New Delhi, September 6, 2013: Vikram Kirloskar, vice-chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, has been elected president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the industry’s apex body. Vinod Dasari, managing director of Ashok Leyland, has been elected as the new vice-president, while Lowell Paddock, president and managing director of General Motors India, will be the new treasurer.

“I am honored to be appointed as the president of SIAM. Our effort will continue to strive towards building a brand for the Indian auto industry which not only leads the manufacturing landscape of the country, but grows in a responsible manner keeping the customer benefits in view,” said Kirloskar, while commenting on his new role.

The election took place on the sidelines of SIAM’s 53rd Annual Convention held earlier this week in New Delhi. The conference on the theme of ‘Contribution of Auto Industry in Economic Development’, saw attendance by hundreds of industry professionals including CEOs and senior representatives from the Indian and global auto industry, some of whom shared various perspectives about the sector’s larger role in India’s growth.

SHOBHA MATHUR