) for certifying candidates who have successfully completed training.

Also read: 2019 FADA Dealership Excellence Awards on July 12

FADA calls for leaner dealer inventory of 21 days