Apex industry body, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) today announced its partnership with Facebook. The partnership is aimed at bringing alive the Auto Expo 2020 to automobile aficionados and stakeholders beyond the confines of the venue. Facebook says it has been working closely with industry leaders to enable customised solutions for auto brands, and the Auto Expo helps provide a platform. 

Held at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, the theme for Auto Expo 2020 is ‘Explore the World of Mobility’ which encapsulates technology, capability and the vision of mobility for tomorrow – safer, cleaner, connected, bespoke, and shared. 

The partnership with Facebook will allow a larger audience to experience the latest from the mobility ecosystem on Facebook and its family of apps – new launches from participating brands, new emission technology, safety standards, and the latest from the start-ups of the industry. 

According to Rajan Wadhera, President, SIAM, “As we enter a new decade of market growth, consumer behaviour and decision making, it is important that the automobile industry takes a lead in understanding and engaging with our present and prospective customers better. Hence, the partnership with Facebook is a natural fit. They are the world's leading social platform and will bring huge value to the Auto Expo as a show, which is not only about motors but also about mobility." 

Facebook says it is committed to reducing consumer friction across the purchase journey for both four-wheeler and two-wheeler purchases. The partnership will involve structured engagement with members of the auto industry on leveraging digital to unlock business growth. Mobile is expected to influence eight out of 10 four-wheeler and seven out of 10 two-wheeler purchases by 2022. Facebook is also expected to influence nearly one in two purchases of both four-wheelers and two wheelers by 2022. 

Commenting on the partnership,  Prasanjeet Dutta Baruah, Vertical Head - Tech, Telecom & Automotive at Facebook India, said, “Facebook and Instagram are platforms where people pursue and share their passions. We partner with brands from across industries, including auto, to help forge meaningful connections between businesses and their audiences so they can engage in the most relevant way, and achieve measurable business results. We are committed to enabling the auto industry move forward, and are looking forward to conversations with industry leaders and brands during the Expo.”

The partnership will entail regular programming on Auto Expo 2020’s Facebook and Instagram handles with a special emphasis on FB and IG ‘Lives’ covering the latest news and events from the venue.