SIAM disseminate message of environmental sustainability with 7,400 dealers across India

The Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative by India’s automotive industry body SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) celebrated World Environment Day yesterday with a host of environmentally responsible activities with 7,400 automobile dealers across the country.

In line with the UN’s global theme of air pollution and ways to reduce current levels, SIAM has been conducting multiple mass awareness campaigns among motorists to drive sustainable development. As is known, India is set to upgrade to BS VI emission norms by April 2020, skipping BS V completely.

Some of the special activities conducted during the day at OEM-authorised dealerships included free PUC (pollution under control) checks and certification for over a million vehicles, distribution of saplings at select traffic lights across key cities, and conservation tips for customers. In a few cities where water scarcity is a major concern, automobile dealers have made the shift to dry washing of vehicles. 

In his message on World Environment Day, Vishnu Mathur, director general of SIAM, said: “The Indian automobile industry is fully aware of the environmental hazards the world is staring at. At SIAM, we are committed towards the environment and will take every measure possible to build a healthy and sustainable world. With this campaign, we aim to educate vehicle owners and make them the agents of change. This would ensure a cleaner, greener and safer environment.”

As a part of SIAM’s initiative, a number of engagement activities including competitions for children, aimed at enabling them to become responsible young adults, were held. Visitors to dealerships as well as customers were informed about conservation and fuel economy measures, while a good number of automobile dealership outlets saw informative sessions on environmental sustainability.

Of the many OEMs which participated in the World Environment Day celebration were Ashok Leyland, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, Hyundai Motor India, India Yamaha Motor, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki India, Nissan Motor India, Renault India, Skoda Auto India, Audi India, Volkswagen, Porsche, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and TVS Motor Company.

Also read: Take action on air pollution to save lives, and the planet, urges UN chief