The Deccan College Ground in Pune hosted the CII NexGen Mobility Show and Expo from December 15 to 16, 2023, marking a pivotal moment for India as it navigates toward newer technologies and fuels. Experts at the event emphasised that alternative mobility presents a substantial manufacturing opportunity for the country, positioning it as a potential global leader.
The inaugural ceremony included dignitaries such as Sanjay G. Kolte IAS, CEO Pune Smart City Development Corporation Ltd; Arvind Goel, Chairman of CII WR Taskforce on Future Mobility & Chairman of Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd, and Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Past Chairman of CII Western Region & Chairman & Managing Director of Pinnacle Industries Limited and Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, among others.
The expo featured more than 100 exhibitors, showcasing products across various categories, including 'Electrifying Mobility,' 'Clean Tech for Fuel of the Future,' 'Mobility and Vehicle Design,' and 'Urban Mobility.' With a focus on technology forums, futuristic and concept vehicle displays, interactive tech demos, and product launches, the event created ample opportunities for domestic and global networking. The importance of the auto industry, constituting over 40% of the manufacturing sector, was underscored, with experts predicting a surge in opportunities as India undergoes a major transition in the sector.
Arvind Goel, Chairman of CII WR Taskforce on Future Mobility, emphasised the significance of localising components for electric vehicles, citing its increasing importance in the future. Dr. Sudhir Mehta highlighted that India, with its significant share of two-wheelers, has the potential to be the single largest electric vehicle (EV) market globally outside China in the next decade. The event concluded with optimism about India's ability to produce for both domestic and global markets, urging stakeholders to collaborate for the growth of alternative mobility.